6KBW College Hill

Adam Payter

Described as a “go to junior”, Adam is much in demand in the fields of complex criminal litigation, financial crime, extradition, inquests and inquiries and related areas of public law.  He is described in the 2021 and 2022 legal directories as “an eloquent advocate who commands respect from the bench”; “incredibly bright”; “really user-friendly”; “extremely hard-working and very responsive”; he “quickly gains the trust of clients”; “produces excellent written work”; and “raises extremely important points early on” His recent high-profile work includes advising in relation to ‘Partygate’, representing families in the inquests and public inquiry into the Manchester arena terror attack; the criminal proceedings arising from the Hillsborough tragedy; acting for Pret in relation to allergy-related incidents; the successful defence of a company subject to a private prosecution for fraud; representing company directors in Indian, Russian and USA extradition requests; and pre-charge advice in relation to the Grenfell tower fire. Financial Crime Adam is recognised as a leading fraud practitioner who is “flexible, approachable and hardworking”; “able to get to grips with complex underlying material very quickly” with a “a great knowledge of the SFO” (Legal 500). In recent years, he has acted in seven SFO cases, including two of the first Deferred Prosecution Agreement matters. The issues have included concurrent Department of Justice proceedings; non-prosecution agreements in the USA and immunity or leniency agreements pursuant to SOCPA 2005. Criminal Litigation Adam is experienced in all manner of general criminal matters from multi-handed murder trials to terrorism cases. He is noted to be a “very skilful and thoughtful advocate” (Chambers & Partners) and as showing “great insight and tactical awareness about how to achieve the best result” (Legal 500). Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistace Adam is “a go-to junior in mutual legal assistance and extradition work” (Legal 500) who is “impressive and tenacious” and “a very bright and formidable opponent” (Chambers and Partners). As a result, he has a thriving extradition practice acting for requested persons, judicial authorities and foreign governments in the most “difficult extradition matters” (Chambers and Partners). Health and Safety Adam regularly acts for regulators, companies and individuals in relation to health and safety matters. He has significant expertise in food safety cases. Inquests and Public Inquiries Adam is currently acting for key Core Participants in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and the Manchester Arena Inquiry. Adam is experienced in Article 2 ECHR inquests, acting for bereaved families and those at risk of criticism and regulators, including the ORR, CQC and HE. He has particular experience of inquests involving the police, terrorism, prisons, the military and railways. Public Law Adam was previously employed by Liberty to advise members of the public on civil liberties and all aspects of the Human Rights Act 1998. He advised on issues including data protection; prison law; actions against the police; the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000; inquests and the right to peaceful protest. He is a former elected member of Liberty’s Policy Council. Disciplinary Tribunals Adam is well-versed in police and medical disciplinary proceedings. He is instructed by individual registrants, unions (e.g. RCN and MDU) and regulators (e.g. NMC and BSB) in the full range of fitness to practise hearings including conduct, competence, and health cases, High Court applications and registration appeals. Examples of Adam’s experience include cases concerning the death of a patient in a care home; the sexual exploitation of patients with mental health issues; allegations of dishonesty and medication overdoses. International Criminal Work In 2008, Adam was a Judicial Assistant to the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.  He worked on the case of Popovic et al. (IT-05-88), the seven-handed genocide case concerning the Srebrenica massacre.  

Aftab Jafferjee

When appointed Junior Treasury Counsel in 1997, Aftab became the first member of any ethnic minority to be so appointed in the one hundred and thirty eight year history of Treasury Counsel. He was appointed Senior Treasury Counsel just four years later. Aftab appeared primarily at the Central Criminal Court, dealing with a wide range of some of the most high-profile cases in the country. They include terrorism, secrets, murder, corruption, and homicide-related medical negligence. Notable cases have included the Greek Embassy Siege, the Afghan Airlines Hijack, the British Aerospace Secrets trials, and the trial of the Pakistani Cricketers’ spot-fixing at Lords. Homicide cases have included the first British cannibal killings, the Harrow school killing; the 30 year old cold-case review triple murder of the family of the first black footballer to play for England; the Thames speed boat killing and the manslaughter case of 39 Vietnamese immigrants arising from a people- smuggling operation. He has advised on allegations of war crimes involving British soldiers. In addition to being renowned as a formidable and “brilliant” cross-examiner, Aftab is regularly instructed to argue matters of law in the Appellate jurisdiction, including the House of Lords (R v Webber; R v Benson), and R v Smith in the Supreme Court. He has successfully intervened in the Court of Appeal (Civil Division), reinforcing the scope and availability of Private prosecutions (Scopelight Ltd v Chief Constable of Northumbria, reaffirmed by the Supreme Court as the authoritative judgement on the subject). Aftab was recently instructed in a long-running private prosecution concerning parties who had been involved in litigation in the Commercial Court. Fraud cases have included a long-standing involvement as Lead Counsel into the inquiry against Lloyds Bank and HBOS concerning the manipulations of both the Libor rate, and the Repo rate – the latter involving  repayments to the Bank of England`s Special Liquidity Scheme and  election fraud at the 2015 General Election. Having been described in the recent past in Chambers and Partners as “for some, the most feared prosecutor in the country” and “stunning”, Aftab has brought this formidable talent to defending. His Defence practice includes both advisory and trial work concerning allegations of business-related crime, as well as a wide variety of sensitive criminal and regulatory matters. Very recent cases include a £35 million Brazilian teak forest investment scheme; and an allegation concerning an £85 million Post Office fraud. Aftab is a past committee member of the Criminal Bar Association, and of the Professional Conduct Committee of the Bar. Aftab created the template for the presentation of complex mobile phone and cell-site evidence, which has since been adopted nation-wide, for both prosecuting and defending. Aftab was listed by The Times as being one of the country’s top ten criminal barristers at/under the age of fifty.

