David Birrell secures not guilty verdict in multi-million pound tobacco duty case

April 14, 2025

David Birrell from Exchange Chambers has secured the acquittal of a man charged with conspiring to cheat the public revenue by importing and packaging counterfeit tobacco.

HMRC surveillance officers observed the defendant handling tobacco on multiple occasions and found a large quantity of tobacco and paraphernalia in his home, including in his bedroom.  Despite that, David argued that the evidence was unreliable and the jury agreed – acquitting the Defendant in just half an hour.

David was instructed by Sarah Nawrocki at MJP Solicitors.

David specialises in serious and organised crime, acting both for the Crown and the Defence.