Das v Asplin: Defence begins to close its case

Southwark Crown Court heard concluding arguments from the defence of former Das claims director David Kearns and Asplin’s ex-wife Sally Jones on 25 June.

Standing in defence of Kearns, Philip Hackett QC, described the defendant as an “employee who had left the business 10 years before the date of the indictment”.

Hackett took issue with the accounts provider by the prosecution and argued it had “muddled up who is Mr Asplin and who is Mr Kearns in the most unhelpful way”.

Hackett argued the prosecutions argument contained “only half of the truth” and that Das had “complete control” of CM Law and “skimmed of the profits” from the business. “Das made a fortune out of it,” he said.

Standing in defence of Sally Jones, Tom Kark QC, told the court Jones was regarded by those who know her as “trustworthy and honest”, “hardworking and kind-hearted” and as “a private, self-contained women with a strong sense of integrity”

The defence argued that the prosecution had provided “not a scrap of evidence” to support claims of Jones’ guilt under terms of the indictment.

In addition to Asplin, Jones, and Kearns, the defendants are:

• Asplin’s friend Robert Dalley
• Asplin’s current wife Karen Asplin
• Kearns’ wife Jayne Kearns

The trial has been ongoing since 17 April this year when the prosecution started laying out its case.

Asplin and his wife, along with David Kearns have been accused of conspiring to commit fraud for their activity in CW Law.

All except Karen Asplin are accused of conspiring to commit fraud with their activity in Med Report. Mrs Kearns is accused of money laundering.

All have pleaded not guilty of the accusations.

The trial continues.