Mark Friend’s client secures murder acquittal following 4 week trial

Following a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, Mark Friend, led by Richard Littler K.C., secured a murder acquittal for his client, Riley McDermott.

Vernard Murray, 26, died after being stabbed twice in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, on October 23 last year, following a car crash shortly before the fatal stabbing. Lee Williams, 19 (11/08/2006), John Harte, 19 (08/01/2007), and Riley McDermott, 18 (16/03/2008), all denied murder. The prosecution alleged that the defendants had carried out a planned and targeted attack that included arming themselves with knives and disguising their identity. The jury saw and heard detailed evidence concerning the vehicle pursuit, collision, and foot chase culminating in the fatal stabbing. Jurors unanimously convicted Williams of murder, while Harte and McDermott were acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter.

The careful and detailed preparation of the case by the defence team began almost immediately after Mr McDermott’s arrest. The distinction between murder and manslaughter was central to the case, with the jury ultimately acquitting Mr McDermott of the gravest charge he faced.

Mark Friend was instructed by Anton Patton of Potter Derby Solicitors.

For more information, or to instruct Mark Friend, please contact Senior Criminal Clerk, Andy McGuinness.