Drill on Trial: how to defend the use of lyrics in trial and on Criminal Behaviour Orders

• Arlette Piercy: Barrister, 25 Bedford Row
• George Wills: Barrister, 25 Bedford Row
• Naomi Salawu: London Youth Offending Service
• Francis Osei-Appiah: Reform Restore Respect Charity

Arlette Piercy will examine the history of using music lyrics against young people during criminal proceedings. Her presentation will include screening short segments of the recent BBC documentary: Drill on Trial. Arlette will suggest a toolkit of resources that could be used both in and after trial to assist with youth justice.

George Wills will discuss practical approaches to defending Criminal Behaviour Orders, having defended in many serious violence trials involving gang-related allegations as both junior and led junior counsel. 

Naomi Salawu is a qualified social worker who specialises in youth justice and is dedicated to driving change for young people in the justice system. With nearly 20 years of experience in youth justice settings, Naomi will discuss how lawyers can better utilise the support that Youth Offending Teams can offer those directly impacted.

Francis Osei-Appiah will demonstrate how best to utilise expert evidence in trial. Francis has been called upon as a defence expert in many recent serious trials. His specialist expertise includes safeguarding against gangs, county lines exploitation, Drill and Rap music and street-based urban street slang language translation.