Alex regularly appears in the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court and Youth Court defending clients accused of a broad range of offences involving violence, possession of weapons, drugs, dishonesty, fraud, sex, public disorder, driving and breaches of court orders.
Allison Summers KC is Head of Drystone Chambers. A formidable court advocate, known for her meticulous case preparation and exceptional client care, Allison is a go-to criminal law barrister for heavyweight cases. With a national defence-based practice, she specialises in cases involving homicide, other serious violence, and sexual offences. She is routinely instructed in cases involving young and vulnerable defendants and witnesses. Notably, her youngest client was 13 years old (charged with murder); her oldest was 92 years old (charged with historical sexual abuse). It’s these complex and emotionally charged cases where Allison excels. She has extensive experience of dealing with vulnerable defendants with mental health problems and other behavioural conditions including Aspergers, Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Where cases require cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses, she is robust and fair. Her familiarity with the use of intermediaries for both prosecution and defence witnesses make her a versatile and sought-after counsel. This considerable expertise mean that Allison is frequently instructed by solicitors on cases involving difficult or unusual features. Knowledge gathered over many years gives her great insight when it comes to identifying and instructing appropriate experts. In respect of her expertise in somnambulism where she has previously represented a man charged with attempted murder she has also undertaken rape cases involving sexsomnia. She appeared in the 2022 BBC documentary Sexsomnia: Case Closed? which looked at some of the legal issues relating to prosecuting and defending cases when sexsomnia was raised. When necessary, Allison can draw on her skill as an Assistant Coroner to undertake cases involving extensive or complex medical issues and has appeared in several cases of homicide where medical causation has been an issue.
Andrew specialises in fraud, proceeds of crime, criminal and regulatory law. He has defended and prosecuted numerous jury trials across the whole criminal spectrum and was appointed in 2009 to the Attorney General’s grade ‘C’ list of Counsel to prosecute for the Serious Fraud Office. Andrew is also a level 3 CPS Prosecutor. He is qualified to receive instructions direct from members of the public.
Fraud - crime (including money laundering and asset forfeiture) - Leading silks Professional Discipline Public Law Consumer Law Regulatory Prosecutions Extradition
Azza’s experience in all areas of serious crime is impressive. She is regularly instructed in cases of serious violence, sexual offences, major drugs supply, and all aspects of white-collar fraud. Azza has also been instructed as junior counsel in cases involving murder, contract killing, manslaughter, rape, high-end drugs conspiracies, and large-scale public disorders. Azza has appeared in the Court of Appeal both for the appellant and respondent in appeals against conviction and sentence. She appeared for the respondent in one of a collection of appeals which forms the guideline case concerning reverse legal burdens. Azza appeared for the appellant in an appeal against a long sentence imposed for rape and ABH, where she successfully argued that the higher starting point did not apply. Again, for the appellant, Azza was appointed by the Court of Appeal registrar for a category A prisoner in his appeal against conviction. This involved fresh evidence being called in the Court of Appeal, and arguing on matters related to non-disclosure. This was successful, and secured his immediate release. She is regularly praised by both lay and professional clients for her attractive style of advocacy and effective questioning of witnesses. The Court of Appeal has complemented her well-structured and persuasive submissions. She is committed to obtaining the best result for her client. In addition, Azza has conducted many high value confiscation matters and is adept at providing pre-emptive advice on safe working practices to ensure that businesses or their representatives do not fall foul of the new legislation. Azza also has a dual speciality in regulatory work.
Barnaby Shaw prosecutes and defends in Hampshire and Dorset and defends in Cambridgeshire and London. His practice covers the full range of criminal law particularly serious violence, drugs importations and supply, sexual assault, violence and cruelty against children and VAT fraud. Defence work includes appearances before Courts Martial in England and overseas.
Charlie Myatt prosecutes and defends in all areas of criminal law. This includes being regularly instructed in murder cases both prosecuting and defending as junior Counsel to silk and also in his own right. His particular area of expertise is in prosecuting and defending in the full range of sexual offences both as leading Counsel and junior Counsel to silk with a particular focus on historic child sexual abuse cases. Charlie is a Grade 4 prosecutor and is on the CPS rape panel. In addition, Charlie has been involved in prosecuting and defending in a number of high value drugs conspiracy cases and is also instructed from time to time to prosecute complex frauds for the CPS.
