Exchange Chambers barristers secure acquittals in murder trial

July 23, 2019

Barristers from Exchange Chambers have secured a number of murder and attempted murder acquittals after an 8-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Connor Cornforth, represented by Gordon Cole QC and Dan Travers, had been charged with playing a part in the fatal shooting of one man, and the attempted murder of a second man.  The prosecution said that the fatal shooting was part of an ongoing dispute against a background of drug dealing.

Connor Cornforth admitted that he had assisted ‘after the fact’ with the arrangement for the disposal of a vehicle. The jury acquitted Connor Cornforth of murder and attempted murder and convicted him of Assisting an Offender.

Jak West, represented by Damian Nolan (led by Tom Forster QC) faced identical allegations. He was acquitted of murder and manslaughter. He, too, was convicted of Assisting an Offender.  A further defendant, represented by Imran Shafi, was also acquitted of murder and attempted murder.

Gordon Cole QC and Dan Travers were instructed by Dysons Solicitors, Manchester.

Damian Nolan was instructed by Jon McIlveen of Cobleys, Liverpool.

Imran Shafi was instructed by Middleweeks solicitors, Manchester.

All mentioned Barristers are part of the criminal department at Exchange Chambers.

This case has received local press coverage.