Furnival Chambers

Called 1996

Alexia is a leading junior and known as an exceptional jury advocate for the defence, appearing in many high-profile trials and appeals. Professional clients have praised her “class” and “consistently superb results” and she is known for excellence in dealing with young or vulnerable defendants and witnesses. Alexia has a strong grasp of the law and was in the leading Court of Appeal joint enterprise case following Jogee for the principle defendant (R v L Johnson and others), the leading Court of Appeal authority on “gang” bad character evidence (R v Awoyemi and others) and more recently R v OM, a successful appeal in relation to when fraud vitiates consent to cosmetic procedures, the so-called “Botox Butcher” case. Alexia is much in demand by Queen’s Counsel as their defence junior of choice in the most serious of cases and has extensive experience of fraud/money-laundering cases, including carbon-credit frauds and in the representation of professional defendants including solicitors. She frequently appears in long cases involving serious organised crime groups accused of offences involving firearms, kidnap, blackmail, cyber-crimes and large-scale drug supply/importation.  In relation to sexual offences, Alexia has extensive experience of prosecuting and defending sexual offences including serial rape, historical rape and cases involving online exploitation, indecent images, child abuse, kidnapping and child abduction.

Specialist practice areas: serious crime, criminal/civil fraud, regulation/compliance, asset forfeiture, immigration.

Called 2015

Since joining Furnival chambers as a first-six pupil in 2006, Ben has developed a busy and successful defence practice at every level of the criminal justice system. Whilst specialising in serious crime, Ben also has extensive experience practising in regulatory and disciplinary proceedings (professional misconduct). As leading and junior counsel, Ben has successfully defended his clients in matters ranging from murder and serious violence to organised crime, drug importation, money laundering, firearms, causing death by driving, misconduct in public office, complex fraud and sexual offences and has successfully appealed against wrongful convictions and excessive sentences.

Caroline has a high profile practice and is particularly known for her work in Slavery and Human trafficking cases and those involving Serious Sexual Offences. She is a sought after senior junior for both the defence and prosecution. She is instructed in complex cases, including murder trials, as leading counsel against Queen’s Counsel. Recent cases include: Operation Dorking - Leading counsel in the successful prosecution of two brothers who trafficked scores of vulnerable individuals around the United Kingdom for work exploitation. Operation Falorni - Successful prosecution of a Nigerian gynaecologist and his wife, who was a senior NHS nurse, for offences arising out of illegally bringing a 14-year-old child to the United Kingdom as their servant and keeping him in servitude for 24 years. Operation Leaside - This is the high profile eleven defendant ‘Aylesbury Sex Ring’ trial. Caroline represented one of the four defendants who were acquitted. The case involved the grooming, sexual exploitation and rapes of two young girls by a group of Asian men in the Buckinghamshire market town over a number of years. Operation Kinney - Leading counsel in the successful prosecution of a serial prostitute rapist who, over a period of two years, attacked and raped four prostitutes in the East London area. Operation Leaside - Junior counsel for a teenage defendant in the Gumtree Murder case. The 18 year old was acquitted. She has a strong reputation for her work with vulnerable witnesses and defendants. She has been described by those who work with her as a 'hard working and persuasive jury advocate,' who possesses 'excellent client care skills' and is a 'team player.' Caroline is a grade 4 prosecutor, she sits as a Tribunal Judge and she is Legal Chair of the Police Disciplinary Panel.

Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2018 Caroline continues to be instructed in the most high profile and complex of Human Trafficking / Modern Slavery Cases. As author of the Firstly Modern Slavery Review - and joint legal adviser on the Second Modern Slavery Act review she advises and lectures on the implementation of her recommendations on a policing, practitioner, judicial and government level internationally and domestically.  She is also a contributor to 2nd edition “Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Law and Practice. She successfully prosecuted the first child sex exploitation and the first child labour exploitation under the Act, the latter, was the subject of the BBC2 “Crown Prosecutors” series. She has successfully prosecuted the largest labour exploitation case in Europe “Operation Fort” with over 300 victims (BBC 1 Panorama Program “The Slave Kings”.) She has particular skill in the prosecution of OCG’s with an international dimension and has significant experience in dealing with JITs’ and foreign evidence. Caroline’s defence practice is focused on murder, serious violence and drugs alongside cases with disclosure issues at the fore. She has expertise in areas of complex forensic evidence: LCN DNA, entomology, causation etc. She appears before disciplinary panels and provides early intervention guidance to corporate bodies and private individuals on both criminal and regulatory matters. She was awarded an OBE in 2019 for her public service in the field of modern slavery and human trafficking.  

