Chartered Accountant accused of involvement in mortgage fraud - Expert report leads to collapse of case

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Published: Wednesday, 23 June 2010 16:59

Written by John Williams

The current financial crisis has seen the rise of allegations of mortgage fraud across the spectrum. Bankside Law recently successfully defended a chartered accountant accused of conspiracy to defraud by being involved in a dishonest agreement to perpetrate a mortgage fraud on a number of banks and building societies. The prosecution's case was that our client had falsely and dishonestly certified incomes from mortgagors so they could obtain mortgages. Our client was represented by Osondu Anodu who instructed specialist fraud advocates Avtar Bhatoa as lead counsel with Jonathan Goldring as junior counsel. Having considered our client's instructions and the evidence in the case, expert forensic accountant, Sam Narula, of Samuels was instructed.
With assistance from our legal team Sam was able to produce a report which seriously challenged the basis of the case against our client. The prosecution instructed their own expert who was unable to rebut the findings of Mr Narula and consequently they offered no evidence.
Osondu said at the conclusion of the case that, "This case highlighted the true essence of case preparation and the need to exploit all avenues including the scrutiny of all the prosecution evidence in cases". Mr Bhatoa, said, "This case is an instance of an early termination of a prosecution by pro-active defending where the instruction of a good forensic accountant expert led to the prosecution realising that their case was untenable and therefore caused them to offer no evidence. The defendant was formally found not guilty and able to carry on in his profession."

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Acquittal for Bankside Law client on attempted murder charge

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Published: Wednesday, 05 May 2010 16:59

Written by Bill Wilson

Bill Wilson instructing Jonathan Goldring successfully represented a defendant charged with attempted murder, at the Central Criminal Court. The facts of the case were extremely unusual in that the defendant was alleged to have entered the room of one of his housemates at 3am, and stabbed the victim repeatedly whilst he lay in bed. The victim had been stabbed some thirty times. No motive could be found for the unwarranted attack and following his arrest the following day, the defendant admitted that he must have been the perpetrator but couldn't explain how the attack had arisen. Forensics tied him to the scene.

At the initial stages, it was thought that alcohol may have been a contributing factor, however as the case progressed it became evident, that the defendant was someone who had a history of sleep related disorders and on the night in question had actually been sleep-walking. He had no knowledge of entering the victim's room or indeed the stabbing until he "awoke" to find himself standing over the victim. The defence of Automatism was put forward. Various experts were instructed which subsequently brought about a "special verdict" of not guilty by reason of insanity.

This result means Bill retains his 100% record of success in defending murder cases.

© Bankside Law, 2010

Bankside Law represents Metropolitan Police Authority in Ali Dizaei Disciplinary Proccedings

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Published: Friday, 02 April 2010 12:00

Written by John Williams

Bankside Law represents Metropolitan Police Authority in Ali Dizaei Disciplinary Proceedings

Bankside Law (John Williams) received instructions from the Metropolitan Police Authority to act as the independent solicitor in the disciplinary proceedings brought against former Metropolitan Police Commander Ali Dizaei.

The case was dealt with by way of a fast track special procedure and was heard before a Police Disciplinary Tribunal on 26th March 2010 when an application to adjourn was refused. The Tribunal found that his behaviour fell below the appropriate standard by virtue of the convictions and recommended dismissal. On the 31st March 2010 the Metropolitan Police Authority considered the recommendation from the Tribunal and dismissed Mr Dizaei.

Counsel instructed was Paul Ozin of 23 Essex Street. For further information and comment see the Telegraph article here.

© Bankside Law, 2010