Stacey Hyde has been acquitted of murder after a retrial in which a jury found that she acted in self-defence when she killed her friend’s abusive boyfriend, Vincent Francis, in 2010. Ms Hyde has already served five and a half years in prison after being convicted of murder at her first trial in 2010.
The case has received widespread media coverage, including by The Guardian, the BBC and The Telegraph.
A retrial had previously been ordered by the Court of Appeal after learning that Ms Hyde had historically been a victim of abuse, and had a mental health disorder at the time she killed Vincent Francis. The jury heard from Stephen Kamlish QC, defending, that Ms Hyde had acted in self-defence. He argued that the fresh evidence about Ms Hyde’s mental health difficulties showed diminished responsibility at the time of the killing.
Ms Hyde has been supported throughout her campaign and appeal by Justice for Women. Since her acquittal, Ms Hyde has said:
“I would like to say thank you to Justice for Women, my legal team, friends and family for believing in me and giving me hope and strength to never give up. I will be forever grateful and blessed to have been given my life back.”
More information can be found in the Justice for Women press statement.
Stephen Kamlish QC and Clare Wade defended Ms Hyde. They were instructed by Harriet Wistrich at Birnberg Peirce and Partners.
Both Stephen and Clare are members of the Garden Court Chambers Crime Team.