Recognised and ranked in Crime & Financial Crime, Charlie’s practice & name as one of the go-to silks in Murder, Serious Organised Crime, White Collar Fraud, Private Appeals, Private Prosecutions and Regulatory work has never been stronger. He is regularly instructed on a direct access basis. Recognition has now included since being appointed as a Recorder of the Crown Court in 2019. Opinions:  “Charles Sherrard QC’s cross-examination is like missile strikes and just as effective!” “His recall of facts and detail is frightening, but always accurate”  “Dedicated, fastidious and incapable of switching off his brain once he has a case in it”  “An excellent silk who takes the time to listen to his clients  “Sees angles others don’t and is a lawyer of great gravitas with a wicked sense of humour” “The Complete Advocate” Charlie’s sustained reputation is based on his painstaking preparation, an assiduous eye for detail and sympathetic client care. His work ethic and personal attention to detail have resulted in continual recommendations by word of mouth and professional contacts. This explains why Charlie was instructed in cases such as the killing of Jodie Chesney, the first FGM trial, numerous gangland murders and the worst multiple death case in UK history on our roads.  Charlie has been a regular legal expert guest on LBC News Radio with Nick Ferrari, Theo Usherwood & most recently Shelagh Fogerty regarding the Manchester Bomber case. Was legal advisor to LBC regarding the Labour Party file of anti-semitism. Recently introduced by Andre Morgan on LBC News London as “LBC News Radio’s foremost legal analyst” when discussing the fallout from the parole board decision in the case of John Warboys. Legal advisor to The Sun regarding Ched Evans acquittal and relevant law. Expert contributor on Channel 1 Europe TV to Bengali community on Cyber Crime & Money Laundering Notable Cases & Profile: Even in lockdown, Charlie successfully submitted a no-case-to-answer in R-v-BT murder trial in Luton. His high profile successes have been seen in R-v-IS [the father of a 3 year old in the leading FGM prosecution at the start of 2019]; in R-v-JJF [18 yr old indicted in multiple revenge killings arising out of North London gangland rivalry]; R-v-JR [HMP Pentonville murder trial]; R-v-MA [ lead defendant in multi-handed Afghan murder]; R-v-MA [Turkish student murder trial] and even when representing an absent Turkish defendant accused of male rape [R v O]. Additional profile cases have included R-v-M [the infamous ‘M1 lorry driver’ following Britain’s worst ever road incident]; R v YC, [Turkish gangland revenge execution], & R-v-OH [a sawn-off execution in West London and many others.  Since taking silk in 2012, Charlie’s resourceful and powerful tactical expertise, together with a dedicated hands-on preparation and management of cases, has been recognised by continual instruction in a series of high profile and complex fraud cases. Tax and boiler room frauds feature in his key caseload. In a highly competitive field, Charlie has bucked the trend by being continuously busy and constantly in demand. As soon as he took silk, he gained significant credit and media coverage for his unstinting and powerful defence of Kweku Adoboli [aka The UBS Rogue Trader] when taking on the might of the Swiss Bank and securing unexpected acquittals on all false accounting counts despite the seemingly overwhelming evidence. Another notable client, unpopular with many, but successfully acquitted of a large scale income tax fraud, was Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson [ex leader of the EDL]. Success in the white-collar field has seen him successfully secure the acquittal of SJ, son to a notable peer, in the fraud and feud arising out of the capital raising by the board of JD Sports.  Similar success in the white-collar field has been achieved in Carousel Frauds in Liverpool [Operation Forbear] securing the only acquittal in the whole operation, and not guilty verdicts for a solicitor said to be at the heart of a fraud on the Olympic Development Authority [Operation Cavalcade] in a long running fraud trial at Southwark. Other notable and high-profile fraud cases have seen Charlie represent other professionals, this time an accountant, at the heart of a massive property fraud [R-v-Entwistle & others] and a banking consultant in Operation Amazon.  In the Regulatory field, Charlie has been retained as Counsel by a leading international firm of private investigators in addition to a firm of liquidators and tennis coaches appearing before the LTA. His advice has covered such diverse areas as Inquests, Cyber Crime, Sports Law and an increasing number of Private Prosecutions. In 2019, Charlie’s recent Inquest work has contributed to major changes into Health & Safety provisions at a Thameslink Station and assisting in step-free access.  Direct Access work is accepted Professional Memberships: CBA, SEC, Fraud Lawyers Association, Association of Private Prosecutors Positions in Chambers: Director of Furnival Chambers, Chairman of Pupillage  Please see full chambers profile for more info: http://furnivalchambers.co.uk/barrister/charles-sherrard-qc

Called 1999

Called 2017

Instructed in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court for both prosecution and defence in general crime and confiscation. Junior counsel in conspiracy to handle stolen goods, namely high value cars. Instructed in the Youth Court in several sex cases as well as for matters of robbery and GBH. Instructed as a junior by Asset Recovery Agency in High Court civil recovery matter. Instructed in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court by NHS Counter-Fraud and Security Management Service. In addition to her criminal practice, Chloe is regularly instructed by the Asset Recovery Agency (now subsumed into the Serious and Organised Crime Agency) in civil recovery matters and has recently appeared in the High Court on behalf of the Agency.

Specialist practice areas: serious crime, criminal/civil fraud, asset forfeiture, inquests and public inquiries. Chris Meredith is a highly experienced and successful leading advocate, and has specialised in violent crime defence work for over 20 years. He has appeared in over twenty murder trials and innumerable high-profile rape trials, in both junior and leading capacities, invariably with success. Since 2000 he has appeared in nine murder trials and in each case the defendant was acquitted of murder. He has successfully represented defendants in organised crime trials and corruption trials and is experienced in trials involving sexual offences, kidnapping, robbery and firearms, drugs importations, fraud and money laundering. Chris is also an experienced advocate in the appellate courts with a recent and notable success in an appeal from the House of Lords to the European Court of Human Rights, in the leading case on money laundering – R v Soneji & Bullen. This case involved ‘contracts’ with numerous Bureau de Change in and around London. For many years Chris has retained a keen interest in financial crime and has represented directors in cases ranging from arms exportation frauds, carousel, revenue and VAT frauds across the spectrum to City and corporate frauds involving bankruptcy frauds and liquidation frauds. Recently, he successfully represented a company at a Coroner’s Inquest charged with the unlawful killing of three care home residents where unfavourable verdicts would have led to corporate manslaughter charges. Chris has undertaken FSA training courses, is a keen trader of stocks, options, ETF’s and currencies on the UK, American and Canadian Exchanges, and currently manages a number of portfolios in addition to being managing director of the company – Green Marine Technologies Ltd. This background is enormously helpful in deciphering complex fraud cases and representing those charged with fraud offences.

Called 2014

Call: 2006 Direct Access Qualified Ranked as a leading junior by The Legal 500 in Sports Law & Crime: “He is a powerful and persuasive advocate who is able to deal with novel and complex issues with ease.  He provides clear and considered advice.  An ability to build an immediate rapport with lay clients even in the most testing of circumstances”. “A passionate lawyer, whose commitment to a case is admirable and does not go unnoticed by clients.  He thinks carefully about the arguments he wishes to make and works collaboratively when preparing a case”. Previous editions said: ‘He is very experienced – articulate and composed, with a good eye for detail.  A powerful advocate as much as he is technically able, he is excellent in cases with novel issues.  A persuasive advocate inside and outside the courtroom, with a sharp intellect to gain the best possible result.’ ‘He has a superb eye for detail and grasps the issues in a case quickly, however substantial or complex the evidence.  An excellent tactician, appreciated for his thorough approach.  An impressive advocate and a pleasure to work with.’ ‘Clearly very experienced and comfortable in sports disciplinary proceedings.  Always thinking laterally’.