Claire Howell specialises in the most serious complex criminal cases and regulatory law with a particular emphasis on murder, fraud and regulatory offences. Claire is often instructed by solicitors in cases involving high profile or professional clients. Her practice mainly focuses on defence work, but she has been a Grade 4 panel advocate for over a decade, is appointed to the list of specialist advocates in Health and Safety, and acts in cases prosecuted by Local Authorities and Trading Standards. She also has a particular interest in mental health in the context of criminal cases and was asked to contribute to the review undertaken by ‘Justice’. Chambers and Partners describes her as ‘highly sought after’.
Claire Matthews works across the South Eastern Circuit, with an exclusively criminal law practice. With a practice almost equally divided between prosecuting and defending, she has been instructed in cases including armed robbery, serious violence, firearms, child abuse, serious sexual offences, major drugs, and mental health cases. She is regularly instructed in criminal cases involving expert evidence, complex third party issues, and cases with a particular emphasis on infant death/serious injury/neglect. She has also been instructed as junior counsel in cases of murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, firearms offences, serious fraud and money laundering. She has recently both prosecuted and defended parents/guardians in murder and manslaughter cases of alleged ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome’, and has a professional interest in medico-legal evidence.
Duncan O’Donnell undertakes all aspects of serious crime (including murder, fraud, serious drugs offences and organised crime), both for prosecution and defence and has appeared as leading junior. He advises on disclosure of sensitive material and public interest immunity applications. He is a designated rape prosecutor and a preferred prosecutor in cases of domestic violence in Cambridgeshire. He practices mainly in Norwich, Cambridge, Peterborough and Ipswich.
Gemma Gillet is currently on sabbatical. Gemma Gillet is an experienced Regulatory junior specialising in Professional Discipline and Financial Services Regulation. For several years prior to this she was instructed across the full range of criminal cases including, dishonesty, violence, sexual offences, trading standard offences and others. Gemma advises and acts in proceedings before a wide range of professional bodies including the Health and Social Care Professions Council, the General Dental Council, the General Medical Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, the General Optical Council and the Teaching Agency. She also appears on behalf of individuals and organisations at Coroners’ Inquests. Gemma has lectured in Tort and Land Law at BPP on a freelance basis. She has also taught Criminal Litigation on the BPTC at the College of Law. Gemma is currently seconded to a major bank to assist with the FCA-lead review into the mis-selling of Interest Rate Hedging Products, specifically in relation to consequential loss claims.
Georgia joined Chambers in 2017 and became a tenant after completion of her 12-month pupillage in 2018. She is currently seconded to the Regulatory team at Kingsley Napley until December 2019. Georgia has regularly appeared in the Youth, Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, both in trials and appeals. She has experience of dealing with vulnerable clients and witnesses, including children and/or those with mental health problems, learning difficulties or autism. Georgia has represented individuals at trial for a broad range of offences, including Fraud, Robbery, Sexual Assault and Possession with Intent to Supply Class A drugs. Georgia accepts instructions in all of Chambers’ main practice areas, including Local Authority prosecutions. Georgia appeared as a led junior for the prosecution in a publicised case of fraudulent trading. She is particularly interested in developing her Regulatory practice and has experience of fitness to practice proceedings.
Giles joined Chambers in 2017, and became a tenant in June 2018 on completion of his “third six” pupillage. He appears regularly in the Magistrates, Youth and Crown Court, and has also had success in the Court of Appeal. Giles both defends and prosecutes, using the experience and knowledge gained in one role to his clients’ advantage when performing the other. He is on the CPS advocates panel, as well as prosecuting for local authorities. In this course of his pupillage and his previous position with another leading Chambers in London, Giles gained a wide range of experience in a number of areas. He worked with the team prosecuting the LIBOR and EURIBOR litigation, an SFO prosecution of complex inter-bank trading fraud; was involved in the leading case of R v Joseph & Others [2017] EWCA Crim 36 on the defences available to victims of human trafficking; and as a result also assisted in the preparation of the practitioner text Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery: Law and Practice (Southwell, Brewer and Douglas-Jones), focussing in that context on the prosecution of the perpetrators of trafficking.
