Richard Barraclough KC secures acquittal for his client on allegations of murder and manslaughter

Richard Barraclough KC leading MAX REEVES represented MOHAMMED OSMAN who together with SOLOMON BAMIDELE was tried for murder in the Snaresbrook Crown Court before HHJ DEAN and a jury. The case concerned disputed class A drug supply territories in Woolwich London. The murder arose from an act of perceived disrespect levelled at BAMIDELE as he was barged by another drug supplier in the street. BAMIDELE assaulted that individual. The two defendants left and later returned to the area armed with a large zombie knife concealed in an umbrella. OSMAN carried the zombie knife for a short distance before handing it to BAMIDELE.

The prosecution alleged that they intended to engage with the main competitor supplier who had been called by the victim of the assault. BAMIDELE pulled out the knife and stabbed that individual. OSMAN was present. His defence was that he believed that the knife was to be used to threaten and no more.

OSMAN acquitted of murder and manslaughter by the jury

On 17th August 2023 OSMAN was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter by the jury. He was sentenced to 35 months for possession of the knife. BAMIDELE was convicted of murder and sentenced to life with a minimum of 23 years. This was a case where CCTV played a crucial role in securing the acquittal as it provided accurate detail of each defendant’s activities as the deceased was stabbed.