Samuel Sharp, instructed by GWB Harthills LLP, represented ZB, who was charged with Controlling or Coercive Behaviour and Threats to Kill. The Defendant was alleged to have controlled and restricted the complainant's life over two weeks when she entered the country following their marriage, during which violence was reported to have occurred. Upon the breakdown of the relationship, the Crown put forward that the Defendant had made threats to her life if she informed the authorities of the previous events. The Defence asserted that the allegations made were false and were motivated by the complainant's desire to advance her application to remain in the country.
Following a seven-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court, the Defendant was acquitted of both counts.