Ailsa McKeon

Ailsa became a Member of Chambers in October 2019 following successful completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Ben Lloyd, Simon Ray, and Alison Morgan KC. Following pupillage, Ailsa spent 10 months on secondment as Judicial Assistant to Lord Reed in the UK Supreme Court, after which she returned to chambers in August 2020. Ailsa accepts instructions across the range of Chambers’ practice areas, most frequently defending and prosecuting in the magistrates’ and Crown courts. She is a CPS Level 3 (General Crime) prosecutor and has also been instructed by local councils and private clients on various aspects of private prosecutions, as well as having completed initial training in extradition proceedings with the CPS.  She has appeared before Social Work England and the High Court (Administrative Division) in regulatory proceedings; acted for the Office of Product Safety and Standards in confiscation proceedings under the Consumer Protection Act 1987; and appeared for a vulnerable defendant in civil contempt proceedings brought before the county court. Ailsa is listed on the Government Legal Department’s Junior Junior scheme and in that capacity, was instructed (alongside Christopher Knight of 11KBW) to assist Sir Tom Winsor in his independent review into the departure of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Dame Cressida Dick, in February 2022.  She is presently one of several junior junior counsel assisting the Post Office Horizon Inquiry. She has also acted for the Home Office in relation to the provision of recovery needs support for a victim of trafficking, and adequate accommodation for an asylum seeker under ss 95-96 of the 1999 Act.  Ailsa has also regularly assisted David Perry KC with various pieces of work raising complex questions of law in domestic and foreign jurisdictions. She is pleased to take on pro bono work via Advocate.

Alex Du Sautoy

Crime Alex defends regularly in the Crown Court and takes instructions in the full range of criminal work. Recently, he has represented defendants charged with fraud, drug supply, burglary, stalking, sexual assault, money laundering, controlling and coercive behaviour, administering a noxious substance, GBH and wounding with intent. He also has a particular interest in Youth Court work. Alex prosecutes for the CPS as a Grade 3 prosecutor. He has prosecuted in cases before the Crown Court involving terrorism offences (encouraging terrorism and disseminating terrorist publications), people trafficking, money laundering, fraud by false representation, conspiracy to supply a controlled drug, grievous bodily harm, burglary, threats with a bladed article, and unauthorised immigration advice. His current prosecution work includes acting for the CPS in the potential prosecution arising from the Grenfell Tower fire. He has acted in several private prosecutions, including one involving complex allegations of trans-national fraud. He is on the SFO’s C panel of prosecution counsel and is currently instructed by the SFO as second junior in a prosecution relating to an alleged Ponzi scheme. Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Alex regularly acts for requesting judicial authorities and requested persons, both in Extradition Hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, and in appeals to the High Court. He also advises individuals subject to INTERPOL Red Notices and has acted for the CPS in import extradition requests. He is a Grade 2 CPS prosecutor and appeared for the Requesting State in the Divisional Court case of Galusca v Italy. He is currently instructed in an Indian case involving complex allegations of tax evasion, led by Ben Lloyd. As sole counsel Alex has both defended and prosecuted in Part 2 cases involving requests for extradition to Albania. Public and Civil Law Alex takes instructions on public law cases, particularly those with a link to criminal law. He has previously acted as disclosure junior in a high-profile Judicial Review relating to prisoner categorisation (led by Victoria Ailes and James Eadie QC). He also has experience acting on behalf of prisoners in relation to their parole board hearings and linked judicial review applications. He has previously worked on ECtHR cases and a judicial review arising out of an SFO investigation. Alex is on the SFO’s C panel for proceeds of crime and international cooperation, as well as the CPS POCA Grade 2 panel. He has experience prosecuting contested POCA hearings and applications for international restraint orders. He regularly defends in proceeds of crime matters, most recently acting pro bono for an interested third party in an application to the Court of Appeal. As sole counsel he defended a company facing confiscation proceedings for over £300,000. He has contributed to the forthcoming edition of Millington and Sutherland on the Proceeds of Crime. Alex is regularly instructed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (“FCDO”) to advise on the imposition of sanctions under the UK’s autonomous Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 regimes. He has also advised an international charity pro bono on the impact of UK sanctions law on their activities. Alex acts pro bono (for Bail for Immigration Detainees) in applications for bail for those in immigration detention. He also takes pro bono instructions from Advocate (formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit), including proceeds of crime and regulatory work. He recently acted in a 3-day hearing before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal, on behalf of a doctor who was a serving prisoner.  

Alex Chalk

Alex is currently serving as Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice and is the former HM Solicitor General for England & Wales. He was formerly Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice. Prior to his election as the Member of Parliament for Cheltenham, Alex prosecuted and defended in the most serious cases, including terrorist bomb plots, international fraud, multi-handed rape cases and murder. Instructing solicitors have included the Serious Fraud Office and Financial Conduct Authority, and Alex has provided pro bono advice – including to Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prisoner of conscience held captive in Iran. Alex is not accepting any work while in office as the Solicitor General.

Alison Morgan

Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2019. Alison was Chambers & Partners Crime Junior in 2012 and was appointed Junior Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court by the Attorney General in July 2012. Alison acted as Junior Counsel for the Prosecution in the trial of those accused of murdering Stephen Lawrence. Thereafter, she acted as Junior Counsel in the Ellison Review, reviewing allegations of police corruption relating to the investigation. She has been involved in prosecuting some of the most complex terrorism prosecutions of the last 15 years including the Ricin Conspiracy, the 21/7 Bomb, the plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange and the terrorist attack at Parsons Green Station. She is currently instructed as leading counsel in the cases of Khairi Saadallah (the alleged terrorist attack in Reading in the summer of 2020) and the on-going criminal investigation into the tragic events at Grenfell Tower. Her experience extends to high profile defence work, including acting for the former Pictures Editor of ‘The Sun’ newspaper, who was acquitted of allegations of misconduct in a public office. She has considerable experience in complex corporate crime, in particular advising in the Serious Fraud Office’s investigation into Rolls Royce Plc and as part of the team involved in the prosecution Barclays Plc and its senior executives. She is currently instructed to represent an individual under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office in relation to alleged offences of bribery and fraud. In addition to her considerable litigation experience, Alison has provided advice on a range of complex legal issues ranging from the scope and application of corporate criminality, the ambit and proper application of counter-terrorism legislation, mutual legal assistance and oversees evidential enquiries. She is recommended in the 2020 edition of Legal 500. Criminal Litigation Alison has extensive experience in high-profile criminal litigation as part of her practice as Senior Treasury Counsel. She is an experienced and skilled trial advocate. Alison has considerable experience of appearing before the Court of Appeal in complex appellate matters and acting on behalf of the Attorney General. Inquests & Inquiries Alison was instructed by the Home Secretary, led by Mark Ellison KC, to conduct a public, independent review of allegations of police corruption in the original investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence. Terrorism Over the last ten years Alison has been involved in the prosecution of some of the most complex and high profile cases to be brought to trial including the Ricin Conspiracy,  the 21/7 Bomb Plot and the plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange. International Criminal Work Alison has worked closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat on comparative terrorism legislation and procedures across the Commonwealth countries.  

