MC Solicitors Secures Unanimous Murder Acquittal following Fatal Stabbing in 2026

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.

Meticulous Preparation. Strategic Defence. No Stone Left Unturned.

Under the direction of Michelle Canagasuriam, MC Solicitors undertook the detailed preparation and strategic management required in proceedings of the utmost seriousness.

The defence demanded rigorous examination of the evidence, careful consideration of the law relating to self-defence and close attention to the defendant’s individual circumstances.

The proceedings also involved the use of an intermediary to assist the defendant throughout the trial.

Michelle personally attended every day of the three-week trial, ensuring that her client’s interests were fully protected and advanced at every stage.

Her continuous presence enabled her to oversee developments in the evidence, address issues arising during proceedings and work closely with defence counsel. Members of the wider MC Solicitors team also attended court on numerous days, providing further support throughout the trial.

This hands-on involvement reflected the firm’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in the preparation and presentation of a client’s defence.

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.

The legal aid funding arrangements did not provide separate remuneration for the instructing solicitor’s attendance throughout the trial. Nevertheless, Michelle Canagasuriam personally attended every day of the three-week proceedings, without remuneration for that attendance, ensuring that her client’s interests were fully protected and advanced.

Members of the wider MC Solicitors team also attended court on numerous days, demonstrating the firm’s collective commitment to the defence.

Working closely with Justin Rouse KC, Michelle and her team maintained a rigorous, coordinated and determined approach throughout the proceedings.

This level of personal involvement reflected a determination to ensure that the client’s representation was not limited by the funding arrangements and that no stone was left unturned.

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.

Two Murder Cases in 2026 — No Murder Convictions

The acquittal marks one of two significant murder case outcomes achieved by Michelle Canagasuriam and her team in 2026.

In a separate murder case, the defence successfully negotiated a plea to manslaughter.

Neither case resulted in a murder conviction.

These outcomes demonstrate MC Solicitors’ experience in defending serious criminal allegations and its commitment to identifying and pursuing the appropriate defence strategy in each case.

Serious Crime Demands Serious Defence

Michelle Canagasuriam is known for her strategic approach, meticulous case preparation and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every client.

As Founder and Director of MC Solicitors, she provides representation across the full spectrum of criminal law, including murder, manslaughter, serious violent offences, complex fraud, general criminal allegations and privately funded road traffic matters.

Her approach combines robust criminal defence representation with personal commitment to those whose liberty, reputation and future are at stake.

The unanimous murder acquittal exemplifies the principles that define MC Solicitors: meticulous preparation, strategic judgement, tenacity and an unwavering determination to protect every client’s interests.