Lydia Pearce Secures Acquittal in case of Arson with Intent to Endanger Life
Lydia Pearce, instructed by Richard Moorhouse of Murrays Solicitors, represented her vulnerable client for a 4 day trial. Her client was the only person present inside his locked property when the fire service attended at around midnight. Prosecution and defence fire experts concluded that the fire, which went on to destroy his home, was deliberately set. His neighbour who was also at home was at significant risk as the fire burned through to part of his property.
Lydia successfully argued for parts of the evidence to be excluded and guided her client through his evidence in chief ensuring that the jury knew the full background as to how he came to be in the dock and why he was not responsible for the fire.
After deliberating for just over 2 and a half hours the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.