Called 2004

Called 1984

Specialist practice areas: serious crime, criminal/civil fraud, serious sexual offences. Emma Smith has an exclusively prosecution practice which, whilst covering the full spectrum of criminal offences, focuses on two very distinct fields: serious sexual offences and fraud. Emma is a Grade 3 prosecutor. Sexual offences: Emma is a rape specialist for CPS London and CPS Kent. Emma regularly prosecutes cases of rape and serious sexual assaults, with a particular specialism in cases involving children and vulnerable adults as victims. Emma has a particular interest in the medical aspect of such cases. She also prosecutes in pornography and child cruelty cases. Recent cases include: R v A, C & A: leading junior for the Crown in this six-week trial. First and second defendants represented by Queen’s Counsel and junior. Defendants charged with the rape and serious sexual assault of six of their young female relatives, the allegations dating from the mid-1980s to the present day. R v M: historic sex case dating back to the early 1970s. The 73-year-old defendant was charged with the rape and indecent assault of three young girls of his extended family. R v S: prosecution of father for the rape and serious sexual assault of his eight-year-old daughter during their weekend access visits. R v A: the defendant was charged with the rape and GBH of a female friend. Defendant represented by Queen’s Counsel and junior. R v K, B & K: prosecution of three defendants for the kidnap and rape of an escort, mistakenly believed to be a witness in an impending criminal prosecution. R v G: prosecution of an amateur football coach who had over a period of four years sexually assaulted eight schoolboys he was coaching. The defendant had video-recorded those sexual assaults. Defendant also charged with the possession and distribution of over 60,000 indecent images of children. R v S: prosecuted a teacher charged with the sexual assault over 15 years of three schoolgirls to whom he was giving after-hours private tuition. R v N & A: prosecution of two teenage defendants for the vaginal, oral and anal rape of a 15-year-old schoolgirl. Fraud, white-collar crime and confiscation: Emma has acted as a leading junior in serious fraud offences. She has prosecuted alone cases where the defendant has the benefit of two counsel and /or Queen’s Counsel. She has been instructed by the CPS and by various government departments. She has considerable experience of prosecuting insolvency-related crime, disqualified directors’ offences and other economic crime. She is fully conversant with asset forfeiture and confiscation proceedings. Cases include: R v G and I: defendants charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, the case concerning their fraudulent use of credit cards to refurbish and stock a designer clothing shop in East London. Operation Mistlethrush: instructed as leading junior for the Crown in a large and sophisticated banking fraud in which the defendant stole over £1m by assuming the identities of numerous unwitting third parties. R v B: fraudulent trading prosecution – B was a director of a construction company siphoning away significant company funds whilst creditors went unpaid. R v G: prosecution of an accountant for the non-declaration on his income tax returns of interest earned on funds held in Jersey. R v I: three-week prosecution of an accountant for fraud on his employer, an owner of various care homes in East London. Other serious crime: Emma is frequently instructed by the CPS to prosecute cases of causing death by dangerous driving and/or careless driving. Emma has also prosecuted in large-scale drugs and firearms trials. She is fully conversant with all matters relating to disclosure, PII and RIPA. Other: Emma has been instructed by the RSPCA in animal welfare cases and by local authorities in environmental protection matters. Emma has lectured on the sentencing provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

Instructed as a leading junior as well as being led by Queens Counsel. Experienced in all areas of crime particularly cases involving terrorism. alleging charges ranging from murder, conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause explosions and offences arising out of the Terrorism Acts. Appeared for the defence in many of the UK’s major high-profile terrorist cases. These include the July 2005 London bombing campaign, the alleged terrorist training camp cases and the transatlantic airline bomb plot. R v Ibrahim & ors: representing one of six alleged bombers in a case arising out of the attempted bombing campaign of 21 July 2005 on the London underground system following the bombing attacks of ‘7/7’. R v H & ors: representing one of two defendants charged with incitement to murder (over the course of two years) in the context of an organised alleged Muslim extremist group operating in and around London. R v D & ors: representing one of nine defendants where charges ranged from incitement to murder and the alleged providing and receiving of terrorist training contrary to the Terrorism Act 2006. 15 defendants were arrested as part of high-profile arrest raids in South London in September 2006. R v Knox & ors: case involving a breach of the United Nations Sanctions order. Allegations involving company trading in breach of (then) UN Serbia and Montenegro Sanctions Order. Not guilty verdict. R v Murray & ors: large-scale undercover police operation concerning conspiracy to rob. A gang of young men was targeting prominent and wealthy individuals in affluent areas of London, following them and causing doorstep attacks leading to theft of jewellery and high-value cars. The total loss was several million pounds. R v Karia: arson with intent to endanger life. Case concerning a security guard employed by a major central London hospital charged with setting a series of fires on hospital premises over a period of several months, culminating in a major fire in the basement causing the hospital to have to be evacuated and losses to the tune of several million pounds. Verdict was not guilty of intent to endanger life. R v Harris: causing harm to baby through ‘baby shaking’. Defendant under disability and all prosecution witnesses as to fact under some form of disability. The prosecution seeking to rely upon a purported confession by the defendant during interview was argued by the defence to be oppressive. The case involved complex medical issues as to causation and injury, and expert evidence as to the exact cause of injury and whether the diagnosis was affected by a pre-existing condition contributing/causing the injury. Not guilty verdict. R v Sadiq & ors: case involving a major public disorder involving the local and immigrant community in Dewsbury involving more than 20 individuals. There were 15 defendants and charges ranged from violent disorder to section 18 assault and intent to cause serious harm falling just short of attempted murder. Weapons ranged from knives to motor vehicles driven as weapons to cause injury. There were complicated issues if identification was involved. The main victim of the disorder was severely injured leaving him wheelchair-bound. All but one of the defendants were found not guilty upon direction of the judge. R v Miah & ors: case involving feuding community factions in Leeds causing major public disorder resulting in two consecutive days of unrest amongst a small community. Offences ranged from public order offences to section 18 assault with intent to cause serious harm and firearms offences. R v Thompson & ors: joint Metropolitan Police and Customs undercover drugs operation concerning the supply of Class A drugs involving covert police surveillance operation. R v White & ors: major undercover police operation involving the supply of Class A drugs on the streets of central London. R v L & ors: armed robbery at two major high street supermarket outlets involving the taking of thousands of pounds using violence and firearms. This was said to be an ‘inside job’ organised and executed by the three members of staff charged. R v Boukadir & ors: multi-million pound conspiracy to defraud banks and other financial institutions, alleged proceeds of which were said to have been sent to the Middle East with suggestion that this was to fund terrorist organisations.

Barrister

Barrister

Call:2010

Called 2015

Barrister

Practises in crime and extradition, both defending and prosecuting. Criminal practice involves predominantly prosecuting in cases of high profile, serious crime, especially homicide. Appointed junior Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court in 2017. Extradition practice encompassess acting at all levels from first instance to the Supreme Court representing both foreign governments and individuals facing extradition.