Alistair Richardson

Alistair is Legal 500’s Crime Junior of the Year 2023. He is consistently recommended as a leading practitioner by the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 legal directories for Crime, Fraud and Financial Crime. He has also been shortlisted as Crime Junior of the Year by Chambers and Partners. His practice focuses on criminal litigation, business crime and data protection. He has particular experience assisting companies undertaking complex and confidential internal investigations. Alistair has an acute awareness of commercial and reputational implications for his clients. His advocacy and advisory skills are allied with keen tactical and strategic judgment. Alistair regularly advises both companies and individuals facing criminal or regulatory investigation. Alistair is ranked as a Grade 4 advocate by the Crown Prosecution Service. Criminal Litigation Alistair is experienced in acting for individuals in all manner of criminal cases, from violent offences to fraud. His practice has a particular focus on representing corporate and professional defendants in “white collar” financial crime and regulatory proceedings, and prosecuting some of the most serious and sensitive cases of terrorism. Alistair is regularly instructed by leading defence solicitors to advise and represent bankers, directors and officers of companies, traders and other City professionals facing criminal and regulatory allegations. He has considerable experience of cases involving allegations of market abuse, money laundering, fraud and directors’ disqualification proceedings. Alistair has extensive experience of advising on compliance with section 2 notices and is acutely aware of the sensitivities of corporate bodies facing criminal litigation. He acts regularly for individuals, corporates, law firms and law enforcement in respect of account freezing orders and restraint orders, more detail of which is set out under asset forfeiture below. Some recent examples of Alistair’s work include acting on behalf of corporates and individuals in cases involving: allegations of cartel offences against a foreign exchange trader relating to the trading of USD/Euros, who was acquitted of all the charges against him; a corporate facing allegations of bribery and terrorism funding, following a parliamentary select committee investigation, which avoided prosecution; cybercrime fraud involving a loss of in excess of £7 million and a network of 237 bank accounts, a FTSE 100 company under ongoing investigation by the SFO arising out of allegations of bribery in a complex foreign jurisdiction, the extent and nature of the new legislation governing lobbying activities in the United Kingdom. Alistair is also instructed to prosecute some of the most serious, high profile and sensitive terrorism cases. He acted in the prosecution of Ciaran Maxwell, a former Royal Marine. charged with terrorism offences, who acted as a bomb maker for loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland. Alistair prosecuted Ummar Mirza, an Islamic State fighter who, together with his wife and sister, plotted a lone wolf attack in Birmingham. As leading counsel he prosecuted Mohammed Chowdhury, charged with attempting to purchase a hand grenade to throw at a police station. He has particular expertise in the prosecution of extreme right wing terrorists. Alistair is defending an individual charged with a historic manslaughter, following a death in 2013, arising out of an altercation in 2003. Alistair has recently appeared on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions for the Cayman Islands, led by David Perry QC, in two appeals from the Court of Appeal to the Privy Council which involved issues of jurisdiction, statutory interpretation, and international comity (DPP v Crawford and Wright v DPP). Alistair also undertakes work in respect of individuals facing other allegations of criminal conduct, on a private basis. Alistair recently undertook a review on behalf of the Home Office regarding the tools available to address gang crime. Corporate Crime and Investigations Alistair has particular experience advising in relation to complex business and corporate crime. Alistair is familiar with the demands of large organisations and the strategic implications of litigation and investigations. He also has particular experience with obligations around Suspicious Activity Reports. Alistair has undertaken a review for a large multi-national corporate, facing allegations of money laundering, concerns relating to terrorist funding and related offences. He was part of a team undertaking an internal investigation of News UK, arising out of the phone hacking allegations, instructed by Linklaters LLP. Alistair was recently instructed by a magic circle law firm to assist a high street bank in respect of an investigation arising out of a series of high-profile criminal investigations. In addition, Alistair currently acts for two multi-national film production companies, providing advice on data protection, as well as questions of territorial jurisdiction. Data Protection, Media and Information Law Alistair has considerable experience in data protection, media and information law. Alistair has advised corporate clients in respect of their obligations to protect data they hold. He advises on confidential matters involving compromise of information security. Alistair is instructed by two multi-national film production companies to provide advice on protection of their trademarked material. Alistair is retained by the Northern and Shell Media Group (including Express Newspapers) to provide pre-publication advice in a number of areas of media law, including defamation, copyright, privacy and confidence and reporting restrictions. Alistair is retained by another major international publishing house to provide advice in relation to their data protection obligations, and on their ability to challenge warrants seeking to obtain documents which contain journalistic material. Cybercrime Alistair has a particular interest in cybercrime. He advises on confidential matters involving compromise of information security. He has advised multi-national corporate clients on their obligations in respect of their obligations to protect date they hold.  He has also advised on the obligations that arise and may arise about notification of cyberattacks. Alistair has particular expertise in the regulation within which corporates and financial institutions can act to protect themselves. Alistair is available to provide advice on possible remedies available to both prevent and seek redress against cyberattacks. Restraint, Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture Alistair regularly advises in respect of issues arising out of asset forfeiture, account freezing orders, and suspicious activity reports. He appears in related proceedings in the Magistrates Court, Crown Court and High Court. Alistair has recently acted in proceedings: for a firm of solicitors whose business and client accounts had been frozen following a suspicious activity report for a firm of solicitors seeking restraint of funds, owed by a client, which were separately the subject of an account freezing order for an application for the restraint of nearly one million pounds seized in cash by the Metropolitan Police Service under the Anti-terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 for a series of applications for account freezing orders arising out of a large scale, cross jurisdictional, investigation into serious organised crime. Alistair benefited from a period of secondment to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (now the NCA), where he received particular exposure to high-profile and high-value confiscation and civil recovery cases.    

