Thom secures not guilty verdict in submachine gun case

In November 2017, armed police searched an address in Enfield where they found a Skorpion submachine gun together with a large quantity of ammunition.  Forensic examination of the submachine gun produced a DNA profile which did not match anyone on the National DNA database.

In June 2019 BG was arrested by police for an unrelated matter, and when his DNA sample was taken it matched the profile taken from the submachine gun.  BG was charged with possession of the submachine gun on the basis of the DNA evidence alone.  He pleaded not guilty and was due to stand trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in July 2020.

Thom drafted detailed written submissions regarding the sufficiency of the DNA evidence and formally requested that the prosecution’s forensic expert carry out a further examination of the case.  As a result of Thom’s submissions, the Crown Prosecution Service took the decision to drop the case against BG and a not guilty verdict was formally returned at a hearing held over Skype on 30 June 2020.

This case underlines the importance for defendants charged with serious offences to always make a robust challenge to any prosecution expert evidence.  Thom is regularly instructed in all manner of serious criminal cases, including those involving firearms offences.