Shaun Esprit prosecutes complex murder trial at the Old Bailey

Church Court Chambers’ Shaun Esprit appeared alongside Maryam Syed KC in the successful prosecution of Ellis Heather, who was unanimously convicted of murder following a six-week trial at the Old Bailey.

The prosecution arose from the fatal stabbing of a man during a music video shoot in Epping Forest in June 2020. Following a lengthy and complex investigation by Essex Police, Ellis Heather was re-arrested in July 2025 and charged with murder. A second defendant was acquitted.

The investigation involved the review of more than 200 hours of CCTV footage, over 1,000 exhibits, more than 50 mobile phones, over 40 computer devices, vehicle evidence, ANPR data and telecommunications material.

Shaun was instructed alongside Maryam Syed KC, by the Crown Prosecution Service, East of England.