The Brink's-Mat Heist | How I Defended Brian Perry | 4
British Scandal
Deep Dive
Why did the trial of Brian Perry abort after six months?
The trial was aborted due to a well-founded suspicion that one of the jurors had been tampered with by criminals, either through bribery or threats.
What was the sentence given to Brian Perry after his retrial?
Brian Perry was sentenced to nine years in prison after his retrial.
How did Brian Perry attempt to avoid his retrial?
Perry pretended to have a nervous breakdown and severe depression, claiming he was unfit to stand trial due to mental illness and medication.
What was the significance of the plaque found above Brian Perry's desk?
The plaque, which read 'He who has the gold makes the rules,' was used as evidence against Perry, suggesting his involvement in the Brink's-Mat gold heist.
What was Michael Relton's role in the Brink's-Mat heist?
Relton, a criminal solicitor, crossed the line from defending criminals to advising them on laundering the gold from the heist, helping them invest and dispose of the proceeds.
What impact did the Brink's-Mat heist have on organized crime in the UK?
The heist marked a shift towards more sophisticated and white-collar crime, with a significant rise in drug-related activities and more complex financial machinations.
What is the 'cab rank rule' in the legal profession?
The cab rank rule requires barristers to accept any case that comes their way, regardless of their personal opinion about the client or the case, ensuring everyone has access to legal representation.
How does Jonathan Goldberg QC view the ethics of defending someone he suspects is guilty?
Goldberg believes it is his duty to defend his client to the best of his ability, focusing on finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case rather than determining the client's guilt or innocence.
What is the significance of the Old Bailey in the UK legal system?
The Old Bailey is considered one of the most prestigious criminal courts in the world, known for handling high-profile cases and maintaining a high standard of advocacy and justice.
How has the legal profession changed since Jonathan Goldberg QC started his career?
Goldberg notes a decline in the quality of judges and advocates, attributed to economic factors such as reduced legal aid funding, which has led to lower pay and less experienced professionals.
- The long arm of the law in the Brink's-Mat case
- Brian Perry's success in evading the spotlight for nearly a decade
- The media frenzy surrounding the heist
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