Noticeboard

BCL secure acquittal on manslaughter charge for Trooper Gooda of Household Cavalry

On 5 November 2009, BCL Burton Copeland secured the acquittal of client Trooper Daniel Gooda, following a charge of manslaughter arising out of an altercation that occurred on Prince of Wales Rd, Norwich in the early hours of 28 March 2009.

After a trial lasting almost two weeks, the jury unanimously acquitted Trooper Gooda of manslaughter and assaulting a police officer, accepting that he acted in self defence in relation to both counts. A guilty verdict was returned in relation to one count of affray; the Defence having offered a plea of guilty to this charge before the trial commenced. In relation to that count, Trooper Gooda received a suspended sentence and will now be able to join his regiment in Afghanistan this month.

Trooper Gooda was represented by partner Paul Morris and Ellen Peart. The Gooda case is a further example here at BCL of the excellent success rate by the team in homicide cases and allegations of violence involving self defence.

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