Grace became a member of Chambers in May 2024 following the successful completion of her third-six pupillage at Drystone Chambers. Prior to her third-six, Grace undertook her pupillage with the CPS in Wessex and qualified as a Crown Prosecutor. Since joining chambers, Grace has built a busy practice both defending and prosecuting. Grace is most regularly instructed in the Crown Court, accepting instructions also in the Magistrates’ Court, Youth Court, and the Court Martial. Grace is rapidly building a strong defence practice. Defending in her first jury trial, she saw a not guilty verdict returned within an hour after a three-day trial. Grace has also had success in the Court Martial, with her client acquitted of matters where dismissal from service was at stake. Grace has also secured acquittals in trials in the Magistrates’ Court including matters of domestic violence. Grace prides herself on building genuine rapport with professional and lay clients alike. Having qualified within the Crown Prosecution Service, Grace has an understanding of how cases are internally prepared, an insight which is invaluable to both her prosecution and defence work. Within her pupillage, Grace prosecuted many Magistrates’ Court trials and experienced dealing with interpreters and child witnesses. These included offences such as threatening with a bladed article in a private place, ABH including strangulation, harassment, and driving offences. Grace also regularly prosecuted remand courts, which has given her the ability to get to grips with cases quickly, a skill that helps immensely in the instructions she now receives within chambers. Grace continues to build upon her prosecution practice, regularly receiving instructions within the Crown Court. Grace has recently been instructed to prosecute a case solely reliant on res gestae evidence. Grace has provided detailed advice on the case, which will be subject to legal argument. Prior to pupillage and during her legal studies, Grace volunteered for the British Red Cross in Portsmouth as a Refugee Support Caseworker and worked for a small local legal services firm in her hometown in Cornwall, who provided unreserved services.
Isobel is an experienced barrister who defends and prosecutes the most serious matters in Court centres across the South East and East Anglia. Her caseload includes murder, kidnap, fraud, GBH and serious sexual offences.Isobel specialises in serious sexual offences and has forged a reputation as an extremely capable advocate over the last 15 years since specialising in this area. These cases range from allegations against professionals including Doctors and Teachers, historic allegations and allegations by very young complainants. She has particular expertise in dealing with complainants or defendants who need support due to vulnerabilities including special needs and mental health difficulties. She is lauded for her ability in communicating with very young complainants and defendants in particular.Recent cases include a defendant of 16 diagnosed with the abilities of a 7 year old, defendants and complainants with diagnosed mental illnesses, dementia and conditions leading to findings of being unfit to plead. Isobel also advises retrospectively on the bases of convicted defendants, and has already taken a number of such cases to the Court of Appeal.
Joanne Eley was called to the Bar in 1997 and joined One Paper Buildings in 2007, having previously practiced at a Chambers in Chelmsford. She practices on the South Eastern Circuit, predominantly in East Anglia. She is an experienced practitioner, specialising in serious sexual offences offences and in particular child abuse. She is regularly instructed in cases involving young and vulnerable witnesses and defendants, prosecuting and defending in equal measure. Joanne Eley has extensive experience of drugs conspiracies, attempted murder, violence and dishonesty. She also has experience of dealing with offences involving child cruelty, in particular cases of serious injury and neglect. Her practice focuses heavily on serious sexual offences, including rape and sexual offences involving children. This year she has been involved in a number of cases involving very young children, the youngest being 4 years of age, requiring a departure from traditional cross examination and a clear under standing of the Advocates Gateway. She is frequently instructed in both contemporary and historic sexual allegations. Last year she defended in 2 particularly serious cases; the first involved a young man charged with a serious sexual assault on a 16 month old baby, causing what were described as horrific injuries, of a sexual nature. This involved detailed cross examination of a number of expert paediatricians, who specialised in child sex abuse. She was also instructed to represent a man charged with historic sexual abuse over a period of 30 years, the complainants include a number of family members. Joanne Eley led Junior Counsel in this case, which resulted in an acquittal by the Jury on all counts. She has particular expertise in cases involving mentally disordered defendants and children. These cases requiring a particularly sensitive approach. Joanne Eley has led Junior Counsel in a drugs conspiracy. Miss Eley has recently been instructed as Junior Counsel to prosecute a multi handed brothel conspiracy (she is being led by Charles Myatt). The investigation and allegations cover a number of counties in the U.K. She is currently prosecuting a particular serious allegation contrary to sections 18 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861, it is alleged the defendant set fire to another individual causing serious injury. Last year she gained experience prosecuting an individual for animal cruelty (R. v. Trevor Lay). The prosecution arose out of a contravention of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species, which therefore involved a breach of EU Regulations under the Control of Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations of 1997. In the past she has been instructed as Junior Counsel in serious cases of fraud.
