JANE OSBORNE KC AND DOMINIC HOCKLEY SECURE ACQUITTAL IN TERRORISM-RELATED TRIAL
Paul English was alleged to have driven three men to East London so that they could start a fire in a warehouse. The warehouse contained parcels due to be shipped to Ukraine and was occupied by a Ukrainian run business who were responsible for supplying Starlink satellite equipment to Ukraine. Over £1million of damage was caused.
Evidence demonstrated that the arson had been ordered by the Wagner Group, a proscribed Russian terrorist organisation. Although the prosecution alleged that Paul English had willingly driven the three men, knowing they were to commit arson and reckless as to whether the life of anyone would be endangered, Paul English maintained throughout that he was simply paid to drive them, had no knowledge of what was going to happen and had no connections to any of the men in the car. The case involved extensive cross examination of one of the men in the car, who sought to blame Mr. English.
Paul English was acquitted, whilst the other three men were convicted of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
Jane and Dominic were instructed by Laurence Grant, a solicitor at Morgan Has solicitors, who was of assistance throughout the five-week trial at the Central Criminal Court.