James Bide-Thomas and Sebastian Walker appeared for the Crown in R v Aziz [2026] EWCA Crim 127 an appeal against conviction where permission to appeal had been granted by the Full Court
The appeal concerned a challenge to a refusal to adjourn the trial of the defendant for conspiracies relating to the supply of multi-kilo quantities of heroin and cocaine, and the possession and transfer of numerous firearms. The case heavily relied on Encrochat messaging recovered by Operation Venetic, and the refusal to adjourn came very shortly before the trial was due to start. The application (and subsequent ground of appeal) was made on the basis of a serious break down of the relationship between the defendant’s legal team and his Encrochat expert, and a claimed failure to disclose relevant Operation Venetic data packages.
James and Sebastian both appeared at trial and on appeal. The defendant was sentenced to a total of 33 years’ imprisonment.
The judgment can be viewed here.
Further information
For more information from the crime team, contact clerks@36crime.co.uk
