Mohammed Nawaz KC & Isobel Thomas, Instructed by Matthew Corn of Olliers Solicitors, Secure Acquittal in Tragic Youth Murder Case

In a case that captured the attention of the public and legal community alike, leading barristers Mohammed Nawaz KC and Isobel Thomas, instructed by Matthew Corn of Olliers Solicitors, have successfully secured the acquittal of their client in a tragic youth murder trial. The verdict marks a significant outcome in a highly sensitive and complex case.

The case was originally brought to trial in 2024 where the defendant Shane Cunningham was convicted of the murder of Mikey Ronyon in 2023. The two other defendants, Leo Knight & Cartnel Bushell were convicted of manslaughter but were successful in appealing that conviction based on what the Lady Chief Justice described as being an “accidental, but critical, error” in directions concerning self-defence given to the jury around how to reach their verdict. A retrial was ordered and listed to take place in November 2025.

The CPS formally offered no evidence on Wednesday this week due to there not being a realistic prospect of conviction at the retrial. The CPS said there had been a change to the evidence available since the original trial.

The defence was conducted by King’s Counsel, Mohammed Nawaz KC, alongside junior barrister Isobel Thomas who were instructed by Matthew Corn, Head of Serious Crime at Olliers Solicitors. The entire team are highly respected for their expertise in serious crime and their expert handling of cases involving young defendants.

For more information, or to instruct Mohammed Nawaz KC or Isobel Thomas, please contact Director of Clerking, David Wright.