Steven Swift and Kyra Badman secure acquittal in high-profile murder trial

November 23, 2023

Steven Swift and Kyra Badman from Exchange Chambers have secured an acquittal for their client in a high-profile murder trial.

Ashley Dale, 28, was killed when James Witham fired a Skorpion sub-machine gun in her house in Liverpool in the early hours of 21 August 2022.

Witham, 41, Joseph Peers, 29, Niall Barry, 26, and Sean Zeisz, 28, were convicted at Liverpool Crown Court.

Kallum Radford, 26, represented by Steven Swift and Kyra Badman, was acquitted of assisting an offender after being accused of helping to store the car used in the murder.

Gunman Witham was given a life sentence with a minimum of 43 years.

Peers, who was described as a “foot soldier”, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 41 years.

Barry was described as the “malign presence” in the murder of Ashley Dale and given a life sentence with at least 47 years behind bars.

Zeisz was also handed a life sentence – with a minimum of 42 years – for his role organising and encouraging the shooting.

Steven Swift and Kyra Badman were instructed by Colin Rawson, criminal partner at Stephensons Solicitors.