Deputy Head of Chambers Mark McDonald successfully defends Jurijs Popovs at his recent trial for perverting the course of justice
Mark McDonald, the Deputy Head of Mansfield Chambers has secured a momentous acquittal for a lativian defendant accused of Perverting the Course of Justice.
Latvian defendant Jurijs Popovs and 2 other men had been standing trial since 28 February 2014 for the offence of Perverting the Course of Justice. Popovs is currently serving a life sentence with a 17 year tariff following his conviction for Murder in September 2013. This latest case came from an allegation that he and 2 others had attempted to persuade a witness in the Murder trial to change their evidence. An allegation that Mr Popovs had strenuously denied.
The prosecution case alleged that Mr Popovs had arranged for his friend and co defendant Vasilijs Boicuks to telephone the witness and change his evidence.
Following the presentation of the prosecution case Mark McDonald, defending Mr Popovs, argued that there was no case to answer for Mr Popovs and that the trial in his case should be stopped. Mr Adebayo, representing the prosecution reviewed Mr Popovs' case with CPS lawyers following which they returned and offered no evidence in respect of Mr Popovs. Following that decision Mr Adebayo conceded that in light of the view taken the prosecution would not continue with the trial in respect of the 2 co defendants either.
The presiding Judge, His Honour Philip St John-Stevens stated, “It is not an easy decision to make and it is not for the court to interfere,” he said. “I understand why the Crown has taken the course it has.”
An indication was also given that a challenge may well be made in respect of Mr Popovs' original Murder conviction.
If you require any further information about this case or any other related matter you can contact Mr McDonald's senior clerk, Martin Parker at Mansfield Chambers by calling 020 740 67550.