In a complex case involving a high street bank, alleged missing funds and an employee’s reputation, expert evidence given by Milsted Langdon on behalf of the defence was instrumental in securing a ‘Not Guilty’ verdict.

Helen Gregory, director of Forensic Accounting, recently gave evidence at Taunton Crown Court in defence of a cashier charged with theft from her employer.

Helen’s meticulously researched and professionally delivered forensic evidence comprehensively overturned the prosecution’s case, which was based upon manipulation of bookkeeping entries to disguise missing funds. The defendant asserted that she undertook these to correct an automated entry and professed her innocence throughout the trial.

Helen’s investigations identified weaknesses in the bank’s financial accounting processes. Her oral evidence – which referred to the lack of CCTV footage of cash removal – helped to convince the court that the prosecution had failed to prove the defendant had physically taken or used the missing money, deposited it in her own bank accounts, or otherwise benefited from the funds she had allegedly stolen.

The trial judge found that, in light of Helen’s evidence, the prosecution’s assumptions were insufficient to support its contentions of theft. The judge ordered the jury to return a verdict of ‘Not Guilty’ after halting the trial only two days after it began.

Helen said: “I am pleased my professional knowledge and experience enabled me to present convincing evidence for the defence, in whose favour this criminal case was settled.”

Milsted Langdon’s Forensic Accounting team is headed by Partner Roger Isaacs, who won The Lawyer Monthly Forensic Accountant Expert Witness of the Year 2016.

Roger said: “Forensic accounting is increasingly important as technical processes in all professions and sectors become ever more complicated.

“Milsted Langdon prides itself on its forensic experience and skill in translating findings into compelling legal evidence.”