Exchange Chambers barristers act in armed ambush liability only trial
May 27, 2016
Christian Taylor and Louis Browne from Exchange Chambers have acted in a liability only trial involving the armed ambush of a prison security van.
Christian Taylor represented the claimants, two prison custody officers, in their claim against G4S and the Ministry of Justice on behalf of HMP Manchester, represented by Louis Browne.
On 18th July 2011 the prison custody officers, were instructed to convey two men from Strangeways to Liverpool Crown Court. En route, whilst on Trinity Way, Salford, the van was rammed by two vehicles and the claimants threatened at gunpoint to release the prisoners. The prisoners escaped and during the ambush the two prison custody officers sustained injury.
They sued G4S as an employer as well as the Ministry of Justice, for various alleged breaches of duty in relation to assessing risk and failing to follow security protocol. On day 4 of the trial the liability issue was compromised on terms satisfactory to all parties.
Christian Taylor was instructed by Forster Dean Solicitors. His advice included settling the pleadings, advising on witness evidence and disclosure and appearing at the trial. Louis Browne was instructed by the Government Legal Department.
