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Rare Acquittal in Court Martial Case

Natalie Berman instructed Ben Smitten of 25 Bedford Row, to defend a Colonel in the British Army (who was also a Cambridge law graduate) at the Catterick Court Martial Centre.

In 2019, the defendant was President of the Board in Court Martial proceedings (the equivalent of jury foreman) and was accused of intentionally disclosing information that formed part of the deliberations of the board in an email to a colleague following the conclusion of the proceedings.

He was charged with intentionally disclosing "votes cast" and "arguments advanced" by members of the Court Martial in the course of their deliberations contrary to Section 5(1) of Schedule 2A of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (the equivalent of section 20D of the Juries Act 1974).

He was tried before a 5 member board (a General, a Brigadier and 3 Colonels). His defence was that he did not have the requisite intent as he believed the material was in the public domain.

Following a trial he was acquitted following a 52 minute retirement.

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Edward Preston is a leading criminal law specialist with experience handling complex and high-profile cases relating to serious and violent offences, including burglary and murder. One source notes: "His attention to detail is second to none and he prepares all of his cases with an assiduity that is hard to find nowadays. Put simply, he is a class act."Chambers and Partners 2019
"They are one of the best - their hard work, diligence and understanding of the law is unrivalled in my view."Chambers and Partners 2019
The "exceptional" Paul Harris is a prominent defence solicitor specialising in serious criminal cases, including sexual offences and murder. "He has very good judgement and a good tactical sense - he is very hard-working, frank and honest with clients, and is also a very effective case worker who is very good at analysing cases and taking them to court."Chambers and Partners 2019
"Sources praise the firm as "simply one of the best in London for criminal defence," adding that "they display an increasingly rare attention to detail in the preparation of cases - it is no coincidence that their clients often get the best possible outcomes."Chambers and Partners 2019
"Paul Harris is held out as a leading serious crime practitioner who draws particular praise for his "incredible commitment" to legal aid work. One source states: "He inspires great confidence by combining a practical, user-friendly approach with a wealth of experience, sound judgement, technical expertise and tactical nous." Chambers and Partners 2017
'Natalie Berman works tirelessly to secure the best outcomes for her clients' Legal 500 2019
"Edward Preston attracts extensive praise for his handling of high-stakes criminal cases, offering first-class experience in gang-related and firearms charges. According to one commentator, "his thorough understanding of each case is combined with a full understanding of the law, an ability to imagine novel approaches and an unfailing will to secure the best result." Chambers and Partners 2017
"[What the team is known for] Highly regarded for its dedicated criminal law practice and commitment to legal aid work. Top-level expertise across the breadth of complex criminal cases, including historic sexual abuse investigations and gang-related crime. Also renowned for its experience in youth crime."Chambers and Partners 2017
"They have great strength in depth. It's a strong team able to cover a variety of styles based on impressive collective experience and expertise - there is truly a solicitor for every situation." Chambers and Partners 2017
"They are a shining light in terms of the legal aid community of solicitors. They are all incredibly impressive and are all outstanding in their own way." Chambers and Partners 2017
‘Natalie Berman is one of the shining lights in this profession. Nobody works harder or cares more than her.’ Legal 500 2023
"Shila Keshvari comes highly recommended for the "incredible results" she achieves in complex cases, as well as her "stacks of experience in all caseloads across the spectrum." One interviewee describes her as "one of the most client-friendly solicitors I've ever met." She is particularly noted for her experience of serious gang-related cases."Chambers and Partners 2017
Natalie Berman is outstanding. She combines huge knowledge of procedure and the law with common sense advice, empathy and an incredible work ethic.’ Legal 500 2023
‘Kirsty Bishop is phenomenally responsive and absolutely committed to doing everything she can for her clients.’Legal 500 2023
I am struck by the work of Paul Harris and Kirsty Bishop particularly. Paul has led high-profile cases this year demonstrating tenacity and an innovative legal approach. Kirsty’s reputation is in general crime and financial crime. She astounds with her incredible client care. Once she takes on a case the client can be thoroughly reassured by her that there will be 100% commitment to their case". Legal 500 2023

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