Annabel Darlow

Since her appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 2015, Annabel has consistently been recognised as a Leading Silk in Crime by both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Annabel has been shortlisted for the 2023 Legal 500 Crime & Extradition silk of the year. An outstanding advocate and consummate tactician, she has acted in numerous high-profile cases, many of extreme complexity. Her practice has a particular emphasis on fraud, multi-handed homicide and terrorism. Annabel was authorised to sit as a Deputy High Court Judge in the Queen’s Bench Division in 2022. Annabel is recognised as a distinguished lawyer whose advocacy has been singled out for particular praise. She has been described as, ‘a very strong advocate’ (Chambers & Partners) and the Legal 500 observed that ‘Her understated advocacy style is very effective with judges and jurors alike.’ Annabel has gained an enviable reputation as a ‘superb case strategist’ and a ‘forensic pugilist with brains’ and is known for her skill and dedication in working tirelessly with large, multi-disciplinary teams to build a successful case for her clients. Notable cases include: R v Barclays PLC and others (landmark SFO prosecution of Barclays Bank and senior executives);  R v Janbaz Tarin (the Solihull double murder); R v Jeremy Bamber (appellate proceedings of the White House Farm multiple murderer); R v Kallakis and Williams (SFO prosecution of Britain’s largest ever mortgage fraud);  R v Ziamani and Hockton (the attempted terrorist murder of HMP Whitemoor prison officer);  R v Theodore Beckford (gangland shooting  by notorious gang leader) and R v Ziamani (terrorist plot to behead a serving British soldier). Annabel has a thriving appellate practice and is instructed in judicial review cases and complex confiscation proceedings. Annabel is also sought after for her advisory work and has advised corporations and senior individuals in respect of highly sensitive investigations, including News International, GSK and Hewlett Packard/Autonomy. Annabel’s clients include the Serious Fraud Office, the Competition and Markets Authority, the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, (for whom she acted as Standing Counsel prior to her appointment to Silk), the Government Legal Department and major city law firms, who instruct her on behalf of both private individuals and international corporations. Annabel was appointed a Recorder of the Crown Court in 2009 Homicide Annabel has successfully acted in murder, manslaughter, and attempted murder trials. Recent work includes: R v Broughton and others; appellate proceedings following death from drugs overdose at music festival; [2020] EWCA Crim 1093; [2021] 1 WLR 543, [2021] 1 Cr.App.R.3. R v TN and others; prosecution of nine defendants, each charged with murder, following a revenge attack on a rival county lines drugs gang. R v AD and others; prosecution of five defendants, each charged with murder, arising from the shooting of a Birmingham businessman. R v TB and others; prosecution for murder of the leader of an OCG following gangland double shooting. R v CM and other; prosecution for murder of members of an OCG for drive-by shooting. Her cases have encompassed diverse issues, including loss of control; self-defence; diminished responsibility; gang-related bad character and child defendants. She has particular expertise in contested medical and psychiatric evidence. Annabel has extensive experience of cases of gross negligence manslaughter. She advised in a major investigation into deaths attributed to medical negligence by a gynaecologist and has advised in multiple cases involving alleged health and safety breaches.  Annabel is experienced in the conduct of ‘death in custody’ cases and acted in the high-profile prosecution of three police officers for misconduct in public office. She acted to uphold both the conviction and the whole-life tariff of Jeremy Bamber, one of the most notorious multiple murderers of recent times, recently the subject of a major ITV series. Terrorism Annabel has been involved over many years in the successful prosecution of a huge range of terrorist-related activity, encompassing all facets of terrorism including the Provisional IRA, Al Qaeda, ISIS and the extreme right. Cases include: R v SW and others (prosecution of right-wing extremists for construction of 3D printed firearm for terrorist purposes). R v MC(a plan to manufacture cyanide and explosives to carry out terrorist atrocities); R v BZ(Islamic extremist who plotted to behead a British soldier); R v BZ and BH (attempted murder of HMP Whitemoor prison officer by extremist inmates); R v S and Others(prosecution of Sikh extremists for slashing the throat of an Indian Army General in revenge for the Amritsar massacre) R v Kahar and others [2016] EWCA Crim 568, [2016] 1 WLR 3156: appeared before a five-judge constitution of the Court of Appeal in a landmark decision establishing guidelines for sentencing in terrorism trials. Numerous prosecutions arising from the actions of British nationals in Syria and the Middle East. including the prosecution of an IRA terror cell for plotting the detonation of a lorry bomb in central London, Annabel conducted the first prosecution to establish that consignments of charitable aid were being used as cover to supply equipment and cash to Isis terrorists. Fraud, Corporate Advisory and Investigations Annabel has represented clients in numerous major fraud prosecutions and has a huge depth of experience in all varieties of economic crime. Cases include: SFO prosecution before Popplewell LJ of Barclays Bank and senior Barclays executives for fraud arising from major capital raisings in the 2008 financial crisis, variously described by the media as a ‘blockbuster’ and ‘landmark’ trial, which remains, globally, one of the few prosecutions of senior bankers arising out of the credit crunch. Annabel conducted the successful appeal, before a panel of three Lord Justices of a terminatory legal ruling by Jay J. She has advised international corporations on matters relating to investigations for fraud and insider dealing on behalf of major city firms. £750 million banking fraud (R v Kallakis and Williams); £100 million Ponzi fraud (R v Levene); and off-shore tax fraud (R v Dalrymple and Bates). Annabel was instructed to advise a high-profile individual in respect of investigations into alleged corporate and private misconduct as part of Operations Weeting and Elvedon. Testifying to her in-depth knowledge of the prosecution of fraud and bribery offences, she was asked to edit the legal manuals of both the Serious Fraud Office and the Competition and Marketing Authority and to oversee the anti-bribery and corruption policy of an international news organisation. Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture Annabel has extensive experience in the conduct of confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and her practice in this area extends to advisory work, hearings at first instance and appeals. Criminal Litigation Annabel has acted in numerous serious sexual offences matters for both the prosecution and defence, both at first instance and on appeal. She has worked with intermediaries and many young and vulnerable individuals who have appeared in court both as witnesses and defendants.  During her 28 years’ experience at the criminal bar, she has prosecuted and defended in a huge range of offences; experience complemented by her eleven years as a Recorder of the South-eastern Circuit. Public and Administration Law Annabel regularly acts in judicial review proceedings and cases involving human rights. Recent instructions include judicial review proceedings following a refusal of bail and a claim that the imposition of the criminal courts charge breached a defendant’s human rights. She has also been instructed by the Government Legal Department in judicial review proceedings concerning the legality of search warrants. Extradition Annabel has acted in extradition proceedings at first instance, before the Administrative Court and before the House of Lords. For example, in Pilecki v Central Court of Legnica [2008] UKHL 7, Annabel acted together with David Perry KC before House of Lords in an authority on European arrest warrants. Sanctions Annabel advises companies in relation to the sanctions regime under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering act 2018, including the implementation of UK Sanctions by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation. She has advised a number of leading global corporate entities as to the practical and legal consequences of the fast-evolving sanctions regime, including reporting, asset-freeze and responding to investigations of possible sanctions breaches by the Office of Financial Sanctions.