John McNally has had a broad common law practice and has appeared in matters as varied as a civil ‘rape trial’ to EC law on the rights of free movement and education for workers. This breadth of experience has been sought by solicitors when they need Counsel who can deal with cases involving matters as esoteric as donatio mortis causa or secret trusts. In recent years John has had a broad spectrum of Criminal work (including Trading Standards and Environmental Law) but also undertakes matters involving Regulatory and Public Law. He has advised or appeared in matters concerning the General Medical Council, the Hearing Aid Council and the GCC as well as in relation to Coronial Inquisitions. He is a Grade 4 approved Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service.
Jonathan is a leading junior with considerable experience in a wide range of offences. He defends and prosecutes on behalf of Local Authorities, and accepts instructions on a Direct Access basis. He has a very high level of experience and expertise in cases involving IT and computer technology, and heads the Dyers Chambers IT team. He is frequently involved in training solicitors and other legal professionals and is acknowledged for his practical and down to earth approach. His ability to understand and explain sometimes highly technical matters is appreciated by solicitors and lay clients alike. In addition to conventional instructions, Jonathan is regularly requested to advise on discrete aspects of larger cases, and has often been able to provide advice which proved vital to a successful outcome.
Kaja acts as a junior and leading junior in a broad spectrum of serious criminal cases. She has been instructed in numerous murder, attempted murder, kidnap, firearms, drugs, fraud, blackmail, rape and child cruelty trials. She has particular experience in defending allegations made against professionals by children and other vulnerable complainants, cases involving complex medical issues and mental health. In addition to her defence practice, Kaja is a level 3 approved prosecutor for the CPS and is on the specialist rape prosecution panel. Kaja has also been instructed in many inquests including those involving deaths in custody. Her regulatory work has included food safety, proceedings before the GTC, now the Teaching Agency and police disciplinary proceedings.
Karen Walton specialises in serious crime and maintains a practice that involves both defending serious criminal matters and prison law work. She is an experienced, heavyweight criminal practitioner with a proven record in dealing with the most serious of offences. She has been instructed in multiple defendant violence and fraud requiring meticulous analysis of complex case papers. She has extensive experience in the sensitive handling of vulnerable defendants/witnesses. Karen is finding that she is increasingly instructed in matters relating to ‘Gangs and Guns’ and is beginning to build a specialism in this area. Her practice includes serious sexual assaults (recent and historic), serious violence, child cruelty, drugs cases, cases involving victims and defendants with mental health problems and learning disabilities, confiscation proceedings. Her led work has included murder, serious violence, historic sexual abuse by multiple family members, fraud and large scale drug offences. In 2018, Karen represented a significantly higher number than usual of defendants with mental health problems and comunication or learning difficulties such as austism and aspergers. As a consequence she has extensive experience of instructing intermediaries or expert witnesses to act for the defence. She has also undertaken a significant amount of cases involving complainants who are under 10 and therefore represented defendants under the new protocol to try and achieve trial within 8 weeks of charge. Karen is one of the most experienced members of a team within Drystone Chambers who specialise in serious sexual offence matters. This team offers seminars on all areas of sexual offences trials, providing short bespoke seminars or larger networking events. Karen is also a qualified vulnerable witness training trainer, Middle Temple.
