At MK Law, we are committed to protecting the rights of individuals—especially those living with hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. A recent case handled by Shardonae Momrelle-Bartley is a powerful example of how early legal intervention, trauma-informed advocacy, and expert analysis can make a decisive difference.

Background

Our client was involved in a road traffic incident where she accidentally crashed into a residential wall. Following advice from her recovery team, she called the police to assist her at the scene. She lives with PTSD and several hidden disabilities—conditions that significantly impact how she responds to stress and interaction with authority.

When officers arrived, rather than offering assistance, they were allegedly aggressive, rude, and physically forceful. Instead of recognising signs of trauma, they arrested her on suspicion of drink driving. Officers asked her to provide a specimen which she consented to. Officers then realised that they did not have access to a road-side breathe test and therefore arrested her on suspicion of drink driving with the intent to take a sample from her at a police station.

Our Involvement

The client called MK Law and asked for representation. Shardonae Momrelle-Bartley took the call where the client briefly informed her about the case. Due to the injustice in the case, she wanted to keep the case and support the client through its progression .

Shardonae quickly identified concerns about the client’s ability to comply with police instructions due to her mental health. She instructed an expert medical report psychiatrist, which confirmed that the client’s condition could have reasonably prevented her from providing a specimen. Formal representations to the Crown Prosecution Service, requesting a review of the decision to prosecute were then made.

The outcome

Despite these efforts, the Crown initially chose to proceed with the case. However, just days before trial, Shardonae renewed her challenge, pressing for further disclosure and highlighting the prosecution’s evidential weaknesses. With the help of Mr Jonathan Mellody, the instructed advocate, the Crown decided to offer no evidence, acknowledging the concerns raised by the defence. This outcome spared our client a highly distressing court appearance and cleared her of criminal allegations.

A client-focused approach

Our client later provided a warm and heartfelt review, expressing her gratitude for the legal care and outcome achieved after an extremely stressful experience.

Shardonae commented:

This case was a reminder that we must never make assumptions based on what we can or can’t see. My client was traumatised and misunderstood from the start. I’m grateful we were able to secure a just outcome and help her move forward.”

Our client reviewed

For anyone who has a hidden disability, this is the best, from the first point of contact, to the most patient paralegal Shardonae, the insightful, reassuring, professional Harry Martin and the no nonsense, Mr John Melody, I can’t thank you all enough. You patiently understood and saw what I didn’t understand. You said what you were going to do and you did it, I am so very grateful to you all.”

Why this case matters

This result highlights several crucial issues:

• The importance of early legal representation
• The need for trauma-informed policing and prosecution
• The power of expert medical evidence in cases involving mental health

At MK Law, we will continue to fight for justice for those who are too often overlooked or misunderstood by the system.