Kenworthy’s Chambers is proud to highlight another significant success for leading Criminal Barrister Stephen Tettey, who once again demonstrated his exceptional ability to secure outstanding results in some of the most complex and high-stakes criminal cases in the country.

In this latest case, Stephen Tettey was instructed to defend a man accused of playing a leading role in a major Class A drug conspiracy. This was part of a wider, highly sophisticated investigation codenamed Operation Guru. 

Operation Guru

The operation, spearheaded by specialist police units, focused on dismantling an organised criminal network alleged to be involved in the importation and distribution of large quantities of cocaine, with suspected links to Colombian sources and a UK-wide distribution chain.

The prosecution alleged that Stephen Tettey’s client was a key figure in the conspiracy and was responsible for the handling and distribution of approximately 50-60 kilograms of cocaine. 

Encrypted EncroChat messages and other encrypted messenger platforms formed a significant part of the evidence, which is now a familiar feature of large-scale drug cases following the international compromise of the EncroChat platform.

A Tactical Defence Strategy with Exceptional Results

From the outset, the case presented serious challenges. The prosecution maintained that Stephen Tettey’s client held a prominent and controlling role within the conspiracy. However, through methodical preparation, forensic analysis of the evidence, and strategic legal argument, Stephen Tettey was able to dismantle the prosecution’s portrayal of his client as a leading figure.

While the client accepted a level of involvement, he firmly denied the extent of the role attributed to him. His Criminal Defence Barrister, Stephen Tettey, expertly assisted in advancing a basis of plea, which significantly altered the prosecution’s original position. With his guidance, the defence was able to present a compelling and credible alternative narrative which the court ultimately accepted.

A vital part of the defence strategy was a detailed review and challenge of the encrypted messages material and associated surveillance evidence. Working alongside a specialist expert witness, Kenworthy’s Criminal Barrister was able to cast substantial doubt over the scale of the client’s role. Stephen Tettey’s incisive cross-examination and comprehensive submissions highlighted flaws and assumptions in the prosecution's case that might otherwise have gone unchallenged.

An Outcome Few Could Achieve

The result was remarkable. Despite the starting point for cases involving the alleged supply of 50 kilograms of cocaine frequently attracting 15-to-20-year sentences or more, Stephen Tettey succeeded in persuading the court to sentence his client on the basis of a far lesser role, resulting in a custodial sentence of just eight years.

This outcome is not only a testament to Criminal Barrister Stephen Tettey’s advocacy but also to his unwavering commitment to ensuring every defendant, whether guilty or not, receives the most robust and effective representation possible.

Cases involving EncroChat and other encrypted messages as evidence are legally and technically complex. Yet Kenworthy’s Chambers has developed a formidable track record in representing clients accused in such cases, consistently achieving favourable results where others may struggle. Stephen Tettey has become a go-to Barrister for high-value, high-profile drugs conspiracies, particularly those involving encrypted communication platforms, international elements, and multi-defendant prosecutions.

Trusted, Tenacious, Tactical – A Leading Criminal Defence Barrister

This latest success in Operation Guru reinforces Stephen Tettey’s reputation as one of the leading Criminal Defence Barristers in England and Wales. He brings not only advocacy skills but also tactical intelligence and an unrelenting determination to fight for the best possible result, regardless of the odds.

Whether contesting charges or assisting a client in achieving justice through a fair sentence, Stephen Tettey’s approach is defined by excellence, preparation, and results.

Clients represented by Stephen Tettey and other members of Kenworthy’s Chambers can expect nothing less than a tenacious defence, thorough preparation, and skilled advocacy, even in the most serious and complex of cases. 

If you need advocacy for a heavyweight Crime case, call our Criminal Clerks, Paul Mander and Greg Highton, on 0161 832 4036, email Paul@kenworthys.co.uk, Greg@kenworthys.co.uk.