1. “Neil Marsh was employed by me as an Enquiry Agent from November 2013 until February 2015.He was initially
instructed to gather evidence from potential defence witnesses as Iwas under investigation bythe police for a
number ofserious allegations.Neil traced and obtained witness statements from a large number ofindividuals
and these were sentby my lawyers to the CPS and the Police in order that this evidence could be considered
before any charging decision was made.In gathering these statements Neil obtained statements from some
witnesses who had alreadybeen seen by the police but the content, quality and balance of those statements
taken by Neil were far superior when compared with those taken by police officers.
After I was charged with a number of offences,Neil continued to trace potential witnesses and was able to secure
crucial defence evidence some of which was obtained from reluctantwitnesses.This evidence was compelling
and proved crucial at trial.
Whilstpreparing for trial, Neil attended a number ofsessions with mylegal team to review the evidence and plan
a defence strategy. His inputinto these sessions was extremelyhelpful and Neil was able to use his considerable
experience as an investigator to make a significantcontribution to this process.
In the lead up to the trial and during the defence case Neil took on the very difficulttask of managing the
attendance of defence witnesses.The calling ofwitnesses during the trial was a very dynamic process and itis a
testamentto Neil’s interpersonal and organisational skills thatall the witnesses the defence called attended and
gave evidence at the trial. Neil was able to negotiate with witness supportto have volunteers available at court to
supportthe defence witnesses which enabled them to give their evidence.
Although I was convicted of some offences I was acquitted by the jury of the 3 more serious offences.IfI had
been convicted of these matters I would have faced a substantial period ofimprisonmentfor offences that I had
not committed..Withoutthe hard work and dedication ofmy defence team including Neil despite myinnocence
there was a real possibilitythat I would have been convicted of these offences.
I cannotunder estimate how stressful this whole experience has been and the thoughtof going to prison for
something thatI had not done caused me to suffer bouts of severe depression and worry. Neil was always at the
end of the telephone to offer a listening ear.I was so impressed with his compassion,advice but total beliefin my
innocence.Whenever I rang him he never failed to respond to my calls even when he was on holiday. You
cannotbuy that kind of supportand I will never forget the kindness and total commitmenthe gave me during
those dark days. Without the supportof Neil and others I could have come out of this whole process a
permanentlydamaged person butinstead Ifeel positive about the future and I am now re building mylife.
The question is ifthis happened to me again would I employhim? Too rightyes,without hesitation."
Colin