Criminal practitioner with specialist knowledge of police operations and procedures. Particularly experienced in the fields of public order, armed robbery, murder, drugs and motoring offences. Has appeared in the Court of Appeal in specific areas of law relating to police procedure and the use of informants. John’s recent high-profile cases, which have received considerable media coverage, have included: representing one of nine defendants charged with conspiracy to commit murder and acts of terrorism in connection with the ‘ricin’ poison plot; appearing in a case arising from the import of 150 kilos of opium into the UK from Iran; acting in the multi-handed trial of the associates of gang members convicted of the murder of a solicitor in North London, which also involved several counts of serious violence and a conspiracy to commit robberies on the London Underground.

Specialises in criminal law, especially large scale drugs cases, white-collar fraud and money laundering. Lead for both defence and prosecution in a variety of such cases. Has also led for defendant in murder trial at Central Criminal Court, obtaining not guilty verdict. He has featured each year in recent editions of ‘Chambers’ legal directory as one of the leading juniors in London. Regularly appears in major court centres in other cities, such as Leeds, in major trials. Experienced in multi-defendant cases involving murder, drugs, armed robberies, fraud, money laundering and other serious crime. Able to case-manage complex trials.Also experienced in cases involving sexual allegations, utilising television links.  Particular interest in cases involving scientific evidence to utilise knowledge in this area. Trained in dealing with vulnerable witnesses and involved in training in this area.Recent cases of note include 2020: conspiracy to commit fraud (investments in diamonds) 2019: leading counsel for first defendant in 3 month fraudulent trading trial, "Dark Web" drug dealing conspiracy, attempted kidnap of schoolgirl, attempted murder, conspiracy to supply psychoactive substance

Called 1993 / Silk 2019

Called 2010

In the last three years, Julian has been engaged in seven murder trials, five at the Central Criminal Court, for both defence and Crown. Prosecution: junior counsel to the Crown in a series of three linked multi-handed murder trials during 2002-03. More recently: R v Pacan & others, a six week sex trafficking trial, involving six defendants allegedly involved at each stage of the traf

Called 2017

Keith’s practice encompasses serious and complex fraud, substantial drug importation and supply offences and violent crime, judicial review and appellate hearings, licensing (of all types including alcohol, gaming and firearms), health and safety, trading standards, road traffic, prison law and courts martial. The majority of the work Keith undertakes he is instructed in as a leading junior. Originally, Keith’s practice was general common law which included family law, but which developed over the years to become principally crime based. Keith undertakes cases on the south-eastern and western circuit, but is also instructed in other parts of the country. Serious crime: criminal work undertaken includes substantial fraud, drugs offences, serious violence, sexual offences and general serious and complex crime. He is frequently instructed in substantial and lengthy fraud cases (Inland Revenue, VAT and MTIC), on behalf of the defence on the south-eastern and other circuits. He is also often involved in major cases alleging conspiracy, including those involving issues of entrapment and agent provocateur. Keith is instructed in cases concerning telephone surveillance, mobile telephone location and tracking relating to police covert operation. Abuse of process hearings relating to both participating informers and entrapment. Childcare cruelty and paedophilia conspiracies. Instructed increasingly in murder cases, increasingly involving psychiatric and medical evidence. Money laundering: money laundering plays an important part in the disposal of unlawfully and fraudulently gained financial assets. As a result bureaux de change and foreign exchange bureaux/financial facilities are often the subject of criminal investigation and prosecution. Keith has been involved in defending persons who are often caught up in these alleged frauds. The following cases relate to such offending: R v A & ors (Southwark Crown Court) – leading junior for a defendant in a multi-million pound drugs and money laundering case. Monies gained from the illegal importation of drugs into the UK were said to be later laundered thorough bureau exchange and banks to dissipate the proceeds of the drugs conspiracy. R v Dhalliwel & ors (Southwark Crown Court) – instructed for the defence of a participant in a money laundering operation involving a bureaux de change concealing the proceeds of crime by the conversion of sterling into Euros. Regulatory proceedings: although Keith’s practice focuses predominantly on criminal litigation he also undertakes regulatory work including trading standards, road traffic offences and disciplinary hearings, international money laundering offences (including evidence taken out of the jurisdiction). Banking fraud (helped by having worked in the past for a merchant bank), company and accountancy fraud. Professional defendants: instructed for accountants with regards to pension provisions, nursing home staff and managers relating to over-sedated/abused patients/residents by staff requiring knowledge of drugs, medical and otherwise, and the relevant regulations. Noxious substance prosecutions as they relate to stupefaction of residents in nursing homes requiring pharmacological and medical experts. Defended St John Ambulance in its first prosecution of that type under the health and safety regulations for causing death. Defence of consultant surveyor involved in an animal offences prosecution (building development work). Civil proceedings: false imprisonment and malicious prosecution proceedings, release on prison licence and parole hearings on judicial review to the Administrative Court. Other work includes regulatory offences including nursing homes, trading standards, general road traffic offences and disciplinary tribunals. Fraud: Keith has an extensive and wide-reaching defence fraud practice and experience in defending in substantial fraud trials. Q v W & ors (Southwark Crown Court) – instructed as the leading junior in the largest international MTIC (mobile telephone) fraud ever prosecuted by HMRC (losses alleged to be in excess of £250m). His female client was alleged to be centrally involved in all levels of the fraud (importer, missing trader, buffer, and freight-forwarder).

Exclusively criminal practice in both defence and prosecution, though mainly defence work. Instructed in jury trials and also appeals against conviction and/or sentence. Also instructed in a wide range of work in the Youth and Magistrate Courts. Work undertaken includes, in the Crown Court: violent offences, including robbery, wounding and ABH; sexual offences, including indecent exposure and sexual touching; dishonesty offences, including burglary and furnishing false Information; forgery and counterfeiting, including possession of false instruments/identity documents and use thereof; drugs, including possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply. In the Youth and Magistrate Courts: violent offences, including robbery, ABH, assault, and possession of offensive weapons; sexual offences, including indecent exposure; public order offences, including violent disorder; dishonesty offences, including burglary and theft from employer; and drugs, including possession of Class A and C drugs with intent to supply.

