Well, where can I start.
In short, I was arrested following a complaint from an ex partner claiming stalking. Having used Ashmans in police interview, I was later charged with stalking, attended a court hearing at Sheffield Magistrates Court in 2022. At which point the solicitor that was represented me advised me it would be in my best interests to plead guilty now to get a lesser sentence, even tho I pleaded my innocence throuout, anyway, I pleaded guilty because I was basically talked into it. So I entered a guilty plea. And was to be sentenced at a later date.
That evening, I felt quite suicidal at the thought of pleading guilty for something I had not done.
The next morning, having no faith in Ashmans I contacted another large firm in Sheffield opposite the court.
Having attended the court for numerous hearings etc on the 14th February 2023 I had a full day's hearing for a trial, upon the case was stopped half way and the judge decided there was no case to answer. I was innocent and free.
But if I had syayed with Ashmans I'd have had a criminal record for stalking and a 5 years restraining order for something I hadn't done, just was easier for Ashmans if you plead guilty. Not in the interests of their clients. So if it's a criminal matter, I would seriously look for another company. If you value your freedom.
The only real positive was a solicitor called Maj, who was always there for me, but unfortunately he was not the solicitor assigned to my hearing.