Youth with severe learning disabilities acquitted of murder

Richard Barraclough QC has finished the trial of a young man with a severe learning disabilities at Sheffield Crown Court for murder by shooting of Sheffield Solicitor. Despite reports from psychiatrist and psychologist that he was fit to plead, the defendant was unable to participate in the trial even with an intermediary.

Richard Barraclough QC at short notice arranged for two S12 psychiatrists to report further and give evidence to Lambert J who ruled that he was unfit to plead. The jury thereafter considered whether he “did the acts”. At the close of the prosecution case the judge ruled on a submission that he had no case to answer and he was discharged.

The remaining defendants charged with murder were convicted and await sentence.