Rio Clarke, aged 22, has been cleared of murder at the Central Criminal Court. He was accused of murdering a young man who had been stabbed outside Brixton Police Station in February 2014.
Clarke said that the young man, now deceased, had chased after him with a wheel brace and had continually attacked him with it. Clarke had responded by taking out a knife and, in the course of a ten-second fight, stabbed the deceased through the heart.
Clarke’s girlfriend faced a charge of perverting the course of justice as she had driven him away from the scene and had told lies when she was arrested and interviewed on suspicion of attempted murder.
After a trial lasting almost three weeks, Rio Clarke was acquitted of murder and found guilty of manslaughter on the basis that he did not intend to kill the deceased or cause him serious harm. His girlfriend was acquitted of perverting the course of justice.
Rio Clarke was represented by Catherine Oborne of Garden Court Chambers, who was led by Tyrone Smith QC of 25 Bedford Row Chambers. Catherine and Tyrone were instructed by Sheridan Joseph of Ledgisters solicitors.
Rio Clarke’s girlfriend was represented by Nerida Harford-Bell who was leading Sam Parham, both of Garden Court Chambers. Nerida and Sam were instructed by Anthony Graham of Amosu Robinshaw solicitors.
The case has received national media coverage, including by the Evening Standard.
Catherine Oborne, Nerida Harford-Bell and Sam Parham are all members of the Garden Court Chambers Crime Team.
