Olivia McGonigle secures unanimous acquittal of a client

2nd November 2023

3PB criminal and public law barrister Olivia McGonigleOlivia McGonigleCall: 2021, pictured here, successfully secured an acquittal for her client in a jury trial in Portsmouth, where the defendant was charged with burglary, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

The prosecution had accused the defendant of attending the complainant’s home twice late in the evening. On the second occasion, the Crown alleged he arrived with a crowbar, using it to cause injury to the complainant, then smashing the back door window of the property before stealing an expensive electric bike.

Olivia drew on the injuries and forensic evidence in the case to cast doubt in the jurors’ minds. After deliberating for less than an hour, the jury unanimously acquitted the defendant.

Olivia was instructed by Alex Moore of Churchers Solicitors.

Olivia McGonigle is a criminal and public law barrister who also takes instructions in specialist regulatory cases. To instruct her, or ask about her availability, please contact her clerk Stuart Pringle on [email protected] or by calling him on 01962 868884.