Our client Anthony Austin was today unanimously acquitted by a jury of charges of inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent and Maliciously Wounding a West Belfast club bouncer.
Mr Austin has had these unfounded allegations hanging over him for almost three and a half years. He has asked that we thank both the jury and the witnesses who attended to give evidence on his behalf.
His solicitor, Ciaran Shiels, from Madden & Finucane solicitors has said the following in relation to the jury’s decision:
“This morning’s decision represents a complete vindication of Mr Austin’s innocence and reputation and furthermore a vindication of the trial Judge’s ruling, which was subsequently appealed by the Public Prosecution Service, that there was no case to answer against the Defendant. This prosecution should have been withdrawn against the Defendant over a year ago when it emerged that the bouncer had provided seriously inconsistent accounts in relation to the incident to an Accident & Emergency Doctor, the PSNI, and two respected journalists. It is the duty of the prosecution to put before the court witnesses of truth and reliability. As the jury’s verdict confirms, they did not do so in this case.”
