Paul Raudnitz and Tom Doble acted for Kevin Herbert, former Supply Chain Manager at Williams Hybrid Power (a subsidiary of the Williams Formula 1 Group), who faced charges of bribery contrary to the Bribery Act 2010.  The allegations concerned the solicitation and receipt of corrupt payments from multiple supplier companies, over a number of months.  The investigation was lengthy and complex, encompassing a large volume of electronic and highly technical material.

Following a series of substantial legal arguments concerning the scope of the investigation and disclosure exercise, the prosecution conceded that there was insufficient evidence to pursue two of the three charges, and a plea deal was negotiated which resulted in the resolution of the case.  On 7 February 2020, Mr Herbert received a suspended sentence of two years’ imprisonment, with confiscation proceedings not to be pursued. The imposition of a non-custodial sentence in cases of this kind is extremely rare.

Mr Raudnitz and Mr Doble were instructed by Raymond Shaw and Madeleine Corr of Shaw, Graham Kersh solicitors.