Operation Borobridge – Murder Allegation Defence

Operation Borobridge was a major homicide investigation resulting in multiple defendants being charged with murder. MMA Law represented two of the five defendants accused of involvement. Following a three-week Crown Court trial, both clients represented by MMA Law were acquitted of all charges and released.

The Allegation

The defendants were charged with the murder of Steven Willis, one of the most serious allegations that can be brought before the courts. Murder charges carry a mandatory life sentence on conviction, alongside irreversible consequences for those accused.

The prosecution alleged joint involvement within a wider group, relying on a combination of witness evidence, circumstantial material, and inferences drawn from association.

The Legal Challenges

Murder trials are legally and emotionally complex. This case involved:

• Multiple defendants
• Differing levels of alleged involvement
• Conflicting accounts
• Significant pressure on the jury to assess group responsibility

In multi-defendant homicide cases, there is a real risk of guilt by association, particularly where the prosecution advances a broad joint enterprise theory.

Careful separation of evidence is critical.

Our Defence Strategy

Our approach was focused, disciplined, and forensic. The defence team concentrated on individualising the evidence, ensuring the jury assessed each defendant on their own alleged conduct rather than collective suspicion.

Key elements of the defence included:

• Challenging the reliability and consistency of prosecution witnesses
• Exposing gaps and contradictions in the prosecution case
• Preventing evidential “spill-over” between defendants
• Ensuring the jury applied the correct legal tests to each client

This approach ensured the prosecution was held to the highest burden of proof, as required in murder cases.

The Outcome

After a three-week trial:

• Both defendants represented by MMA Law were acquitted of all charges
• They were immediately freed from custody

Of the five individuals charged with murder, only the two represented by MMA Law were fully acquitted. This result highlights the effectiveness of a carefully constructed defence strategy in a high-stakes trial.

Why This Case Matters

This case demonstrates MMA Law’s ability to defend clients accused of the most serious criminal offences, including murder. It shows:

• Expertise in complex, multi-defendant trials
• The importance of early and strategic defence planning
• The firm’s commitment to protecting clients from wrongful conviction

When a person is accused of murder, the quality of legal representation can determine the outcome. This case stands as a clear example of MMA Law’s experience, precision, and resolve when it matters most.