- Murder
- Self-Defence
- Three-Week Crown Court Trial
- Unanimous Verdict
MC Solicitors, led by Founder and Director Michelle Canagasuriam LL.B, LL.M, has secured a unanimous jury acquittal in a high-profile murder trial involving a fatal stabbing.
The defendant admitted inflicting multiple stab wounds, including two wounds to the neck which severed both carotid arteries. The defence maintained that he had acted in lawful self-defence.
Following a three-week Crown Court trial, the jury unanimously returned a verdict of Not Guilty to Murder.
The case, which attracted coverage from BBC News and 9BR Chambers, involved complex legal and evidential issues, including the defendant’s psychiatric history, vulnerability and the admissibility of previous convictions.
Personal Commitment. Exceptional Client Care.
Michelle Canagasuriam personally represented her client from the outset: attending the police station, representing him before the Magistrates’ Court, and attending every Crown Court hearing alongside the barristers, including every day of the three-week murder trial.
Her continuous involvement ensured consistency of representation, continuity of legal advice and a thorough understanding of the case at every stage, from the initial police interview through to the jury’s verdict.
She ensured that her client remained informed, supported and fully involved in decisions concerning his defence, recognising the considerable uncertainty and pressure associated with facing a murder charge.
For Michelle, exceptional client care means being present when it matters most. This hands-on approach is central to the ethos of MC Solicitors, where every client is treated as an individual, their voice is heard and their interests remain the priority throughout the criminal justice process.
Securing Specialist King’s Counsel
MC Solicitors initially instructed Ruth Jones of 9BR Chambers as junior counsel, an experienced criminal barrister with expertise in murder, manslaughter and serious criminal cases.
Given the gravity and complexity of the allegation, an application was made to vary the legal aid order to secure representation by King’s Counsel.
The application succeeded, although the amended legal aid order authorised King’s Counsel only, without the assistance of junior counsel.
Consequently, the defendant was represented at trial by Justin Rouse KC of 9BR Chambers as sole defence counsel, with MC Solicitors remaining responsible for the preparation, management and ongoing conduct of the case as instructing solicitors.
Unanimous Acquittal Following Three-Week Trial
The central issue at trial was whether the defendant’s use of force amounted to lawful self-defence.
Although the fatal stabbing was admitted, the prosecution was required to disprove self-defence beyond reasonable doubt.
Following the presentation of the evidence and legal arguments, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of Not Guilty to Murder, bringing to an end proceedings in which the defendant faced the prospect of a mandatory life sentence.
The acquittal reflects the importance of thorough case preparation, effective collaboration between solicitor and counsel, and determined defence representation in the most serious criminal proceedings.
From Leading Counsel
I write to thank you for the highly professional service MC Solicitors gave to our client in his murder trial. His verdict of Not Guilty was entirely down to the superb preparation you undertook and your constant attention to his defence preparation. Although you are not paid to do it, you attended the trial every day to ensure the client’s interests were fully protected and advanced.
I will certainly be providing your details to other barristers and their clerks as a star in the profession.
From Junior Counsel
I have had the pleasure of being instructed by MC Solicitors since the firm was established. Prior to setting up MC Solicitors Michelle developed extensive experience in all aspects of criminal defence and established a well-deserved excellent reputation for client care. Our working relationship spans almost 20 years.
Through Michelle and her team’s dedication to their clients MC Solicitors provide an unrivalled service throughout a case from the police station to conclusion.
MC Solicitors go above and beyond and leave no stone unturned in the preparation of a client’s case.
For example, in a recent murder case MC Solicitors provided an outstanding service from the police station and throughout which resulted in the client being found not guilty after trial. The client was vulnerable and with mental health issues. Michelle ensured that all of his needs were met and instructed all of the appropriate experts to prepare reports to enable him to participate fully in his case.
MC Solicitors’ attention to detail in the preparation of the case was outstanding, watching and analysing hours and hours of CCTV and travelling the country to locate important defence witnesses and take statements from them. Without this level of attention to detail the client may not have been acquitted.
In addition to the hard work and professionalism, Michelle treated the client with kindness, compassion and as an individual not just a client. Despite the case being funded by legal aid Michelle and her team attended court every day of his trial, something which is very rare for solicitors to do under the current legal aid regime in addition to a large number of pre-trial in person legal visits.
MC Solicitors adopt the same approach to all cases regardless of the offence charged or the relative seriousness of it.
All instructions to counsel are meticulously prepared and allow for the best possible preparation and presentation of the client’s case. The team provide a thorough analysis of the case papers, client’s background and circumstances and look beyond what is obvious to find solutions to issues that may arise in a case.
From the Court-Appointed Intermediary
Michelle was great and very responsive to work with, communicating at all times efficiently and sorting out any urgent issues effectively. She had a very good understanding of the nature of the client’s vulnerabilities and subsequent communication difficulties, which made it so much easier, as an intermediary to work cooperatively together. At all times she had the client’s case as a top priority in her work life, especially during the potentially challenging trial period.
It really makes a significant difference as intermediary if all professionals (and client) communicate well and this was at the heart of her work.
From an Instructed Expert
I was instructed by Michelle Canagasuriam of MC Solicitors in relation to a serious criminal case involving a defendant with significant mental health problems. Michelle provided clear and thorough instructions in relation to fitness to plead and whether adaptations including an intermediary were necessary. She showed particular concern for her client’s vulnerabilities and was extremely professional and courteous throughout. She went above and beyond to ensure her client received adequate support for his mental health throughout his court proceedings.
Read more about this case
MC Solicitors Secures Unanimous Murder Acquittal following Fatal Stabbing in 2026 9BR Chambers: Man acquitted of murder after admitting double stabbing to the throat BBC News reportEvery criminal case depends upon its individual facts. Previous case outcomes do not guarantee the outcome of another case.