Ben Lloyd

Ben is one of the leading juniors at the criminal bar. He is highly sought after and regularly appears in the most serious and high-profile of cases, including terrorism and homicide. He is frequently instructed to act for private clients in sensitive and difficult litigation. His outstanding achievements have been marked by Chambers and Partners, who have awarded him Crime Junior of the Year 2020.  Ben is also a leader in his field at the extradition bar, where he is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers & Partners. “He strives to make himself available and is pragmatic and thoughtful. You can pick up the phone to him and he will answer and get back to you as quickly as he can. He is terrific.” Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Ben is one of the country’s leading extradition juniors, who acts on behalf of both requesting states and individual clients in equal measure. He has been ranked in Band 1 of Chambers and Partners for many years. Ben has appeared in many of the leading cases, including before the Supreme Court and Divisional Court. Ben is regularly asked to provide advice in sensitive and high-profile matters, often at very short notice. He has a vast experience of extradition litigation at all levels and involving countries such as the United States of America, New Zealand, India, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Russia and Georgia. Ben also provides advice in relation to Interpol Red Notices and requests for mutual legal assistance. Ben has been described as a ‘highly regarded extradition junior’ who is ‘regularly instructed privately to advise companies and individuals on extradition matters’. He is a ‘first-rate barrister who is tactically astute and provides written and oral advocacy of the first water.’ (Chambers and Partners 2021) Ben was also the Chair of the Defence Extradition Lawyers’ Forum in 2019. He is a frequent contributor to the Criminal Law Review and is the extradition author for Butterworths Stone’s Justices’ Manual and Consumer and Trading Standards: Law and Practice. Criminal Litigation Ben is one of the most sought-after leading juniors at the criminal bar. He was appointed Treasury Counsel in 2020 and was named Crime Junior of the Year 2020 by Chambers and Partners. Ben both prosecutes and defends in the most serious and high-profile criminal cases, including terrorism and homicide. He frequently acts for private clients in sensitive litigation. Ben is available to undertake advisory work in all aspects of criminal law and related areas, including bribery, corporate fraud and litigation, and cross-border cooperation and investigations. He is well-versed in issues concerning jurisdiction and mutual legal assistance. He has experience in the field of legal professional privilege and the handling of material gathered during large-scale searches of premises. Ben is able to provide advice either in writing or in conference, and at short notice if necessary. Corporate Crime and Investigations, Fraud Ben frequently receives instructions on behalf of private clients and companies, including in relation to allegations of bribery and corruption, with the offences often alleged to have been committed in foreign jurisdictions. He also receives instructions from the Serious Fraud Office. Ben has significant experience of managing large-scale document review exercises, with particular emphasis on corporate and commercial institutions. He has a real understanding of, and sensitivity to the unique issues which can arise in such cases. He is very experienced with the relevant provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, legal professional privilege and the seizure and handling of journalistic material. Public and Administrative Law Ben is highly experienced in public law and in particular the operation of public law in the context of criminal litigation and extradition proceedings. He frequently acts for government departments. He understands the sensitivities involved in undertaking government work and has received security clearance to the highest level. Ben is frequently instructed by the Appeals Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service, including up to the Supreme Court.

Brett Weaver

Brett is an experienced advocate who defends and prosecutes in a wide range of cases, primarily at Crown Court level. Brett’s calm and practical manner readily wins the confidence and trust of everyone he deals with, both at client-level and beyond. Diligent and thorough preparation ensures that his client receives the best quality representation at every stage of proceedings. Brett has appeared in cases involving serious offences against the person, including homicide; terrorism-related offences; serious sexual offences; major and complex fraud; substantial drug importations and supply; robbery and other offences of dishonesty; and regulatory offences. As well as advocacy, Brett is regularly involved in an advisory capacity, both in anticipation, and after commencement, of proceedings. Advisory work has related to large-scale document reviews of material arising from investigations in China and the Channel Islands. Crime Brett has extensive experience in relation to homicide cases, both prosecuting and defending, and often involving issues of legal and factual complexity. Recent cases have included: Operation Molar – junior counsel for the Prosecution in relation to allegations of conspiracy to murder, arising from a gangland shooting in which three people were injured, one fatally. The case spanned a total of three trials and involved expert evidence regarding telecommunications, DNA evidence, firearms and criminal gangs [Birmingham CC; January 2020 to July 2021] R v Cumberbatch and another – junior counsel for the second defendant in relation to an allegation of manslaughter. The case involved complex issues of causation, the admissibility of earlier guilty pleas, and abuse of process [Central Criminal Court; March 2021] R v Eccleston – junior counsel for the Prosecution in relation to an allegation of murder. The case involved complex issues of causation, admissibility of alleged confession evidence, and suicide pacts [Stafford CC; September 2019] R v Hopkins and Docherty – junior counsel for the Prosecution in relation to an allegation of murder and subsequent concealing of the deceased’s body [Central Criminal Court; February to March 2019] Operation Navigator – junior counsel for the Prosecution in relation to an allegation of conspiracy to murder. The case (which spanned two trials) involved complex legal arguments in relation to disclosure and abuse of process [Birmingham CC, September 2016 to March 2017] Fraud Brett has extensive experience of cases involving allegations of fraud brought by the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue & Customs, and the Department of Trade and Industry. Fraud experience covers instructions in significant “boiler room” frauds to “advance fee” frauds, often on a global scale. In addition, Brett has acted in numerous cases relating to conspiracies to defraud and to cheat the public revenue. Brett often appears in heavyweight and complex cases, both for the prosecution and defence. Corruption experience includes offences of misconduct in a public office. POCA, Asset Forfeiture and Financial Compliance Brett frequently is instructed in proceedings arising from the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. These proceedings can involve consideration of expert forensic accountancy evidence and recovery of overseas assets. Regulatory Brett has often acted on behalf of local authorities to advise and prosecute a wide range of regulatory offences, including landlord and tenant disputes, food hygiene, noise pollution, and false trademark offences. Brett also accepts instructions in other areas of regulatory litigation. Road Traffic Brett has experience of all aspects of road traffic proceedings, from summary proceedings to High Court appeals by way of case stated. Brett has often been instructed in cases involving fatal road traffic accidents, both prosecuting and defending. Recent High Court instructions have concerned consideration of the ambit of ‘public place’ for the purposes of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Sexual Offences Brett has extensive experience of proceedings involving allegations of serious sexual offences, both prosecuting and defending. On occasion, Brett has been instructed to provide pre-charge advice in respect of allegations. As well as conducting proceedings as junior counsel alone, Brett has been led in respect of complex trials arising from historic sexual offending and trafficking offences, in particular: Operation Silk – junior counsel for the principal defendant in a trial involving historic allegations of sexual abuse towards a vulnerable female in Oxford [Oxford CC, November to December 2018] Operation Jardine – junior counsel for the Prosecution in respect of sexual offences, including trafficking, relating to young and vulnerable females in Peterborough [Central Criminal Court, February to April 2015] Financial Crime Fraud, bribery and corruption Brett has extensive experience of cases involving allegations of fraud brought by the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue & Customs, and the Department of Trade and Industry. Fraud experience covers instructions in significant “boiler room” frauds to “advance fee” frauds, often on a global scale. In addition, Brett has acted in numerous cases relating to conspiracies to defraud and to cheat the public revenue. Brett appears in heavyweight and complex cases, both for the prosecution and defence. Corruption experience includes offences of misconduct in a public office.