Karim Khalil appears in many of the most serious and high profile cases across the UK. He also advises and represents people in cases involving issues of foreign jurisdiction and/or cross border matters. He is equally happy to work with hard copy or digital materials and has a formidable reputation for working quickly and effectively. He took Silk in 2003 prior to prosecuting the Soham Murders, having been called to the Bar in 1984 and becoming one of the youngest Assistant Recorders/Recorders. His advice and advocacy is sought across diverse fields including murder, gross negligence manslaughter, 'baby-shaking’, serious fraud (including Inland Revenue, Customs & Excise and MTIC), Health & Safety, drug trafficking and sexual offences. Karim has a special interest in cases involving forensic experts across a wide spectrum. Karim has represented those seeking to avoid extradition when accused or convicted of multiple homicides in foreign jurisdictions. He advises those considering private prosecutions and is a qualified Mediator and mediation advocate. His close association with Cambridge University enables him to draw on significant expertise and has contributed to making him one of the Directory ranked leading Silks in the cross-examination of experts in may fields. He wrote the chapter on Confiscation Law for Lexis Nexis and has been asked to contribute to a new journal on palynology (plant based forensics). Karim successfully resisted criminal proceedings against one of the government scientists in the Porton Down investigation. He has been involved in many trials involving Police informants. He has represented prisoners before the Discretionary Lifer Panel and regularly represents appellants in the Court of Appeal, often superseding trial Counsel. Karim has long championed the increased use of digitally presented evidence and was the keynote speaker at the inaugural conference for SIOs across the country, working closely with Acume. He was invited to become a member of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences following his keynote speech on the “The science of the Soham murders”. Since their launch, Karim has consistently been placed among the top ranked list of Silks in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners Directories.
Nick is a regulatory crime specialist with over 20 years’ experience. With a wide-ranging practice embracing fraud, trading standards prosecutions, planning and housing enforcement, environmental crime, unlawful eviction, licensing applications and appeals, Nick is instructed by local authorities and private clients to appear in tribunals and courts at all levels, both first instance and appellate. He also advises on restraint, confiscation and other ancillary orders. Nick has been praised as a natural communicator, with excellent client-handling and jury advocacy skills. He is efficient, up-to-date and down to earth. Nick regularly gives lectures and seminars, most recently dealing with topics as diverse as POCA challenges, social housing fraud, data protection, environmental crime and unlawful eviction.
Philip Farr is a highly able criminal practitioner with significant experience across the full spectrum of serious crime. Philip both prosecutes and defends and is frequently instructed in cases of serious violence, including murder, and sexual offences. Regularly requested to act in cases involving young or vulnerable witnesses or defendants, Philip is noted both for his calm demeanour with witnesses and defendants alike, but also for his attention to detail and rigorous cross-examination. Philip has appeared in numerous cases where the allegations are of serious sexual misconduct, often including sensitive cases where the accused occupies a position of authority, or where the allegations are within the context of a familial relationship. Philip accepts instructions both via legal aid and privately, and occasionally accepts instruction from private clients charged with Road Traffic offences, an area in which he has had considerable success. Philip has been an approved external advocacy assessor to the Crown Prosecution Service since 2009.
Richard joined chambers in 2016. He accepts instructions in the fields of criminal law and regulatory law as well as certain areas of civil law and extradition law. Prior to joining chambers, Richard studied in Maastricht, The Netherlands and worked in-house at a law firm in Vienna, Austria as well as for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. He specialised in litigation and arbitration. His litigation work focused on cross-border disputes between Austrian entities and foreign companies as well as cases with associated white-collar crime proceedings. His arbitration experience has involved commercial, investment and sports law cases in both institutional and ad-hoc forums. He has previously undertaken pro bono work for various charities relating to social security appeals, children’s rights and mental health law. Richard has developed a broad criminal and regulatory practice. He is regularly instructed in crown court cases, both prosecuting and defending, where he has dealt previously with such matters at trial as inter alia conspiracy to burgle, robbery, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, rape, fraud, money laundering, possession of drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to supply drugs, possession of an offensive weapon, affray, ABH as well as Section 18 and 20 GBH. He has also obtained several certificates for counsel for youth court matters. He prosecutes regulatory matters for local councils and the NMC. He has also undertaken drafting and review work for the FCA, Government Legal Service and the Home Office. He is direct access and CPS grade two qualified. In addition, he is approved onto the list of specialist regulatory advocates. In addition, he is approved onto the list of specialist regulatory advocates, Panel C, by the Health & Safety Executive. Also, he has successfully undertaken the vulnerable witness training course through an Inn of Court.
