Rhia Abukhalil

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Rhia Abukhalil

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Rhia is a criminal defence specialist. She is experienced at working with vulnerable defendants and is able to quickly build rapport with her lay clients. Rhia is a skilled trial advocate and has a particular interest in violent crime.

Rhia is proficient in the use of technology and is adept at making use of technical evidence in court. She is qualified to undertake cases involving youths and vulnerable witnesses, having completed specialist Youth Justice Advocacy Training with the YJLC, as well as the ICCA Vulnerable Witness Training.

Crown Court & appeals

Violence

R v SA (May 2023) – Defendant acquitted of Robbery after weaknesses in the complainant’s ABE were highlighted.
R v LB (October 2022) – Defendant acquitted of S20 Grievous Bodily Harm after a successful submission of no case to answer was made in relation to identification evidence.
R v ME (May 2021) – Defendant acquitted of Assault Occasioning ABH after a four-day trial. The jury had heard evidence from the complainant and three eyewitnesses.
R v A (a youth) (March 2021) – 14-year-old defendant acquitted of S18 GBH with Intent. Submissions were made regarding the limited evidence of intent.

Drugs

R v AB (May 2023) – Defendant acquitted of PWITS Class A after submissions were made to the jury regarding the definition of ‘possession’.

Sexual Offences

R v CB (January 2023) – Defendant acquitted of 3 counts of Sexual Assault where the defence was that the incident never happened.
R v CT (December 2022) – Defendant acquitted of Exposure where the defence was that there was no intention to cause alarm or distress.
R v BH (February 2022) – Defendant acquitted of two counts of Sexual Assault after a three-day trial where the issue was reasonable belief in consent.
R v ED (January 2022) – Possession of Extreme Images trial. No evidence was offered against the defendant on day two of trial after a further request for disclosure produced undermining evidence.
R v AE (October 2021) – Defendant acquitted of Exposure during an actus reus hearing after a successful submission of no case to answer. The case hinged on identification evidence.