Priority interests are drugs and confiscation, white-collar fraud and money laundering, and offences of violence. Primarily defence counsel experienced in all areas of criminal law, with an emphasis on violence and large-scale drug conspiracies, including the largest seizure of Class A drugs in Leicester (R v Lumba 2005). He has been led in matters of passport and identity fraud involving immigrant work gangs, MOD corruption and fraud (the much publicised conspiracy to remove and export large quantities of military hardware from ABRO Donnington (R v Lee 2005), prosecuting junior in a multi-million conspiracy to rob, the case being wholly dependent on mobile telephone and cell site analysis (R v Mentore 2004), the Lincoln prison riots (2004), and drugs conspiracies, including the largest wholesale distribution network in South Wales (R v Rees 2003). Laban Leake regularly undertakes court Martial work appearing in the UK, Germany and Cyprus.

Called 1992

Barrister

Lisa’s practice covers the full spectrum of serious crime - allegations of murder, using the dark web to import firearms and drugs, possession of firearms with intent to endanger life, county line class A drug operations, conspiracy to commit s18 (GBH with intent), rape and child abuse. She is instructed to lead, as junior alone and as led junior. In her first leading brief, her defendant was acquitted of all charges in an 8 handed multi incident conspiracy - her client was accused of providing a firearm in a gang related drive by shooting. Lisa is known for her meticulous preparation, tenacity in court & confident and compassionate manner with clients. In recent years this style has led to an expertise in cases involving young defendants and witnesses, or those who have mental health difficulties, are on the autistic spectrum or have learning disabilities. In such a case, Lisa persuaded a sentencing Judge to go "off guideline" and impose a non custodial sentence for a youth who had repeatedly stabbed the victim in the face. The prosecution were unsuccessful in their appeal of the sentencing decision - Attorney General’s Reference [2018] EWCA Crim 973. The quality of her written and oral advocacy is recognised by the Registrar of the Court of Appeal who has instructed her to conduct appeals for unrepresented defendants. In such a case – R v Jamal Poku [2019] EWCA Crim 1209, the Court of Appeal commended her “attractively developed” submissions re the boundaries of greater harm for a s18.

Barrister called 2002

Called 2013

Michael Latham has a particular interest in fraud and financial crime. Has wide ranging experience in serious fraud trials, as well as money laundering and cases involving asset forfeiture and confiscation. Theft and all types of conspiracy case also form a significant part of his workload. Michael’s general criminal work covers the spectrum of violent and sexual offences, and includes murder, rape, child abuse and armed robbery.

Called 1984 / Silk 2006

Called 1998

Nicholas is a criminal barrister who enjoys complementary practices in extradition and crime (with an emphasis on fraud and cases with an international dimension). Nicholas also advises individuals who are (or fear they may be) the subject of Interpol Red Notices. He is co-author of “David & Hearn - A Practical Guide to Interpol and Red Notices” (published by Bloomsbury 2018). Nicholas can provide comprehensive advice regarding the procedure for obtaining information held by Interpol and applications for the deletion of such material and the lifting of Red Notices. Nicholas is appointed to the Crown Prosecution Service list of external counsel at level 4.   Serious Crime   Current caseload and recent cases:   R v X and Ors (Southwark Crown Court – 2019) – instructed by the SFO (with Sean Larkin QC) to prosecute three individuals accused of bribery and corruption offences. The case concerned one of the first prosecutions of human defendants following a Deferred Prosecution Agreement entered into between a corporate defendant and the SFO.   R v Brzezinski and Ors (Birmingham Crown Court - 2018-2020) – instructed by the CPS Special Crime Division (with Caroline Haughey QC) to prosecute 7 individuals in what was estimated to be the largest modern slavery investigation in Europe (over 250 victims of human trafficking for the purposes of labour exploitation were identified). The investigation was featured by the BBC’s Panorama programme in September 2019.   R v Daryl Rowe (Lewes Crown Court - 2018) – instructed by the CPS special Crime Division (with Caroline Carberry QC) to prosecute an individual accused of deliberately infecting 10 men with the HIV virus. The case resulted in the first conviction for a s18 offence in the context of transmission of the HIV virus.   Extradition Nicholas has practiced in the field of extradition law for over ten years. He has been ranked as a “Tier One Junior” for International Crime and Extradition by the Legal 500 for several years.   Nicholas has been instructed as a leading junior in the Divisional Court on two occasions (Vasilev v Bulgaria [2016] EWHC 1401 (Admin) and GS v Hungary [2016] 4 W.L.R. 33. In 2016, Nicholas appeared in the Supreme Court led by Mark Summers QC (Goluchowski & Sas [2016] UKSC 36).   Current caseload and recent cases:   India v Nirav Modi – instructed by the CPS on behalf of the Government of India (with Helen Malcolm QC) in relation to an extradition request for a high profile Indian businessman alleged to have defrauded an Indian bank of in excess of $1bn.  India v KS – Instructed by the CPS on behalf of the Government of India (leading Catherine Brown) in relation to an individual accused of terrosit offencesin the punjab region of India.   Germany v ND  – Instructed by the CPS on behalf of the Government of Germany in relation to forthcoming Divisional Court proceedings concerning the impact of Germany's decison to refuse to extradite its own nationals to the UK post-Brexit.     Nicholas also advises individuals who are (or fear they may be) the subject of Interpol Red Notices. Nicholas can provide comprehensive advice regarding the procedure for obtaining information held by Interpol and applications for the deletion of such material and the lifting of Red Notices.   Publications   Co-author of David & Hearn “A Practical Guide to Interpol and Red Notices” published by Bloomsbury (2018).     Nicholas accepts Public Direct Access instructions.

Acts alone and as a junior for both prosecution and defence in all areas of serious crime throughout the country. Particular interest and experience in serious fraud and white-collar crime (including NHS fraud and passport fraud), drugs offences (large-scale importation and supply, covert operations), sexual offences (including historical child abuse, child pornography, rape and kidnap), serious violence (including homicide offences and those involving firearms), public order offences (particularly ‘protest’ cases). Also practises in cases involving sensitive public interest immunity and complex third party disclosure issues. Examples include informant evidence, covert surveillance and interception of communications and including information acquired by NCIS, NCS, Special Branch, Social Services, the IPCC and other agencies. Cases involving sensitive media or political issues, including those with celebrities and serving police officers as defendants. Experienced in dealing with confiscation hearings and cash forfeiture proceedings. Notable cases: junior for defence in R v Mohammed Dica (first conviction for GBH by reckless infection with HIV) (Inner London Crown Court, Court of Appeal [2004] QB 1257, Central Criminal Court, Court of Appeal (2) Times, September 7 2005); Operation Manzana: child prostitution and drugs supply; junior defence in R v Dean Williams (murder, domestic violence), Maidstone Crown Court, leave to appeal granted in relation to admission of evidence of previous incidents of strangulation; junior for defence in R v Keesoondoyal and James (£1.5m fraud by accountant working for major Plc), Cardiff Crown Court; protection counsel in Operation Aciento: prosecutions resulting from large scale supply of Class A drugs and firearms in West End nightclubs (Metropolitan Police Clubs and Vice Squad); counsel for the Crown in all cases arising from the May Day 2001, 2002 and 2003 disorder in Central London, including acting as junior in substantial case involving the lawfulness of police operational decisions in 2001, Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court. Junior counsel for defence in R v P (J) involving historical allegations of systematic child abuse by family friend, Isleworth Crown Court; junior counsel for defendant in case involving fatal police shooting.

