Exchange Chambers’ barristers secure acquittal in murder trial

July 4, 2019

Rupert Bowers QC and Gareth Roberts from Exchange Chambers have secured an acquittal for their client in a high-profile Liverpool murder trial.

Craig Johnson was one of three men standing trial accused of the murder of James Meadows, who was shot dead in 2017.

Mr Meadows was shot while riding as a passenger on a motorbike in Lyme Cross Road, Huyton.

He was taken to hospital on the night of Sunday, October 8 but the 17-year-old died the following day.

The jury at Liverpool Crown Court entered a formal not guilty verdict after half time submissions by Mr Johnson’s defence team.

The case received local press coverage due to it being a high-profile murder trial.

Rupert maintains a broad practice undertaking business and financial crime and extradition with expertise in ancillary matters associated with criminal investigations. He places particular emphasis on challenging search warrants, cash seizures, restraint and freezing orders including the new orders pursuant to the Criminal Finances Act 2017, and arrest and detention. He is ranked as a leader in his field in Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 publications before taking silk and has been ranked every year since being in silk.

Over the last 19 years Gareth has conducted all types of criminal cases from serious violence and murder, high value fraud to serious sexual assault and rape. He defends and prosecutes as a Cat 4 prosecutor.