Catherine Brown

Catherine has a broad practice with particular focus on extradition and public law. Extradition Catherine is highly sought after and regularly appears in serious and high-profile cases. She is regularly instructed both for requested persons and foreign governments from first instance to the Divisional Court in both in Part 1 and Part 2 requests. Catherine has received Part 2 instructions in extradition requests from the United States of America, Albania, Russia, Australia, Canada, India, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Singapore. Those cases involve arguments of significant complexity. Catherine has been instructed in cases covering the full spectrum of issues that may arise in extradition proceedings including Human Rights, bars to extradition and technical arguments regarding dual criminality and sufficiency of particularisation. Catherine advises on the use of Interpol Red Notices and in cases at the pre-arrest stage. Catherine is ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading junior in extradition. Administrative and Public Law Catherine is appointed to the Attorney General’s Civil Panel of Counsel for Civil Litigation (B Panel). Catherine undertakes a broad range of work on behalf of Government agencies in applications for judicial review, national security work, inquests and civil claims. Catherine is currently instructed as junior Counsel for the Home Office in the Undercover Policing Inquiry. Regulatory Catherine has represented professionals in proceedings before their professional bodies, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council and The Health and Care Professional Council, and in inquests. Criminal Litigation Catherine is an experienced trial advocate who has prosecuted and defended in the Crown Court and magistrates’ courts in cases involving a wide spectrum of offences. She has been instructed in confiscation and asset forfeiture proceedings at all stages from restraint to enforcement. Catherine has received instructions in Local Authority Health and Safety prosecutions and in prosecutions brought by the Department for Work and Pensions. Before undertaking pupillage, Catherine volunteered as a panel member at Wandsworth Youth Offending Team where she implemented and reviewed youth referral orders. Since she began practice, she has gained considerable experience in dealing with young people within the criminal justice system.

David Perry

Legal 500 describes David as “in the very highest rank” in this field.He has appeared in most of the important criminal appeals of recent years and is regularly instructed to appear in the Supreme Court, Privy Court and Court of Appeal. As a former Treasury Counsel, he acted in a wide range of high profile criminal trials. David also appears in the criminal courts of Hong Kong, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar and Northern Ireland. He frequently acts on behalf of the United Kingdom government in cases before the European Court of Human Rights. David is regularly instructed in relation to overseas bribery and corruption investigations into house-hold name companies. He continues to enjoy the confidence of individuals and corporates in some of the most important and demanding cases currently being investigated. David represented Rolls-Royce in the deferred prosecution agreement proceedings and has advised other household names from the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and financial services sectors in respect of allegations of corruption and other aspects of business crime. David has acted on behalf of many overseas governments and appeared in the High Court, House of Lords and Supreme Court in the leading cases. He has acted as an expert consultant to the Commonwealth Secretariat on international co-operation and has advised overseas governments on the drafting and implementation of their domestic legislation. In 2012, together with Lord Justice Scott Baker and Anand Doobay, David was appointed to conduct the Home Office’s Independent Review of the UK’s extradition arrangements. The review formed the basis of changes to the Extradition Act 2003.   He frequently appears in proceedings by way of judicial review on behalf of claimants and defendants. David has appeared in a number of high profile inquests and has also appeared in shipping inquiries. He has advised the Government in relation to a number of public inquiries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Denis Barry

