Anoushka Twining secured an acquittal for her client, a protester attending the Unite for Freedom protest that culminated at Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherd’s Bush on 29 May 2021. As a result of the protest Westfield management took the decision to close the centre when protesters stormed the building. The protest attracted media attention when protesters clashed with police at the renowned venue in west London.
The issue at trial was whether the defendant’s actions had been lawful in all the circumstances. In giving her verdict District Judge Pilling described the scene at the doors “as clearly chaotic and frightening”. In considering the risk to the defendant’s safety and the need to use reasonable force to escape, District Judge Pilling concluded she could not be sure the criminal damage was caused unlawfully and acquitted the defendant.
Anoushka was instructed by Delaney Igbo of Delaney and Co Solicitors.
