Bugzy Malone stood trial at crown court accused grievous bodily harm but Liverpool lawyers Gordon Cole QC and Julian King secured his acquittal. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool barristers Gordon Cole QC and Julian King have secured an acquittal for Bugzy Malone after a seven-day trial.

Bugzy, an artist whose real name is Aaron Davies, stood trial at Manchester Crown Court accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm. The charge followed a a fracas near his property in Ramsbottom, Bury.

Mr Davies said he was acting in self-defence and was in fear when he punched two men after being told people were breaking into his home. He told the court that his partner and neighbour had called to tell him his house was “being done over” on September 9, 2018.

The jury accepted his account and cleared him. Mr Cole, who led in court, and Mr King, from Exchange Chambers in Liverpool, were instructed by Lachlan Nisbet and Charlotte McRae from Brabners.