As both Junior and Leading Junior Robert’s work covers the wide spectrum of serious crime including homicide, sex-offending, serious fraud and drug conspiracies. As Junior alone he has successfully defended attempted murder trials, and is sought after to prosecute and defend in motor vehicle death cases. He has built up an expertise in ‘document’, ‘images’ and ‘computer’ cases as commented on in the 2019 Chambers and Partners Directory having been identified in that field initially by the 2014 Legal 500 and is well-known for his attention for detail. Robert is regularly briefed both to prosecute and defend in multi-complainant cases of sexual offending (including historic abuse cases and offences against children). He is on the Crown Prosecution Specialist Rape Panel. In addition to his practice in civilian Criminal Courts, Robert receives instructions to appear before Military Tribunals defending servicemen and women against allegations of criminal conduct and service discipline offences.
Ryan is an exceptional criminal defence advocate with an enviable success rate. His practice encompasses the gamut of criminal matters - from money laundering and fraud, to serious violence and sexual offences, and the supply/importation of class A drugs. As a led junior, he has defended in complex murders, importation of Class A drugs and money laundering. Ryan also has a proven track record prosecuting cases for the Crown Prosecution Service and on behalf of Local Authorities.
Sean is a sought-after senior criminal barrister specialising in cases that require expert advocacy skills. Sean is often the defence leader of choice in several high profile, complex and serious criminal cases. Sean has experience in criminal matters involving charges for murder and conspiracy to murder, multi-kilo drugs cases, serious fraud, and serious violence, successfully defending a range of clients. Sean has defended in many sex cases (both present and historical). Sean is called upon to advise professional clients at an early stage of proceedings regarding strategy and achieving the best outcome for lay clients. With over 30 years of experience, Sean has developed a varied practice and represents both individual and corporate clients. Sean also represents Police Officers at Police Disciplinary Tribunals and Army Personnel at Courts Martials, both in this country and overseas. As a trainer with the Inns of Court College of Advocacy and Gray’s Inn is very familiar with all cases concerning the vulnerable and section 28. Sean represents appellants appearing before major hearings at the Court of Criminal Appeal and is instructed to advise on the merits of an appeal before they reach that stage. He has experience in all aspects of appellate work, including applications to the Court of Appeal (both on paper at first instance and oral renewals) and judicial review in the Administrative Court
Simon is an experienced advocate who practises mainly in crime, regulatory and professional discipline. He is frequently instructed to deal with complicated and sensitive matters and both prosecutes and defends. Simon is thorough, pragmatic and calm in his approach to each case. He is also qualified to act on public access matters. CRIME Simon receives instructions in a variety of criminal matters to both prosecute and defend in the Crown Court. Simon was appointed to the Crown Prosecution Service’s Grade 2 Panel but is also frequently instructed to defend both publicly and privately funded defendants. Simon has acted in cases that cover the full range of criminal offences including serious offences involving dishonesty, violence, sexual offences and drugs. He has acted as led junior for multiple cases arising from organised crime operations, advising on all aspects of those cases including complex disclosure exercises and associated confiscation proceedings. Simon has experience of handling vulnerable complainants and witnesses. REGULATORY LAW Simon has developed an extensive practice in regulatory law and accepts instructions on behalf of regulatory authorities and professionals. He has appeared before fitness to practise tribunals of different regulators in every conceivable type of hearing and is able to advise on all relevant issues both pre- and post- hearing. Simon has appeared at the General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Health and Care Professions Council and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, amongst other regulators. The cases in which he has appeared include patients deaths, allegations of sexual harassment and assault and dishonesty, as well as those raising lack of competence and health issues.
Simon is a specialist criminal law barrister. He brings his wealth of knowledge of criminal law to the English bar where he has developed a speciality in all levels of crime. He has regularly led and has extensive jury trial advocacy experience and is well-versed in fraud and proceeds of crime cases (confiscation), firearms, drugs, violence, sex cases, and all other types of crime. He has reputation for being able to handle the most difficult and demanding clients.
