15 hours ago
Rossano Scamardella on prosecuting Rochdale grooming gang
Rossano Scamardella KC of 23 Essex Street chambers prosecuted a grooming gang from Rochdale involving two teenage girls. Seven south Asian men were convicted at Manchester Minshull Street crown court of a total 50 charges, including rape, gross indecency and indecent assault, which were committed over several years. The next day the prime minister announced a national inquiry into grooming gangs.
What were the biggest hurdles you had to overcome in this case?
The complainants were manipulated, groomed and exploited throughout their early teenage ended up surrendering to sex with the defendants and other men in the group. Persuading the jury that surrendering to sex with older men is not and never can be consent was the biggest challenge.
What is the best decision you have taken as a lawyer?
I represented a young boy charged with death by dangerous driving when I was very junior and against some colleagues' advice. But doing such a serious case so early in my career made me feel at home in the crown court.
Whom do you most admire in the law?
Ahmed Hossain KC has been the most influential. We have taken every step of our careers together.
What is the best advice you have received?
John Coffey KC told me that when defending in big cases, particularly murders, there are rarely more than three good points in your favour. I'd like to think that has stopped me being the barrister who bores juries to tears.
What is the funniest thing that has happened in your job?
As the prosecutor concluded his opening address in a murder trial I heard a whisper towards me from the jury: 'Hello boss, boss, boss, hello.' I looked and saw the owner of a local takeaway restaurant that I knew. Explaining this to the judge was tricky. He took it well and said: 'As long as you've never been barred, I won't hold it against you.'
What are the best and worst elements of being a lawyer?
Best: winning. Worst: losing.
What law would you enact?
No new law, but kneejerk reactions to individual cases that lead to questionable sentencing guidelines do the system no favours.
What is your favourite cocktail?
A negroni.
