Margaret Anucha

About Margaret Anucha

Margaret Anucha is routinely instructed as defence trial advocate in the broad spectrum of criminal cases. Ms Anucha has considerable experience in cases of serious violence, drugs supply and conspiracy cases.

Called to the bar 2002

Notable Cases - Crime

R v Falanga (2020) (Court of Appeal-Criminal Division)- Drafted the grounds of appeal against sentence and leave to appeal was granted. The Court of Appeal was in agreement with Ms Anucha that the sentence of 33 months was manifestly excessive. The appeal was allowed. The sentence of 33 months was quashed and 20 months custody imposed.

R v Barrington (2020) (Wood Green Crown Court)- Defendant entered a guilty plea to possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply shortly before trial. The Crown placed the offence in category 3 significant role with a starting sentence of 4 years 6 months. Ms Anucha invited the court to place the defendant in a lesser role. The defendant was sentenced accordingly and received 28 months custody.

R v Islam (2020) (Snaresbrook Crown Court)- Acted for D2 charged with Section 20 wounding with intent. Ms Anucha made lengthy and persuasive submissions which resulted in a suspended sentence of 20 months. In contrast to the co-defendant who received 10 years 3 months custody.

R v O’Sullivan (2019) (Harrow Crown Court) – The young defendant was charged with possession of an offensive weapon. The defendant was acquitted.

R v Falanga (2019)- (Harrow Crown Court)- The defendant was charged with two counts of possession of class A with intent to supply. The opposed bad character of the defendant was adduced during the 5 day trial. It was made known to the jury that the defendant was subject to licence for a prior offence for drugs supply. A compelling closing speech was given by Ms Anucha and the defendant was acquitted.

R v Folan (2019) (Isleworth Crown Court)- The defendant was charged with grievous bodily harm. Ms Anucha successfully introduced the bad character of the non-defendant during the course of the trial. The bad character of the defendant was adduced thereafter. The defendant was acquitted.

R v Burke (2019) (Harrow Crown Court)- Appeal against sentence. The Court was persuaded by submissions that the football banning order imposed for 3 years was punitive and not a preventative measure. The appeal was allowed.

R v Gomes-Sanha (2018) (Wood Green Crown Court)- The young defendant was charged with assault with intent to rob. It was alleged that the defendant brandished a large kitchen knife during the assault against a taxi driver who sustained serious injury. The defendant was acquitted.

R v Williams & others (2018) (Harrow Crown Court)- Conspiracy to commit robbery. Acted for D1 who faced allegations of street robbery with a firearm involving some 20 complainants. Ms Anucha drafted an acceptable basis of plea and the defendant received 18 months custody following persuasive mitigation.

R v O’Brien & others (2018) (St Albans Crown Court)- Conspiracy to burgle and handling criminal property. Acted for D1 on the indictment over the course of a three week trial which involved four defendants. It was alleged that the defendants had committed a spate of burglaries which targeted properties with high value vehicles.

R v John (2018) (Blackfriars Crown Court)- The defendant was charged with witness intimidation which made reference to graphic threats of violence. A negotiated basis of plea on the day of trial resulted in a short custodial sentence.

R v Southwell (2017) (Snaresbrook Crown Court)- The defendant was charged with unlawfully at large after recall to prison. He was recalled for a previous offence of grievous bodily harm. The defendant was acquitted.

R v Topserver- (Wood Green Crown Court)- The defendant was charged with fraud which involved an elderly complainant. The defendant was acquitted.

R v El-Amin- (Harrow Crown Court)- The defendant suffered with serious mental health issues and was charged with grievous bodily harm. The defendant was acquitted.

Prosecution

Ms Anucha is a Grade 1 Panel Advocate in criminal prosecution.

Memberships

Inner Temple