Gemma is a barrister practising in all areas of criminal, family and extradition proceedings.
Gemma is a barrister practising in criminal, proceeds of crime, family and extradition proceedings. She is recognised in the Legal 500 as a Rising star in her proceeds of crime and asset forfeiture work.
Gemma also has experience working with the National Crime Agency (NCA), having advised on a wide range of data protection and operational matters, which involved dealing with a variety of jurisdictions and statutory instruments. This role included reviewing legally privileged material as independent counsel and acting in applications for extensions of pre-charge bail.
Here’s what some of those who have worked with Gemma have to say about her:
“I found her to be hardworking, ever present when needed, her knowledge was sound, clear and direct; and that she has a natural affinity for criminal litigation.”
“Her communication skills are first class, and she strikes up an instant rapport with clients – engaging them fully and inviting confidence and trust.”
Gemma accepts instructions under the direct access scheme, allowing members of the public to instruct Gemma directly to advise them on or represent them in suitable cases.
Asset Recovery, Civil Fraud & Confiscation
Gemma has a growing practice in the area of cash and account forfeiture, regularly appearing in these proceedings on behalf of authorities such as the National Crime Agency (NCA). She also has experience dealing with cases involving high value listed assets such as gold and restraint orders concerning international assets.
She has appeared on behalf of the Metropolitan Police in account forfeiture proceedings, particularly in one notable case which concerned a wife’s suspected link to a money laundering scheme run by her husband. The sums involved in this scheme ran into the millions. This case required careful preparation of legal arguments before the contested hearing and a detailed review of the respondent’s bank accounts. Ultimately the application was conceded by the respondent following the court ruling in favour of the submissions put forward on behalf of the police in those legal arguments.
Gemma has a growing number of instructions to represent and advise respondents in account and cash forfeiture proceedings, including applications brought by both HMRC and SEROCU (South East Regional Organised Crime Unit). She is also experienced in advising respondents and applicants on the earlier stages of account freezing and cash detention.
Gemma accepts instructions in confiscation proceedings and has secured agreed orders on behalf of clients which involved reducing the initial benefit figure put forward by the Crown. She has previously appeared in the Court of Appeal through the Criminal Cases Review Commission in respect of a confiscation order made in the sum of around £17,000. The appeal concerned legal argument in respect of the original benefit figure being calculated incorrectly by the Local Authority. Following lengthy submissions the appeal was allowed and the order reduced to £3225.
Gemma also has experience dealing with enforcement proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court on behalf of clients, successfully avoiding default terms being activated.
Criminal Defence
Gemma has experience prosecuting and defending a wide range of criminal offences in the Crown, Youth and Magistrates’ Court. These range from violent and sexual offences to those related to the supply and possession of drugs and dishonesty. She has also defended those accused of fraud and money laundering.
Some of her instructions in the Youth Court have included vulnerable young defendants charged with gang related offences involving DNA and CCTV evidence. Gemma is well versed in representing those individuals who may fall under the National Referral Mechanism scheme in relation to modern slavery.
She is regularly instructed in private driving matters in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Court, obtaining successful results on behalf of her clients.
Criminal Prosecutions - Private & Public
Gemma has experience of prosecuting in a wide range of criminal offences in the Magistrates’ and Crown Court.
She has appeared in private prosecutions concerning a variety of trademark offences.
Extradition & International
Gemma has been instructed to act on behalf of clients facing extradition under both part 1 and part 2 warrants, including countries such as Spain, Albania, Italy, France and Poland. She has a wide range of experience dealing with case management, final hearings and advising on appeals to the High Court.
Family, Children & International Family
Gemma accepts instructions in both private and public children proceedings, appearing for both the applicant and the respondent. She has also appeared on behalf of the Guardian in private children proceedings. She has experience dealing with allegations of domestic violence and serious accusations of harm against children.
Gemma has experience representing both the applicant and respondent in applications for occupation and non-molestation orders.
She has also appeared on behalf of the police, dealing with sensitive disclosure applications in family proceedings.
Business Crime & Financial Regulation
Gemma accepts instructions in relation to Business Crime and Financial Crime cases.
Inquests & Inquiries & Immigration
Gemma accepts instructions in relation to Public Inquiries & Inquests and she also accepts instructions in relation to Immigration matters.