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Chambers of
2 Bedford Row, London,
WC1R 4BU
Tel: 0207 440 8888
Fax: 0207 242 1738
Video Conferencing Also Available
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Criminal Advocate, Par Excellence
Recognised as one of the UK’s best murder barristers and QC’s, Howard Godfrey has acted in the full range of murder cases, including:
- gangland
- contract killings
- domestic murders
- drug-related
- revenge killings
- self-defence
Murder is the most serious offence of all, and when Howard represents a client in a murder case a very special type of preparation is called for.
First, as in all cases, Howard tries to make the client feel as relaxed and confident as possible. People charged with murder feel under tremendous strain, and are very anxious, and for them to perform as well as possible they must have confidence in their QC.
In searching for the best way to run the defence case all available tactics must be examined with great care. A lot of time has to be spent going through all of the options with the client, explaining the benefits and drawbacks of each. It is critical that the client properly understands the plan of action.
In multi – handed cases things can get even more difficult, especially when defendants try and blame each other. Here there must be a carefully prepared plan to deal with hostile co-defendants. Often in these cases the greatest threat comes from a co-defendant rather than the prosecution so they have to be derailed.
A lot of Howard’s cases involve allegations of joint liability. Here the prosecution alleges that all defendants are liable even though only one had a weapon. These ‘joint enterprise’ cases require a very great effort by the defence team and Howard has successfully used complex legal arguments in these cases to avoid a guilty verdict.
Some Sample cases:
No Case to Answer - Murder Stabbing Acquittal [ Y ]
Two youths were charged with murdering (by stabbing) another boy in a park. The prosecution was brought on a ‘joint enterprise’ basis, it being unclear who did the stabbing. The dangers and risk of a miscarriage of justice of this ‘joint enterprise’ approach in this particular case were argued in front of the judge at the end of the prosecution case. The judge upheld the defence submission and ruled that Y had no case to answer. A verdict of not guilty was recorded and Y was discharged.
Self Defence - Murder Acquittal [ V ]
V was tried for murder. The case against him was that he fatally stabbed a man at night during an argument outside a minicab office in South London. The defendant eventually admitted the stabbing but claimed it was done in ‘self defence’. The defendant gave evidence claiming self defence. He was acquitted by the jury.
Mother Child Killing - Not Guilty [ S ]
‘S’ Mother charged with killing her 2 babies. Defects discovered in investigation procedures including fact that interview resulting in alleged ‘confession’ to crimes had been conducted unlawfully and other inadmissible evidence had been relied on as basis of charges. Prosecution accepted Howard’s arguments and offered no evidence at trial at Old Bailey. Verdict of Not Guilty entered.
Prison Stabbing - Reduced Sentence [ H ]
‘H’ Prisoner serving life sentence for murder charged with attempted murder of fellow prisoner at high security prison. No evidence called by the defence. Closing speech persuaded jury that the accused had not intended to kill. Acquitted of attempted murder by jury (and convicted of lesser assault charge).
One of the UK’s Best Murder Barristers
sample MURDER wins
“Distills and plots
a course through
the most complex of work with ease”
If you or a family member, would like representation by one
of the UK’s very best money laundering barristers and QC’s,
… please feel free to
contact me for
an initial conversation.
Howard Godfrey QC
- one of the UK’s -
Best Murder Barristers
