Prosecution Drops Case: Client Not Guilty of s.18 Grievous Bodily Harm

The prosecution has dropped charges against our client after expert medical evidence proved that he was not responsible for the complainant’s life-changing injuries. This marks a successful outcome in a case initially involving one of the most serious violent offences under UK law.

Our client Lukas Stewart was arrested for Section 18 GBH (grievous bodily harm) under the Offenses Against the Person Act 1861 on 10 October 2023. The complainant was kicked in the head by the co-defendant during a fight that Mr Stewart and the complainant were having. The complainant had to have emergency spinal surgery, which left him unable to speak and without the use of both of his legs. He was effectively quadriplegic and needed 24 hour care.

We provided a prepared statement in interview, putting forward self-defence and that his actions did not cause the severe injuries. He was charged and the matter sent to the Crown Court. Our client was also on a suspended sentence for a violent offence at the time of arrest, but we also managed to get him bail.

His trial was listed for 27th October. However, lead solicitor at Hodge Jones & Allen Tosin Akinboboye managed to obtain injury expert reports which could comment on the causation of the complainant’s injuries and essentially confirm that we could not have caused the extensive injuries. The Crown offered no evidence against us on 21st October 2025.

Tosin commented on the outcome of the case: “I am delighted with the outcome for Mr S. it is always rewarding to see justice prevail and to help clients move forward with confidence and peace of mind. I am glad this young man no longer walks around with the shame of such allegations hanging over his head, and his young life can kick start once again.”

Tosin Akinboboye is a dedicated Criminal Defence Solicitor known for her strategic and proactive approach to every case. She represents clients across the full spectrum of criminal offences, combining meticulous preparation with strong advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.

In this case, Tosin demonstrated her meticulous preparation and strong advocacy skills. By instructing expert medical evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case, she secured the withdrawal of all charges before trial, a clear example of her proactive and strategic approach to criminal defence.