Denis has a two decades of experience in defending and prosecuting in serious criminal cases. He is regularly instructed as leading junior counsel in cases against Queen’s Counsel. He has particular expertise in homicide and has appeared in a number of high-profile murder cases. He has broad experience in organised crime, and corruption offences. He has appeared in many cases involving complex medical evidence, particularly those involving the mentally ill, and also cases involving the death of children. He is also a leading junior in the area of Consumer law. Criminal Litigation Denis is instructed in all types of serious criminal litigation. Recent experience has included acting as junior counsel in the following high-profile murders. R v Kigundu: in which the defendant received a whole life order for the murder of two people when a block of flats was set on fire, R v L T and J:  The 14-year-old defendants were found guilty of the murder of a 13-year boy. R v O’Brien:  the defendant was the UK’s most wanted fugitive.   He has appeared in two corruption cases involving football.  R v Boateng was the first corruption case for match fixing in football, and R v Price involved an investigation by the Daily Telegraph. He is a Category 4 Prosecution Advocate (confiscation, serious and organised crime, and fraud panels). He was led in two high profile prosecutions of Thomas Adams and others for money laundering. In R v B he led for the Crown in the prosecution of a woman for fraud and cruelty when she had fabricated serious illness said to have been suffered by her children. Disciplinary Tribunals and Regulatory Crime Denis has extensive experience of professional disciplinary tribunals and regulatory cases. He has acted for large number of police officers before regulatory tribunals.  He has particular expertise with professionals with mental health difficulties. He has also acted for medical professionals (doctors and pharmacists) before their regulatory bodies. He has extensive experience in the area of Consumer law, is a Leading Junior in this area in the Chambers and Partners rankings and has been for 10 years. Denis was the Editor of the Blackstone’s Guide to the Consumer Rights Act 2015.  It deals with substantial changes to the law between consumer and businesses for goods, digital content, services, and unfair contract terms. The Act consolidates the powers of enforcement officers and amends substantially the Enterprise Act. In addition, Denis’ areas of specialisation include Trademark, Copyright, Product Safety, Planning and Environmental offences, for which he is instructed by both defendants, companies including supermarkets, and local authorities. He has substantial experience in the maze of European Directives and Regulations creating criminal offences. Fraud Denis has extensive experience in allegations of fraud, both prosecuting and defending. He is currently instructed as junior counsel in the first prosecution arising from the Covid furlough scheme, a £25 million money laundering scheme, and an allegation of corruption involving a local authority. Inquests and Public Enquiries Denis has broad experience in Inquests.  He acted for 3 police officers in the recent high-profile Inquest into the death of Leon Briggs and has also acted for Doctors in sensitive Inquests. Appellate Work Denis has broad experience in Inquests.  He acted for 3 police officers in the recent high-profile Inquest into the death of Leon Briggs and has also acted for Doctors in sensitive Inquests. Restraint, Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture Denis has broad experience in restraint and confiscation, both prosecuting and defending, and was led in the leading case of R v IK [2007] 2 Cr.App.R.11 on the definition of ‘criminal property’. Public and Administrative Law Denis has advised in respect of the judicial review of decisions to prosecute and appeared in the leading case of R (Robson) v Crown Prosecution Service [2016] EWHC 2191 on the correct approach to criminal cautions.

Duncan Atkinson

Criminal Litigation As Treasury Counsel since 2009 and Senior Treasury Counsel since 2015, Duncan has appeared in numerous complex and high profile homicide cases, including a number of high profile “cold cases”, together with homicides involving issues of contested medical causation, diminished responsibility and child-death. Duncan has particular expertise in cases of gross negligence manslaughter, deaths in the context of health and safety regulation, and deaths of persons in residential care or state detention. Duncan has also appeared in numerous cases concerning allegations of terrorism, and relating to organised crime. In recent times, the former have included those planning attacks on the British Museum and Gay Pride, and latter has included the successful prosecution of the largest attempted importation of automatic weapons into the United Kingdom. Other cases in which he has also appeared as an advocate have involved allegations of rape, serious disorder, public nuisance, blackmail, prison escape, corruption, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, and prosecutions under the Official Secrets Act. Duncan also appears in cases of serious fraud and corruption, and has acted in both an advisory capacity and as an advocate for News UK, in the so called ‘hacking’ trials, for a UK FTSE company (GSK), and for senior executives in the international banking sector (the Staley FCA investigation and in relation to the Libor and Unaoil investigations). Other cases in which he has also appeared as an advocate have involved allegations of rape, serious disorder, public nuisance, blackmail, prison escape, corruption, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, and prosecutions under the Official Secrets Act. He has also appeared in the Supreme Court in relation to the propriety of prosecutions based on activity by paedophile hunters (Sutherland v HM Advocate [2021] AC 427) and the definition of sexual touching (AG’s Reference No.1 of 2020 [[2021] QB 441). Homicide Duncan has successfully acted in murder, manslaughter and attempted murder trials of all varieties, including cases of loss of control, self-defence, diminished responsibility, multi-handed ‘gang’ killings, juvenile defendants and cases with complex medical or other expert evidence. Recent cases have included: Cases where the pathological evidence was limited or complicated due to the delayed recovery of the body or limited initial investigation, such as Gale and Trigg, or where no body was recovered, such as Griggs and Cole. Cases involving extensive psychiatric evidence and the defence of diminished responsibility, such as Tadewicz, Arezo, Nandap and Beresford. A prosecution for corporate manslaughter (CAV Aerospace) Prosecution of gross negligence manslaughter through positional asphyxia during restraint (Wright), and relating to alleged failures of care by prison officers. Case relating to a 6 week old infant taken onto a bus by her mother in an attempt to conceal her death (Baker and Wiltshire), and a 3 year old crushed by the movement of a car seat (Waterson and Hoare) Duncan also appeared in the Supreme Court when it reconsidered the liability of secondary parties in cases of murder (Jogee [2016] UKSC 8), and in the Court of Appeal both when the revised test was applied to six homicide cases (Johnson [2016] EWCA Crim 1613) and when the approach there identified was applied to a variety of homicide convictions (including Laura Mitchell [2018] EWCA Crim 2687; Johnson-Haynes [2019] EWCA Crim 1217). He also appeared when the Court of Appeal addressed the loss of control defence (Gurpinar [2015] EWCA Crim 178). Terrorism Duncan has an extensive experience of involvement in the whole gamut of counter-terrorism prosecutions, having in the course of his career appeared as Leading, Junior and Sole Counsel in high profile terrorism- related cases, including the “fertiliser bomber” case – Khyam which was then the largest joint operation of UK police forces, the security services and foreign law enforcement agencies. Recent cases have included: Allegation of preparation for acts of terrorism, involving persons accused of preparing to travel to Syria for the purposes of terrorism – Abdallah, two sisters planning attacks on Westminster and the British Museum (Boular) and a defendant acquitted in relation to an earlier attack who planned to attach Gay Pride – Chowdhury . Allegations of membership of a terrorist organization, both relating to ISIS (Hamasallih) and neo-Nazi group National Action (Deakin; Lythgoe)( A neo-Nazi plot to kill an MP (Renshaw). Duncan has also acted as an adviser to the Government in relation to issues of disclosure in terrorism cases, and in relation to the drafting of guidance for the National Crime Agency. He appeared in the Supreme Court to address the meaning of “terrorism” in the Terrorism Act 2000 in the case of Mohammed Gul ([2013] UKSC 64), and in relation to the ‘port stop’ provisions of Schedule 7, Terrorism Act 2000 (Beghal [2015] UKSC 49). Health & Safety and Regulation Duncan has been instructed both in an advisory capacity and as an advocate in cases relating to breaches of Health and Safety and Environmental Protection legislation, both in criminal and inquest proceedings. In particular: Duncan has been instructed by the Office of Rail Regulation in relation to a number of serious rail accidents and rail-related fatalities, He has appeared as leading counsel in a health and safety related cases of Corporate Manslaughter He appeared in the prosecution of a number of individuals and companies relating to a death from gas inhalation (6699 Ltd.) and as a result of the falling of an unsecured window frame (West Green). He has and continues to advise in relation to deaths in care homes, prisons and recently in relation to the collapse of the Didcot power station. Fraud and Corporate Crime Duncan has built up considerable experience in cases of serious and complex fraud and corruption, including cases involving the Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Department of Work and Pensions. He also has particular experience of Hi-Tech and computer-based fraud and other forms of “cybercrime” (see below), and in confiscation proceedings. Notable cases have included: Allegations relating to a substantial fraud against the NHS. A substantial fraud relating to the Millennium Dome. A substantial fraud alleged to have been committed by a bank employee through unprotected market speculation. International corruption allegations involving activity in Saudi Arabia and Norway. Duncan has also in an advisory role for: A potential suspect in the SFO Libor investigation. A high-profile individual in respect of investigations into alleged corporate and private misconduct as part of Operations Weeting and Elvedon. A senior individual in the international banking sector. A UK FTSE company facing investigation for alleged involvement in corruption. Cybercrime Duncan has been at the forefront of this developing area of criminal litigation. He acted from an early stage in an advisory capacity in Operation “Ore”, the international investigation of the incitement to supply indecent images of children. Other cases in this area have included Operation “Blossom”, a conspiracy to defraud the computer software industry with pirated software (the first large-scale prosecution by the National High-Tech Crime Unit) and the prosecution of fraud through the construction and distribution of malicious software. Public & Administrative Law Duncan is regularly instructed in relation to proceedings by way of judicial review, acting both in pre-action litigation and in the Administrative Court. Cases in which he has appeared have included: The acceptance by the Home Secretary and Serious Fraud Office of a letter of request from Italy in the context of fraud proceedings. The proper application of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 in relation to gang-violence injunctions. Challenge to the decision making of the Attorney General (Slade [2018] EWHC 3573 (Admin)). Challenge to decisions on abuse of process and prosecution activity in the magistrates court (DPP v Sunderland Magistrates Court [2018] EWHC 229 (Admin)). Challenges by judicial review to prosecutorial decisions, and applications relating to SFO/Police search warrant applications. Inquests & Public Inquiries Duncan has been instructed to act for interested parties in several inquests before the Coroner’s Court. These have included appearing both at the inquest and subsequent prosecution relating to the Potters Bar derailment, and the inquest relating to the death of a soldier at military barracks. Duncan appeared in an advisory capacity in the 7/7 inquest. He has represented a number of the bereaved families at the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry before Sir John Saunders since 2020.

