James Hay represented a defendant who was this week released from custody following the prosecution Offering No Evidence on domestic Attempted Murder and s.18 Grievous Bodily Harm allegations.

The defendant was accused of pouring flammable liquid over his partner and setting her on fire, attempting to kill her. He maintained that he had not done so, and the complainant had instead caused her own injuries.

The Crown initially purported to rely on what they represented as an extensive history of domestic violence at the hands of the accused in the relationship. The Defence Statement and resistance of the Crown’s bad character application led to the Crown taking further witness statements from the complainant, and reviewing the case generally.

A week before trial the Crown Prosecution Service Offered No Evidence on both counts on the indictment.

James was instructed by Ruth Cassidy of Levales Solicitors.