Jeremy Ornstin, Director and Head of Advocacy, and Miles Herman as litigator, successfully represented a defendant facing a charge of conspiracy to import shisha tobacco from Dubai.

The prosecution was brought by the Central Fraud Group of the Crown Prosecution Service, who alleged that our client was one of five conspirators who together were responsible for the importation of 5 tonnes of shisha tobacco over nine months in 2011 and 2012. The conspirators were alleged to have set up fake trading companies for the purchases and transport of the shipments, and used stickers to disguise the true contents of the cargo.

As a result of detailed examination of the prosecution’s case, and highlighting inconsistencies in terms of this firm’s client’s involvement, we were able to demonstrate at trial that he had no involvement in a large-scale conspiracy to import shisha tobacco over a period of time, as alleged by the Crown.

The acquittal was secured in no small part by thorough consideration of the unused material in this case, as the prosecution sought to rely on selective telephone and chat log messages, and the defence were able to show the jury a completely different picture to the one the prosecution were painting.

A delighted client has now avoided a significant custodial sentence.

If you are facing any importation-related offence, you can instruct Lewis Nedas Law in the full knowledge that the case will be expertly and properly prepared for trial. Contact Miles Herman or Jeremy Ornstin.