Stephen Spence has considerable experience both prosecuting and defending in all aspects of serious crime, particularly sexual offences, fraud, Internet crime, murder and cases involving historic child abuse. He has acted as leading counsel in a number of high profile cases including recently prosecuting would be serial killer Alex Palmer. Stephen is a grade 4 and RASSO list prosecutor and vulnerable witness training trainer/facilitator. Chambers and Partners state: "He is absolutely brilliant - very honest and very professional." - 2018 "He balances the gravitas of a very experienced member of the Bar with a friendly accessibility, and an ability to make my clients feel very comfortable with him. His ability to talk to the jury rather than at them is also very good indeed.” – 2017 Legal 500: “...is known for his aviation practice and is very highly rated for his criminal practice” Aviation Stephen is recognised for his specialist aviation practice. An RAF trained pilot with flying experience ranging from gliders to fast jets and rotary he has an enviable reputation for defending aviation related prosecutions. These have ranged from regulatory issues to allegations of gross negligence manslaughter. His clients have included aircraft engineers, pilots (private and commercial), aviation businesses and international airlines. He acted as leading counsel for Internet giant Amazon in their recent prosecution for shipping dangerous goods by air. He is currently instructed in the Shoreham Air Show crash prosecution. Stephen is instructed in Inquests and in High Court civil claims arising out of aircraft accidents. He is able to advise on aircraft leasing and operating agreements. He has written for a number of aviation publications on legal topics and was a guest speaker, at a Royal Aeronautical Society legal conference, on the admissibility of AAIB reports in legal proceedings. Sports Law Stephen is a former Board member of the British Bobsleigh Association, and the Special Advisory Committee of the FIBT (Federation International de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing). He has advised a number of sports governing bodies on disciplinary procedures and drug testing, appearing in numerous disciplinary tribunals involving a variety of sports Stephen has sat as Chairman in both sports disciplinary proceedings and Olympic selection appeals. Stephen is on the Sports Disputes Resolutions panel of approved lawyers to provide pro bono advice to athletes who are accused of anti-doping or other disciplinary offences. Stephen Spence is qualified to accept instructions via Direct Access.
Stephen is an experienced advocate specialising in Criminal Law. Called in 1997, he has built a reputation as a highly respected advocate with a heavyweight practise. His practise encompasses prosecution and defence matters, dealing with a full range of offences including kidnap, blackmail, serious violence, large scale drugs importation, complicated and substantial fraud and counterfeiting offences. He is a grade three prosecutor. In addition to his burgeoning UK practice, Stephen was appointed as lead defence counsel for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), the Hague. Concurrent to practice at the Bar, Stephen was formerly Senior Lecturer in Law at Kingston University (2000-2014) lecturing in criminal and contract law on the GDL and Civil Litigation Procedure, Evidence, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution on the LLM.
Stephen has developed a substantial practice in criminal law and has broad experience of dealing with cases in the Court of Appeal, the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court. Since coming to the Bar in 2001 he has maintained instructions both as defence counsel and as prosecuting counsel (for both the CPS and local authorities). He is a Grade 3 CPS Prosecutor. A considerable proportion of Stephen’s work relates to defence in serious criminal cases where he acts as a leading junior or junior alone. Over many years he has received instructions in respect of high-value confiscation and forfeiture proceedings under POCA 2002. He has significant experience of dealing with cases involving sensitive disclosure issues and ‘intrusive’ policing methods and has delivered lectures specifically dealing with disclosure, evidential presentation and RIPA 2000. He has also presented lectures to local authority enforcement teams in relation to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and RIPA 2000. In recent years Stephen’s practice has focused on the areas of financial crime, serious organised crime and serious sexual offences. He is accustomed to dealing sensitively with young and vulnerable clients and witnesses. Stephen has a particular interest in acting and advising in disciplinary proceedings relating to sports law; over a number of years he represented both trainers and jockeys appearing before disciplinary panels and currently acts as a steward with the British Horse-racing Authority.
Unyime is a criminal law specialist with a reputation as a formidable and persuasive advocate across the whole spectrum of criminal offences. She is known for her meticulous case preparation and client care. Unyime undertakes work in London and on the Western and South Eastern Circuits.Unyime's effective communication skills and sensitivity has led her to being instructed frequently in cases involving very young children, as both defendants and witnesses. She has also prosecuted and defended in cases involving vulnerable defendants and/or witnesses. Unyime has built an expertise in all sexual offences (both prosecuting and defending) including rape.Unyime is frequently instructed in cases alleging serious violence up to and including attempted murder. She is a well regarded and sought after junior for both the prosecution and defence and has been led in several cases including multi-handed drugs conspiracy and large scale fraud cases. She is a Grade 3 prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service as well as being a member of the CPS panel of rape specialists.
