A defendant facing a significant custodial sentence and indefinite IPP recall has been unanimously acquitted by a jury at Minshull Street Crown Court in less than one hour. Alex Beevers defended in the five-day trial, which stemmed from a violent robbery in Moss Side in March 2025.
On 28th March 2025, the victim, who was couriering parcels in the Moss Side area, was parked in a van awaiting a delivery when an unknown male approached, demanded he open the door, and smashed the driver’s window with a hammer causing facial injuries. The assailant climbed into the van and threatened the victim who fled with the keys, such that the vehicle could not be driven away. The assailant then took two parcels from the rear of the van before escaping. The victim described the offender as approximately 5’11”, wearing a woolly hat and scarf covering his face, and speaking with a Caribbean accent.
The prosecution case rested on a combination of this limited description, DNA and cell site evidence, and admission of the Defendant’s previous convictions for various offences of Robbery and an offence of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Burglary.
Forensic examination of the hammer, which had been left in the van, revealed a mixed DNA profile to which the defendant was identified as the major contributor following a speculative search against the national DNA database. DNA from the victim and two unknown individuals was also present, although the findings were initially said to be consistent with the Defendant having been the most recent handler of the hammer or in consistent contact with it. In addition, cell site analysis initially suggested that the Defendant’s phone connected to a cell mast capable of providing coverage to the offence location prior to the incident occurring.
The defendant was interviewed under caution on 29 October 2025, denying all knowledge of the offence and failing to provide any explanation for his DNA on the hammer or his phone’s location.
Cross examination of the DNA and cell site experts revealed significant limitations in the value and reliability of both pieces of evidence, such that the Defendant was unanimously acquitted by a jury in less than one hour following a five-day trial. Conviction risked not only a significant custodial sentence but indefinite recall on the IPP.
Alex Beevers was instructed by Roz Weekes at Tuckers Solicitors.
For more information on Alex Beevers and other members of the Criminal Department, please contact a member of the criminal clerking team on 0161 278 8262 or email crime@18sjs.com.