James Gwatkin represented KN, a 30-year-old man of good character, in a trial which took place between 27/05/2025 and 05/06/2025 at Wood Green Crown Court. KN was accused of stalking involving serious alarm or distress. KN was alleged to have stalked his colleague when both of them worked at the Bar Council between October 2022 to January 2023.

KN had completed a law degree and the Bar training course prior to working at the Bar Council and had hoped to practice at the Bar in the future. He was alleged to have stalked the complainant by sending emails / messages / social media interactions, approaching her at work and giving her unwanted gifts. KN had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and paranoid psychosis, with expert evidence being adduced to opine that he was likely in a manic episode of his illness during the indictment period. James cross examined six former Bar Council employees and colleagues of KN, including senior managers at the organisation, who were called to give evidence by the Crown.

The defence raised was that the actions complained of did not amount to stalking, serious alarm or distress was not caused to the Complainant and KN did not have the requisite mens rea to be guilty of the offence.

Following an 8-day trial and just over one hour of deliberation the jury unanimously acquitted KN, who, thereby, retained his good character.

James was instructed and assisted throughout the case by Seamus Austin of Tuckers Solicitors.