Nicola Shannon has a successful Leading Junior practice in Crime, both prosecuting and defending.  She also sits as a Recorder, is on the CPS Counter-Terrorism list (Grade 4) and was this year appointed to the Serious Fraud Office Counsel Panel A.   Her practice is focused on serious and complex crime, with an emphasis on Organized Crime, Fraud, Modern Slavery and Serious sexual offences.  Many of her cases involve intelligence-led investigations and international mutual legal assistance.   She frequently undertakes leading briefs, and is often selected to deal with novel and challenging areas of law.  Her juniors Patrick Duffy, Max Hardy and Ross Talbott have all been ranked previously by Legal 500.  She often appears against Silks and her cases frequently attract significant media attention. Recent such cases have included defending an international rugby player dubbed ‘the Princeton Rapist’ by the press https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/sex-attacker-expelled-princeton-rape-b923768.html https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/princeton-rugby-player-rape-trial-b1794713.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9198591/Princeton-University-graduate-22-guilty-raping-two-women.html and successfully prosecuting two police officers for a baton attack on a member of the public. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/romford-fight-police-officers-baton-assault-b918790.html She also prosecuted a politically-connected defendant for the national supply of 'party platters' of drugs.  The case arose out of an investigation into the defenstration of a reality TV star who had fallen to her death shortly after taking class A Drugs.  The investigation was later the subject of an ITV documentary. www.thesun.co.uk/news/7738916/drug-dealer-daniel-lewis-aimee-spencer-geordie-shore-death www.theargus.co.uk/news/17362711.daniel-lewis-jailed-after-appeal-against-suspended-sentence/ Nicola Shannon has experience in criminal courts at all levels, including the House of Lords/ Supreme Court, where she was junior counsel in R v Saik (2006) UKHL 18, a leading case on the mental element in offences of money-laundering.  She continues to deal with complex matters at appellate level on her own.   She was leading counsel in the first series of trials under s71 Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (the forerunner of the Modern Slavery Act 2015) beginning in 2012 (R v Connors and others, Luton C C) representing members of the travelling community. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-22433982 www.itv.com/news/anglia/story/2012-04-18/slavery-trial/ www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/four-members-of-traveller-family-convicted-in-slaves-trial-7936127.html www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9211788/Travellers-recruited-slaves-for-concentration-camp.html www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19636018 In 2019 she also pioneered a prosecution under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 for the supply of Spice in Lewes Prison – thought to be the only such prosecution prior to the re-categorisation of spice to bring it within the mainstream statutory regime (R v Swaysland and others, Lewes CC). www.brightonandhovenews.org/2019/01/09/brighton-family-accused-of-running-prison-drugs-ring www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/crime/lewes-prison-drug-smuggling-ring-hid-spice-inside-packs-of-maltesers-court-hears-1-8764021 www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/news/crime/mother-and-son-sentenced-after-smuggling-drugs-into-lewes-prison-in-maltesers-packets-1-8952627 She advises the CPS and police investigators at an early stage in Organised Crime, Fraud and Serious Sexual Cases, often involving sensitive political or cultural issues.   She has extensive experience of high-value fraud and money-laundering cases and defended in a drugs importation case at Maidstone C C in 2013 (Op.s Viracocha and Synthetic), which culminated in POCA proceedings in which the prosecution sought confiscation orders valued at £138 million. She has been appointed to the 2021 Serious Fraud Office Advocate Panel A. As leading counsel she has also prosecuted a number of high value benefit frauds for local authorities, including one involving a gender-reassigned identity fraudster (R v MJ, Harrow C C): www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/7481179/Transsexual-countess-jailed-over-benefits-fraud.html Between 2016 – 17 she led the prosecution of five members of the biggest county lines drugs network in Sussex for the Kidnap and torture over 6 hours of two men caught up in a botched blackmail attempt.  All were convicted over the course of two trials and those convictions upheld in the CA. (Op. Kelvin). www.itv.com/news/meridian/update/2017-05-09/five-men-jailed-for-a-total-of-72-years-for-imprisoning-and-torturing-two-men-in-brighton www.theargus.co.uk/news/15272125.five-jailed-over-the-torture-of-two-men-in-brighton www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/five-strong-gang-tortured-hostages-9838001   She also regularly undertakes firearms and other gang-related cases, for both the prosecution and the defence.   In 2019 she led the prosecution team in a rare prosecution of social media-based Child Sexual Exploitation within the Orthodox Jewish communities in London and Manchester. www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/jewish-man-jailed-for-sexual-offences-against-underage-girls-1.489385 www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/crime-court/clapton-paedophile-jailed-for-7-and-a-half-years-in-social-media-grooming-case-1-6295331 talkradio.co.uk/news/opportunist-internet-groomer-found-guilty-sex-offences-19073031766 In 2020, she again led for the prosecution in a difficult Child Sexual Exploitation case brought to charge under the Victim’s Right to Review by the mother of a young woman with Down’s Syndrome and severe learning difficulties who had been raped by a play worker at the specialist centre she attended.  Complex issues of mental capacity arose. (R v Fennell, Snaresbrook C C). She is currently preparing a case of rape and assault including non-fatal strangulation which has involved a review of new research into the prevalence of strangulation in sexual assault.  She is also instructed to prosecute ‘the Camden rapist’ for a campaign of stranger rape.   Subsequent to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 Nicola regularly deals with defences under s45, including the calling of expert evidence. She has also prosecuted cases involving international trafficking, both those involving vulnerable victims and commercial breaches of immigration controls.  She is currently instructed to prosecute one such case involving international criminal gangs importing substantial numbers of foreign nationals into the UK (Op. Correspond).  

