Ben Thompson successfully prosecutes serious affray involving nine children

3rd December 2025

3PB criminal barrister Ben ThompsonBen ThompsonCall: 2022 has successfully acted for the Crown in a serious affray involving multiple child victims.

Ben prosecuted a man in his 40s who confronted nine children in a public park, brandishing a knife and threatening to “cut their hearts out.” The defendant denied having a knife, claiming instead that he was holding a vape, but the jury rejected his account after a four-day trial in Southampton. The defendant was unanimously convicted of affray and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Ben meticulously took the child witnesses through their evidence with sensitivity and clarity and rigorously cross-examined the defendant on the inconsistencies in his account.

The defendant is set to be sentenced in the New Year.

If you wish to instruct Ben, or see about his availability please email his clerk Ellie Bloomfield on [email protected] or by calling her on 01202 292 102.