Statement by Philip Goldberg of Minton Morrill Solicitors on behalf of Naveeda Ikram
Since Naveeda Ikram’s arrest on 3 March 2016 she has maintained her innocence and denied any conduct which would amount to misconduct in public office, a position which has now been vindicated by her acquittal. At her trial in late 2017 the prosecution did not even get beyond the half-way stage as the judge withdrew the case from the jury due to insufficient evidence. The prosecution, however, appealed that ruling, but today the Court of Appeal handed down a judgment which upheld the trial judge and which results in the acquittal of Mrs Ikram. Having taken time to consider it’s decision, the Court of Appeal today rejected the prosecution’s argument that the judge had acted unreasonably in reaching the conclusions he did, accepting the arguments put forward by the defence. The effect of this is that the judge’s conclusion that the defendant should be acquitted on the basis that there was insufficient evidence to justify a conviction stands, and Mrs Ikram has been found not guilty.
Since 2004 Mrs Ikram has tirelessly represented, as Councillor, the ward of Little Horton in Bradford. That dedication was rewarded in 2011 when she was appointed as the first female British Muslim Lord Mayor which remains the highlight of her public life to date.
From 2016, despite the intense scrutiny she was placed under from these accusations, Mrs Ikram continued to represent her constituents with the same energy and determination she always had in the preceding 12 years of public service.
Unfortunately, her position became untenable and resigned as a Councillor in early November of this year having become ineligible to stand again in the forthcoming elections as this case was still on going. She hopes that this decision will now be reversed so she can once again assist the people of Little Horton.
Mrs Ikram has found this period of her life very distressing but would like to thank all of those people who have offered her support over the last two years, especially her husband, family and friends. Mrs Ikram would like to thank publicly her legal team who have represented her throughout the process especially her solicitor Philip Goldberg who headed the defence team at Minton Morrill and her barristers Paul Greaney Q.C. and Nicholas de la Poer.
Notes to editors
1. Key Information
Offence: Misconduct in public Office
Leeds Crown Court: 20 November - 7 December 2017
Trial judge: His Honour Geoffrey Marson QC
Court of Appeal: Hearing: 21 February 2018, Decision: 14 March 2018
Appeal Judges: Lord Justice Treacy, Mr Justice King, Mr Justice Nicol
Counsel for Naveeda Ikram: Paul Greaney QC and Nicolas De La Poer, New Park Court Chambers
Solicitor: Phillip Goldberg, Minton Morrill Solicitors
2. About the Criminal team at Minton Morrill Solicitors
Minton Morrill has a national reputation for representing client’s charged with all types of offences before the criminal courts. From the inception of criminal investigations to the final outcome before the higher courts the team offers seamless representation and secures the best possible outcomes for all its clients.
Philip Goldberg – With over 20 years’ experience, described in Chambers’ Guide as “astonishingly bright”. Member of the Duty Solicitor Panel, Director of Leeds Law Society and Chair of the Criminal Sub-Committee as well as a member of the Crown Court Users Group. He sits on the ‘efficiency & effectiveness’ sub-committee of the Local Criminal Justice Board as Defence representative to assist in enhancing the smooth running of the Criminal Justice System. Philip has also been instrumental in the implementation of the pilot scheme for the recent Crown Court digital case management system and principles of Better Case Management. Such is the regard in which he is held that Philip has been invited to attend and comment upon proposals for vulnerable witnesses (s27 and 28 protocols).
Philip continues to undertake all aspects of criminal work and maintains his reputation for dealing with heavyweight cases, continuing to use his Higher Rights of Audience in the Crown Court and building on his prolific expertise in road traffic offences nation-wide.
Awarded ‘Most Outstanding White Collar Criminal Lawyer UK’ in the 2016 Acquisition International Legal Awards, organised by global business journal Acquisition International to commend outstanding work worldwide over the past year. Nominations are put forward by clients, peers and fellow professionals.
3. For more information contact
PR Enquiries can also be directed to: Philip Goldberg, Minton Morrill Solicitors.
27 Park Square West, Leeds, LS1 2PL
Email: philip.goldberg@mintonmorrill.co.uk
Office: 0113 245 8549