Tom Horder sees two clients acquitted in separate high profile murder trials

23rd July 2024

Tom Horder (pictured here), who is co-head of 3PB's Tier 1 Crime team of barristers, has just concluded two back-to-back murder trials, both of which resulted in the acquittal of his clients.

The first murder trial involved the widely publicised prosecution of the former Mayor of Winchester for attempting to kill his terminally-ill, 92 year old mother. Whilst the pathology evidence showed no evidence of a deliberate malicious act, in calls to the Police and NHS her son admitted placing a cushion over her face to end her suffering. He had done so as she had become increasingly distressed, had struggled to breathe and was unable to clear her own secretions. The case was halted at half time by Mrs Justice McGowan following the calling of expert psychiatric evidence that questioned the reliability of his apparent confession. Tom was led by Sarah Jones KC and instructed by Alex Moore of Churchers Solicitors. The case attracted national press coverage, including the BBC and Guardian websites.

The second murder trial involved VI, who when aged 16 killed his beloved step father for no apparent reason. The original proceedings resulted in his acquittal for murder but conviction for manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, based on his psychotic state at the time that included voices commanding him to kill. 3 years after being made subject to a hospital order with restrictions he told his treating psychiatrist that he had never been mentally ill and had fabricated all symptoms of psychosis. He was subsequently discharged from Hospital by the Mental Health Tribunal and re-arrested at which point Tom was instructed.

The Court of Appeal subsequently overturned his acquittal and directed a re-trial for murder. His account at trial was that he had lied about his mental state at the time of his discharge by the Mental Health Tribunal so that he could leave hospital and get off medication. Following a 3 week trial before Mr Justice Saini during which evidence was called from 8 separate psychiatrists, VI was again acquitted of murder. He was re-sentenced to a hospital order with restrictions following his earlier guilty plea to manslaughter. Tom was led by Andrew Langdon KC and again instructed by Alex Moore and Sarah Hallett of Churchers Solicitors. The case was widely reported in the national news.

To contact Tom, please email him on [email protected]. To instruct him, or see about his availability, contact his clerk Stuart Pringle on [email protected] or by calling him on 01962 868884.