Double Success for Francesca Whebell

Francesca represented defendant in a 17 week long murder trial

Francesca was involved in a lengthy murder trial in Winchester involving multiple defendant’s, lead by Ignatius Hughes KC. Her client was charged with murder, manslaughter, attempted kidnap and participation in an organised crime group. The trial involved extensive evidence on mobile phones, cell site, crypto currency and organised crime. The prosecution case was that her client, along with another male from London were the Lieutenant’s of the person in charge of the OCG and had planned and orchestrated the fatal attack. A significant volume of phone and data material needed to be considered in part of his defence to challenge the assertions made. This allowed for it to be shown that at the time of the attack her client was actually asleep. Following over 8 days of deliberation her client was found not guilty of murder and attempted kidnap, and was convicted of manslaughter by a majority. The jury were not asked to return a verdict on the OCG count as it became a forensic alternative. Sentence is due to take place in June.

Francesca secures acquittal of a young man charged with rape and strangulation.

Francesca was involved in a trial involving an allegation of rape and strangulation which was said to have taken place during a relationship. The defendant was aged 19 at trial, and had been in a relationship with the complainant since they were at school together. The allegations had happened a couple of years prior to the police being made aware and statements provided. During cross examination Francesca challenged the complainant about messages sent prior to the allegations being made when she suggested she would make the defendant’s life hell, and the timing of this report. He was found not guilty of both counts after 26 minutes of jury deliberation.