Stephen Uttley in successful defence of Rotherham 12
Stephen Uttley instructed by Rashid Majid of Khan Solicitors, Bradford, successfully defended a man charged with violent disorder who was a member of the “Rotherham 12”. The trial took place at Sheffield Crown Court and lasted over 6 weeks. The 10 men had been accused of violent disorder in the context of a conflict between local Asian men and far-right extremists. It was argued that the men had no choice but to act in self-defence of themselves and others present at the time. During the trial senior police officers involved in the case were subject to detailed cross-examination by Mr Uttley and other Counsel relating to their failure to plan for the end of the counter-demonstration and to ensure that the local people were able to leave the area safely. The case attracted local and national attention.
