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.
Paul Raudnitz KC
Tom Doble