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Richard Barraclough KC secures acquittal in high-profile Maidstone Crown Court case.
Richard Barraclough KC successfully represented Daniel Martin in a murder trial before Pepperall J at Maidstone Crown Court arising from a fatal incident in Sittingbourne in August 2025.
Mr Martin had been jointly indicted with two co-defendants, Chris Maclean and Jack Hunt, on a charge of murder. The prosecution case was advanced on the basis of joint enterprise, alleging that all three men intended to cause at least really serious harm during an altercation following a drugs dispute. It was said that Mr Maclean wounded the deceased with a knife, after which the deceased ran from the scene pursued by the three defendants. In attempting to escape, he jumped over a fence into a main road and was tragically struck by a passing vehicle.
The Crown’s case was that all three men were criminally responsible for murder.
On the first day of trial, Mr Maclean pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Following that development, the prosecution reviewed its position and offered no evidence against Mr Martin and Mr Hunt on the murder count. Both were formally acquitted.
Mr Barraclough KC’s preparation and strategic handling of the case placed the defence in a strong position from the outset. The issues in the case involved:
The Crown’s decision to offer no evidence reflected the strength of the defence position and the careful analysis brought to bear on the prosecution case.
Richard Barraclough KC is widely recognised for his expertise in defending allegations of murder and other serious violent offences. This case once again demonstrates his ability to:
For further information about Richard Barraclough KC’s work in serious crime, please contact St Pauls Chambers.
Chambers is centrally located within walking distance of the train station, secure car parks and the Courts.
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