Allison Summers KC
When defendants charged with joint enterprise murder are not “all in it together”
Allison Summers K.C. reflects on a recent case in which she defended a youth charged with secondary liability murder.
“All in it together”: A powerful but dangerous phrase
“They are all in it together,” said the Prosecutor as he closed the case against three young defendants. They were charged with joint enterprise murder. The impact of this simple statement should not be underestimated. When repeated in a powerful closing speech, it can strongly influence a jury. In some cases, it will be justified. But an important question is often overlooked. I raised it at the start of my closing speech: “In it together, but to do what?”
Operation Hardwick and the events of 8 June 2025
Operation Hardwick concerned the killing of a 14-year-old boy. The incident took place on a street in north Manchester on 8 June 2025. The fatal blow was delivered by another 14-year-old boy. His 16-year-old friend had handed him the knife during a confrontation. The confrontation involved the deceased and a group of four others. The 16-year-old said he produced the knife because the principal asked for it. He claimed he intended it to be used only as a threat. The aim was to make the group back away.
Initially, that is exactly what happened. As the 16-year-old said in his evidence, “I thought when they backed off, that would be it.”
Sadly, it was not. For reasons that may never be known, the principal then chased the boy across the road. When the boy lost his footing, he was attacked on the ground. He died shortly afterwards from a single stab wound to the heart.
The Prosecution case on secondary liability
The case against the 16-year-old focused on assistance and encouragement. The Prosecution said he assisted by handing over the knife. They also argued he encouraged the attack. They claimed that, along with another 14-year-old, he ran towards the scene. By being present, he allegedly lent support to the principal.
However, the CCTV told a different story. Neither boy ran with the principal. By the time they moved in that direction, the fatal blow had already been delivered. When they reached the scene, the principal was already retreating.
Joint enterprise and the limits of intent
On these facts, the evidence against the secondary defendants was weak. It was particularly thin on the issue of intent for murder. Despite this, the Prosecution cast its net widely. Joint enterprise remains a powerful tool against group violence.
However, the phrase “all in it together” should not go unchallenged. The key question must always be asked: “To do what?”
Outcome at Manchester Crown Court
Allison Summers K.C. leading Rebecca Penfold, represented the 16-year-old during a trial at Manchester Crown Court between 11th November and 22nd December 2025. The principal was convicted of murder. The other two defendants were acquitted of murder and found guilty of manslaughter.