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Anand Beharrylal acts in high profile 'happy slapping' murder case

Anand Beharrylal was instructed as junior counsel in a trial at the Old Bailey representing the first of three young defendants alleged to have committed the murder of a pensioner outside a London Mosque. The case attracted substantial media attention in light of the fact that the three defendants involved were in their mid-teens, and had apparently been involved in what has come to be known as a "happy slapping" gone wrong. The young defendants pleaded not guilty to murder and always denied any intent to kill or cause really serious harm.

The first defendant indicated at an earlier stage that he wished to admit his wrongdoing and would be prepared to plead guilty to manslaughter for his role in the happy slapping, which resulted in the death of the pensioner. On the first day of trial the prosecution considered this and accepted pleas to manslaughter. One other young defendant also pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Sentence was adjourned to a later date.

Media Reports

• BBC News, 16 June 2010
• Metro News, 16 June 2010
• Metro News, June 2010
• BBC News, 08 September 2009

7 July 2010

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