Exclusively criminal practice for over 20 years. Defence comprises the majority of his practice, and covers the whole spectrum of serious crime. Prosecution work is almost exclusively for the CPS at Guildford, though recently prosecuted at Reading CPS as leading junior in a conspiracy to commit armed robberies. Heavily involved in all aspects of the court martial system for many years, initially as defence counsel but later and in addition as a part-time judge-advocate. Also regularly appears for the Crown as respondent in the Court Martial Appeal Court. Reported cases include R v Femlon & Others, 71 CAR 307, R v Fritschy [1985] CLR 745, and Findlay v UK (instructed Treasury solicitor on behalf of UK government in a case at Strasbourg challenging the whole future of the court-martial system).

Entirely defence-based practice specialising in murder, terrorism, fraud and drugs cases. Murder and violent crime: conducted Regina v William Cockram and Others (the Millennium Dome robbery trial CCC, 2002). Has also represented such clients as Patrick Smith (murder CCC, 2001/2), John Taft (‘Beauty in the Bath’ murder trial, Liverpool CC, 1999), Maria Hnautik (murder, Norwich CC, 1996), Ngarimu (Female Contract Killer, CCC, 1995), Syd Owen (‘Ricky’ of ‘Eastenders’, wounding, Snaresbrook CC, 1995), Michael Sams (kidnapping, blackmail, murder, Nottingham CC, 1993). Also the trial and successful appeal of the ‘Chelsea Headhunters’ (Regina v Drake and Others). Fraud: represented William Casey, acquitted in a multi-million-pound arson/insurance fraud (CCC, 1997), and Chananya Gross, acquitted in Hackney electoral fraud trial (Wood Green CC, 2001). Regina v Kounnou, £200m shipping fraud (CCC 2003), Devi Schahou in the Goldman Sachs trial (Southwark 2004). Most recently Dorian Morris, principal defendant in multimillion-pound money laundering trial acquitted Kingston CC 2005. Sexual Crime: including high profile cases such as Richard Baker (DJ Rapist, CCC, 1999). Drugs: represented such clients as Paul Wyatt (Bolton CC, 2002/3), Jason Fitzgibbon (Birmingham CC, 2000), Thomas Adams and Others (Woolwich CC, 1998). Successfully defended the first defendant in a £150m cocaine importation (Regina v Hillier and Others, 1993). Terrorism: has acted on behalf of the Iranian Embassy and represented two members of the Consular Staff in separate terrorist trials at the CCC (Tabari Abcou/Fouladi). Appeared for the second defendant in Regina v Canning and Lamb (IRA trial, CCC, 1993). Instructed in Regina v Sharif (21/7 trials), 2007.

Well-regarded advocate with a quickly developing criminal and regulatory practice. Accepts instructions for both prosecution and defence work. Has been instructed to represent in the Crown Court in trials including allegations of serious violence, the supply and production of Class A and B drugs, kidnapping, public disorder and serious sexual offences. Also has a specialist military practice. Has a developing reputation in the Court Martial jurisdiction. Often instructed to represent serving and former soldiers who find themselves accused of offences arising within either their service or civilian lives. Clients benefit from his military experience gained during six years in the British Army, including overseas operational tours. Has a related interest in international criminal and humanitarian law. Also undertakes privately funded road traffic work and has experience of defending in cases involving homicide in the course of driving. He is developing experience of fraud and regulatory work and has provided pre-trial advice to a number of prosecuting authorities. Holds security vetting to SC level. Also appears for interested parties in coroner’s inquests and has experience in the field of media law.

Called 1996

Called 1985 / Silk 2006

Called 1999

Specialist practice areas: serious crime, criminal/civil fraud, serious sexual offences, asset forfeiture, anti-terrorism, police disciplinary, court martials, inquests and public inquiries. Richard Bendall was called to the Bar in 1979 and for the majority of his career has undertaken a very varied spread of common law and criminal work in common law chambers. More recently, his practice has become almost exclusively criminal, and he joined Furnival Chambers in 2010. He both prosecutes and defends with a roughly equal balance and has appeared, usually as lead counsel, in a long series of serious cases involving homicide, violence, sexual allegations and fraud. He has undertaken court martial cases involving fatalities in Germany, Kosovo and Belize. He has a good deal of experience in arguing technical points of law in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, and has appeared in numerous cases in the law reports. His very broad experience of quasi-criminal matters has included police disciplinary work and inquests.

Specialist practice areas: serious crime, criminal/civil fraud, serious sexual offences, regulation/compliance, health and safety, police disciplinary, courts martial, inquests and public inquiries. Richard Hearnden is a criminal practitioner who has appeared for the Crown and on behalf of the accused in five reported cases, three of which are cited in the 2011 edition of Archbold. Richard has led, and has been led, in increasingly serious and complex trials over the past few years. His main areas are organised crime, fraud and sexual offences. Richard’s most serious work tends to be for the prosecution: he is on the Attorney General’s B Panel and the CPS Rape List. He is instructed by the CPS Serious Crime Group, Central Fraud Group and Special Casework. Fraud and organised crime – recent cases: British Airways fraud – leading counsel for the Crown in a white-collar fraud trial lasting six weeks in the summer of 2010. The first defendant was convicted of operating a fraudulent travel agency by selling top-end air tickets at reduced prices by manipulating the company’s complex booking system, benefiting in the sum of about £2m. Tax evasion conspiracies – junior counsel in a four-week duty evasion trial whereby two lorry drivers and five other conspirators frequently smuggled contraband tobacco to UK warehouses through the Channel ports. Instructed in a seven-handed tobacco handling and warehousing case in the West Country. Travelex fraud – prosecuted a nine-handed bureaux de change conspiracy, where fraudsters attempted to steal quarter of a million pounds from Heathrow Airport branches. Sexual offences – recent cases: child sex abuse ring – junior prosecuting counsel in the trial of three men who had raped six members of their own family from a very young age over a period of almost 30 years. All three men were convicted after a five-week trial in the autumn of 2010. Forced marriage rape – prosecuted a man who had forced a woman into a sham Islamic marriage before raping her, imprisoning her and causing her serious injury. He was convicted, sentenced to imprisonment and ordered to pay almost £100,000 in compensation to his victim. Richard also prosecuted three other rape trials in 2010, securing convictions in each case. Richard has also defended in sexual cases involving young and very young children.

