Mark Friend & Jared McNally Secure Acquittal in Workplace Section 18 Case

The case involved an allegation of serious workplace assault. The client had worked for the same employer for more than 30 years and was accused of attacking a colleague following a confrontation, causing fractures to bones in the colleague’s spine.

The central issue at trial was self-defence. Before trial, the prosecution applied to rely on incomplete records from the employer’s internal investigation. The defence team carefully considered the issue and drafted a response opposing the application, which the prosecution ultimately did not pursue.

Regular communication with the client, together with detailed analysis of the case material, enabled the defence team to prepare thoroughly and promptly. After deliberating for around 45 minutes, the jury returned a not guilty verdict.

Mark Friend was privately instructed by Jared McNally, partner at Clifford Johnston Solicitors.

For more information, or to instruct Mark Friend, please contact the Director of Clerking, David Wright.