Will Carter has forged a reputation as an extremely able and knowledgeable barrister, prosecuting and defending in equal measure in serious criminal cases. He is regularly instructed in heavy fraud cases, both as junior and leading junior, where his meticulous approach and attention to detail are well known. He has wide experience of Revenue and Customs cases, in which he acts mainly for the defence. Will has appeared in a number of prosecutions of police officers for offences ranging from corruption to manslaughter. He is instructed as junior and leading junior in murder prosecutions and has particular experience of cases involving sudden death in infants and associated areas of medico-legal expertise. He has appeared in many cases involving charges of serious sexual misconduct, particularly where the allegations date back many years. His practice covers the full range of the criminal law. He has been a contributing editor of the criminal practitioners’ handbook Archbold for many years.
Zarif Khan is an established practitioner with over 22 years experience at the Criminal Bar, gained from the spectrum of a varied defence practice and being involved in some of the Countries most high profile cases. He has an excellent reputation with Judges and legal practitioners as an agile and hard-working defence advocate, experienced in dealing with serious crimes of terrorism, murder, serious sexual offences, people trafficking, fraud, money laundering (POCA Proceedings) and drugs. Zarif is relied upon both as leading and junior counsel, who can get to the heart of the case with clear logical thinking, an abundance of common sense and good judgment to dissect and simplify matters to the core. Chambers & Partners says he is a: “recommended individual”. The diversity of Zarif’s practice has enabled him to develop expertise in a wide range of matters in criminal law as well as related areas of law. He is therefore able to effectively handle cases with a grounded understanding of how for example human rights, immigration and family law provisions affect and can be intertwined into criminal matters. Zarif’s ability to unravel and de-mystify the interaction of complex and overlapping issues has gained him a robust reputation within the profession and for being able to clearly communicate the same. In addition, Zarif’s personable style as an advocate and his enthusiasm to do the best for his client shines through in every case. As a result, Zarif has developed excellent relationships with both lay and professional clients, which have continued to garner recommendations by those he has represented. Due to Zarif’s diligence and down to earth approach his practice reaches the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. He has worked on some of the Country’s most complex, interesting as well as legally challenging cases. As a result of which, he has gained widespread recognition with solicitors for being able to take on some of the most difficult and challenging clients. This inevitably means that Zarif is brought in to calm, reassure and advise the lay client and conduct their case, with the sereneness that is required. Frequently, Zarif has been instructed in cases where ever-evolving modes of technology play a significant part in the organisation of criminal activities and consequently the evidence presented. His extensive knowledge of the ways in which evidence involving technology including cell-site, IP addresses, Facebook, and other social media and App. based communication platforms are used, means that his clients are fully appraised of the way that this evidence affects their case and the challenges that can be made in relation to the same. Disclosure deserves a special mention as Zarif has been described by others as having an ‘old fashioned’ attitude towards disclosure, this he takes as a complement since it is probably the single most important issue in a case but many lawyers don’t have the understanding, experience or tenacity to ask the right questions from the relevant authorities to untangle their case and get the right result for their client. Since the police & CPS are the gatekeepers of any disclosure and therefore a self-interest to limit the same to the defence. It is therefore important that with Zarif’s knowledge and tenacity that they do not withhold material which may ultimately lead to an acquittal. Over the years this has been the single most important issue, which has lead to the right result for the accused. The most recent example of Zarif’s success following issues of non-disclosure was in representing a Russian billionaire heiress which received extensive media coverage here in the UK, as well as abroad, on an appeal against a conviction from the Magistrates Court. The conviction was notably overturned despite a full confession in the police station interview. Currently, Zarif is advising in matters for a variety of international high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), relating to issues such as money laundering, POCA proceedings as well as general advice in relation to quasi-criminal issues. For example, Zarif is overseeing a contractual dispute and the claim arising thereof between an individual who introduced the Big Bus Company in Dubai. Zarif is now more regularly relied upon by corporations to act in an advisory capacity, with regard to matters approaching litigation in commercial and civil disputes. This is complemented by Zarif being a qualified ADR mediator. Zarif is fluent in Urdu and Punjabi, Direct Access Accredited and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) / Mediator. Zarif has consistently been highly ranked as a leading individual in Criminal law, in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners directory for many years.