Watson Woodhouse Features in Nothern Justice
Watson Woodhouse is proud to have three of our solicitors, Alistair Smith, Denise Jackman and Sarah Magson recently featured BBC One’s ‘Northern Justice’ programme.
The documentary, which is split into 10 episodes, follows various people and their legal cases throughout the northeast of England.
Alistair Smith – Episode 2
Episode 2 follows Alistair Smith’s fight for justice on behalf of his client Lucie.
Animal rescuer Lucie was accused of stealing a sick and stray feral cat that she took into her care. This happened after having spent months nursing the cat back to health and parting with thousands of pounds in vet bills.
Alistair Smith attended the initial police interview and then went on to represent Lucie and fought to convince the Police there was no basis for the case. The investigation was eventually dropped resulting in no charge being brought against Lucie and there was no further action.
Follow the link to watch more about the fight for justice: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001c9fg/northern-justice-series-1-episode-2
Denise Jackman – Episode 3
Episode 3 follows Denise Jackmans’ fight for justice on behalf of her former client Peter.
Peter was a former police officer and sub-postmaster who stood accused of stealing £46,000 from the Post Office.
It turned out Peter was part of one of the worst miscarriages of justice in modern British history.
Denise helped keep Peter out of prison, and after his death, his wife Marion and Denise worked tirelessly for 11 years, eventually overturned the conviction and clearing his name. Unfortunately, this came 5 years too late for Peter.
Follow the link to watch more about the fight for justice: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001c9vv/northern-justice-series-1-episode-3
Sarah Magson – Episode 8
Episode 8 follows Sarah Magson and her fight for justice on behalf of her client Andrew.
After Andrew developed sepsis following a catastrophic injury resulting from the wall in his back garden collapsing, Sarah launched a private prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act.
Having won the case, the owner of Andrew’s property and the neighbouring property were ordered to repair the dangerous wall. However, the judge ruled that the offending parties were not obliged to pay Andrew’s legal costs.
At the risk of setting a dangerous legal precedent for tenants in similar positions who are unable to afford a solicitor, Sarah had no choice but to go to the High Court.
At the High Court, the judge agreed with Sarah and she was able to return to court in Middlesbrough where the original ruling was changed and Andrew’s costs were paid.
Follow the link to watch more about the fight for justice: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001cl32/northern-justice-series-1-episode-8
The story was also featured in the press:
