Unanimous not guilty verdict in false imprisonment case

Molly Dyas, instructed by Samantha Harris of JSP solicitors, represented X, who was charged with false imprisonment, assault and criminal damage in a five day trial. 

The trial concerned an incident in a prison where X was a serving prisoner. He, along with his co-defendant, had taken an officer’s keys, acted aggressively and damaged items belonging to the prison. 

X’s case was that he was acting under duress of circumstances because days before he had been threatened by another prisoner with a weapon. X gave evidence that he had been terrified for his safety and had taken the officer’s keys knowing that, if he did so, he would be moved to another prison, away from those who had threatened him.

He was acquitted unanimously of all three counts he faced. His co-defendant who took part in the incident was convicted.