Our client, a young woman with no previous convictions, has today had proceedings discontinued against her for allegedly possessing a false identity document, without reasonable excuse.

Our client, a dual national, was accused of being in possession of a false passport at Heathrow airport, where she was attempting to board a flight for a weekend away with her fiancé. The passport, however, did not work at the check-in gate. Peters & Peters deployed a proactive defence strategy from an early stage, including interviewing defence witnesses, obtaining documents from various jurisdictions, all of which demonstrated that the client was entitled to hold a second passport and that there was no improper intent on the part of our client.

These matters were raised by Counsel during the course of the first appearance this morning in the magistrates’ court. Shortly following the conclusion of the hearing, the Crown Prosecution Service wrote to Peters & Peters confirming that they had discontinued proceedings against our client, as there was not sufficient evidence to give a reasonable prospect that our client would be convicted.

Our client is hugely relieved, and we are delighted that she will now be able to move on with her life, back in her home country, without the stress and upset of the investigation and prosecution hanging over her.

Peters & Peters’ Of Counsel Rachel Cook and Associate Liam Lane advised the client on all relevant aspects of the prosecution process, supporting her throughout the proceedings.

Instructed counsel was Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC of 2 Hare Court.