Three Years Waiting. Acquitted in Less than 90 Minutes: Reflections on Defending in a Multi-Million-Pound Fraud Trial

Garrick Law Crime Team instructed Alex Stein at 2BR

The criminal justice system produces its share of ironies, but few are as stark as watching a jury reach a verdict in less than 90 minutes, in a case that had hung over a professional client for more than three years.

This was the situation in a recent multi-million-pound fraud case involving allegations of conspiracy to commit fraud and conspiracy to ring high-value stolen vehicles. For our client, a professional with a strong career and regulatory obligations, the wait for a trial date was longer than many expected. The trial itself lasted just three days. The jury deliberated for less than two hours.

It is a contrast worth reflecting on and instructive for anyone facing serious allegations.

On paper, the prosecution case seemed formidable:

• multiple defendants,

• co-conspirators who had already pleaded guilty,

• extensive documentation, bank records, and communications, and

• more than £1 million flowing through accounts in the alleged conspiracy.

To the casual observer, the defence appeared stacked against the client. But in fraud trials, the real question often comes down to: knowledge and intent. Did the client know they were part of a criminal enterprise?

Luxury Car

The Key to Winning: Focusing on the Client

From the outset, the defence strategy was simple in principle, but powerful in execution: focus on the client, not the conspiracy.

Rather than trying to dismantle every piece of evidence relating to other defendants, the defence team concentrated on what truly mattered:

• A meticulously prepared defence bundle – Organised and structured so the jury could easily follow the evidence relevant to the client.

• Character references – Independent, credible attestations to the client’s honesty, professionalism, and integrity. These references were more than formalities; they provided the jury with a lens through which to view the client’s actions in the context of good character, helping them separate him from the wrongdoing of others.

• Clear defence presentation – Legal arguments, witness examination, and document handling all emphasised the client’s lack of knowledge and his consistent integrity.

Fraud trials can overwhelm juries with complex material. By presenting a tight, focused defence and highlighting the client’s good character, the jury was able to see the person at the centre of the allegations, rather than being distracted by the broader conspiracy.

The Power of Character References

In cases where intent and honesty are central, character references carry extraordinary weight. A well-prepared reference is not just a testimonial; it humanises the client and reinforces credibility. It demonstrates patterns of integrity, reliability, and professionalism over time.

In this case, character references played a critical role. They gave the jury confidence that the client was a professional of good standing, someone unlikely to knowingly participate in criminal conduct. This allowed the jury to focus squarely on the key question: was this person complicit?

Three Days of Evidence After Three Years of Waiting

The case, once narrowed to what truly mattered, proceeded efficiently. In just over three days of evidence, the jury saw the client’s side of the story clearly, without being overburdened by extraneous material.

By keeping the jury focused on what mattered: knowledge, intent, and credibility the defence maximised the client’s chance of the right outcome.

After closing arguments and judicial directions, the jury retired.Less than 90 minutes later, they returned a unanimous verdict: Not Guilty.

A multi-million-pound fraud and high-value vehicle conspiracy prepared by the Crown over several years, collapsed in less than two hours once the client’s evidence, character, and credibility were presented effectively.

Reflections on Defence Strategy and the Role of Character

This case is a reminder that the power of defence in complex fraud cases lies not in overwhelming the prosecution, but in clarity, focus, and humanisation.

• A well-structured defence bundle can help juries navigate complex material.

• High-quality character references allow juries to see the client as a person, not a cog in a criminal conspiracy.

• Focused defence presentation ensures that the jury’s attention stays on the central question: intent and knowledge.

Fraud trials can be complicated, but at their heart, they often hinge on one human question: did the defendant act dishonestly? In this case, the answer was clear and swiftly recognised by the jury.

Our client was over joyed with the outcome:

I cannot put into words how grateful I am for everything you and the team have done for me. For 15 months my life, my career, and my family’s peace were all in the balance. But on Friday, because of your hard work, guidance, and belief in my innocence, I was found Not Guilty! you Did not just defend me, you protected my future, my career, and my family. I will forever appreciate the patience, reassurance, and professionalism you showed at every single stage. | Client