Called 2004

Called 2010

Priority interests: cases of fraud with numerous defendants, firearms, violent crime, drugs and sexual crime. Extensive experience in all types of crime and cases with a significant element of public interest immunity, including: violent crime: murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, armed robbery, s18 grievous bodily harm; sexual crime: rape, juvenile rape and gang rape; drugs: possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply; fraud: mortgage fraud and DSS fraud. Also firearms, living off immoral earnings, blackmail, and kidnapping.

Called 2014

Called 2015

Sally O’Neill QC has been consistently ranked as a leading Silk in crime in Chambers & Partners The editors of the 2017 edition acclaim her as: “An experienced practitioner who is highly acclaimed for her courtroom performances. An ‘astute advocate’, she is particularly well known for her mastery of serious sexual offence and infanticide cases, most notably those involving ‘baby shaking’. Her handling of the potentially vulnerable witnesses involved in such cases was much commented upon. She also excels in serious and complex murder and manslaughter cases, among others.  She’s very polished. Juries tend to like and trust her, because she has a direct way of communication with them which appeals to them. She’s a really formidable and fair opponent.” And in 2015 she was acclaimed for: “appearing in complex and sensitive matters, including baby shaking cases and serious sexual and violent crime cases.” She was the Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association from 2007 to 2008. She was The Times’ Lawyer of the Week on May 13th 2009.Sally has been practising exclusively in Crime for the last 25 years, mostly at the Old Bailey, and took Silk in 1997. Since taking Silk she has predominantly undertaken defence work, although she prosecuted in the “Baby P” case and a serious sexual allegation involving a complainant then aged four. She has recently prosecuted two multi-handed murders, one involving a car-jacking and the latest one involving the murder and later dismemberment and disposal of the body. She has considerable expertise in murder, manslaughter and serious sexual cases, especially child abuse and trials involving young defendants. She was also involved in the Oxford sexual grooming case. Her extensive experience also includes the case of Whiting, which concerned the abduction and murder of Sarah Payne and representing Ian Watkins (Lostprophets) on very serious sexual abuse of extremely young children. Sally also represented Jake Farhi (the Jimmy Mizen case) and is currently representing a mother who stabbed to death a man accused of sexually assaulting three children.

Barrister

Called 2014

called 2014

Soraya combines a busy Crown Court practice with an established career in international human rights. She is known for her robust advocacy, methodical analysis, and exceptional client care. Soraya is an engaging trial advocate, frequently instructed in cases involving serious violence, large scale drugs trafficking and firearms offences, and is well regarded for her sensitive witness handling skills and strategic case preparation. She has prosecuted and defended in cases with an international and human rights element, including the trafficking of persons for sexual exploitation, historic child cruelty and sex offences, and large, multi-handed drugs and money laundering conspiracies. Soraya has been led and appeared alone in regulatory and criminal matters, and is often instructed by governments, large consultancies and small boutique dispute advisory firms to advise on money laundering and terrorist financing legislation. She frequently advises on sanctions regimes, particularly under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 and UN Security Council sanctions measures. Soraya is an established expert in capital defence and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa, with her work towards abolishing the death penalty being described as ‘groundbreaking’. Before coming to the Bar, Soraya spearheaded Reprieve’s strategic casework in the MENA region and has frequently appeared before the UN as an advocate and expert on state compliance with international law. She has guest lectured at Leiden University on terrorism and human rights, and at Goldsmiths University in London on the UN Universal Periodic Review mechanism to hold states to account for their human rights record. In her international criminal practice, Soraya has been instructed in peoples’ genocide tribunals, as well as in cases involving victims of state-sponsored sexual violence and gender-based atrocity crimes. She has advised on complicity for war crimes of national banks and whether domestic legislation complies with the duty to prosecute genocide and war crimes.  She is trained and experienced in the conduct of Istanbul-protocol compliant investigations into torture and ill-treatment. Soraya is an appointed member of the Accountability Unit, an NGO focusing on providing urgent legal support to obtain redress for survivors of gender-based rights violations in conflict settings and hold to account perpetrators of conflict related sexual violence. Soraya is also an appointed member of the Executive Committee of the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales. “Thank you so much for a successful outcome. The lay client described Soraya’s performance in court as excellent, her cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses revealing and powerful”.

Barrister

Called 1986

Tim Devlin is regularly instructed by the Crown on his own or as leading Junior in multi-handed cases. He frequently appears opposite Queens Counsel or senior juniors in complex cases or case of gravity. He is a CPS Grade 4 and a rape specialist counsel. Tim Devlin is also instructed by the department of work and pensions in benefit frauds, the revenue and customs prosecution office (now part of CPS) and the department of business, innovation and skills in relation to bankruptcy and Company regulation. He is also instructed by local authorities in London. Tim has acted alone in cases of bank and tax fraud, insurance fraud and frauds by deception on his own against multiple counsels for the defence, securing convictions. Frequently this is achieved by thorough preparation reducing complicated facts to simple admissions and schedules. Tim’s experience of serious sexual offences trials is impressive and extensive. His sympathetic and sensitive approach makes him particularly adept at dealing with young or vulnerable witnesses. Tim is also fully aware of diversity issues, having prosecuted sexual cases involving the Muslim, Hassidic Jewish, catholic, protestant, baptist, evangelical, and other religious communities. Some of the more high profile cases have been reported in the national and local media. Tim Devlin recently led Chloe Fordham in the successful prosecution of ten men chanting racist slogans on a train in south London, shortly after the verdicts were given in the Stephen Lawrence murder case. He is currently dealing with varied matters such as attempted murder, kidnapping, causing death by dangerous driving, sexual interference with children and the mentally ill, and rape. Tim’s varied career has also included being MP for Stockton South from 1987-1997 and PPS to the Attorney General from 1992-1994. He is an elected member of the Bar Council, and vice-chairman of the EU Law Committee. He is also a pupil supervisor, advocacy trainer in Lincolns Inn, and a prize winning yachtsman. Member of the SE circuit and the CBA.

Priority interests: drugs importation, serious fraud, firearms, sexual offences (including those involving children) and any cases with a musical element. General crime. Broad experience in all levels of criminal work, with particular strengths in cross-examination and pleas in mitigation. Specific experience includes: violent crime: ss18 and 20 assault, aggravated burglary. Drugs: experience in serious drugs offences, including importation. Fraud, including serious fraud. Firearms. Burglary, including conspiracy to burgle. Also conspiracy to deceive and perverting the course of justice.

Called 1991

Called 2014

Called 2009