Duncan Penny

Duncan has expertise in all aspects of the criminal law including corruption, high-end commercial and banking fraud cases; cartel investigations and corporate manslaughter. Recent work includes the representation of two bankers, each of whom were acquitted, in separate trials in the Euribor proceedings; the first prosecution to trial of a corporate charged with corruption (in which he represented the company Chairman); the first major cartel trial to go to a jury; the prosecution of Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber; the prosecution for corruption of the former Premier of the Cayman Islands and the election petition for bribery and corruption brought against the former Mayor of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. He defended in the BA/Virgin ‘price-fixing’ case and represented one of the defendants charged in the phone hacking trial. Duncan prosecuted the first case under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 and the recent trial involving the death of seven year old Harvey Tyrell involving gross negligence manslaughter and health and safety offending. Duncan regularly acts in an advisory capacity for private clients. He has, for example, been instructed by a bank to conduct an investigation into and report on allegations of corruption; advised high net-worth individuals in connection with allegations of corruption made in matrimonial proceedings; and has appeared in and advised in respect of a number of private prosecutions. He conducts forfeiture applications, restraint proceedings, worldwide freezing orders and other criminal aspects of civil and commercial litigation. He is currently retained by the SFO in an ongoing investigation into the affairs of a high profile company. He has also advised the CMA, OFWAT and OFCOM. He has appeared in many cases in the Supreme Court and, formerly, in the House of Lords, including as Leading Counsel. Duncan regularly appears in the Court of Appeal and as the former First Senior Treasury Counsel he has advised Her Majesty’s Attorney General in respect of criminal matters. He also regularly appears in the Divisional Court in judicial review proceedings issued in connection with the investigation and prosecution of crime or regulatory matters. Duncan was First Senior Treasury Counsel between 2018-2020.

Esther Schutzer-Weissmann

Consistently recommended by the legal directories, Esther is a highly regarded criminal advocate who is known for her sharp mind, high quality advocacy, and expertise in the conduct of complex cases. Recently re-appointed as Standing Counsel to the Insolvency Service, her practice spans all areas of serious crime with a particular focus on fraud and regulatory work. In addition, she has particular expertise in human rights law from working at the European Court of Human Rights. Esther is regularly instructed in judicial reviews involving points of statutory construction or human rights and is instructed in appeals against confiscation and restraint orders. Esther is ranked in legal directories as a recommended Junior in crime and financial crime. Esther is described as being “extremely bright, fierce and devastatingly brilliant. She is unsurpassable. She is a leading senior junior possessing many silk-like qualities. Esther is an extremely passionate and dedicated advocate who cares a great deal for her clients. she is able to engage with an induvial, regardless of their background, ensuring that they feel that they are listened to as they are guided through a highly emotionally charged process.” Fraud Recommended as a fraud specialist and a specialist in business and regulatory crime in the legal directories, Esther regularly handles high-profile, complex financial cases including those relating to allegations of investment fraud, misstatement of financial accounts and money laundering. Her practice has a notable international aspect. Esther is a highly regarded criminal advocate who is known for her sharp mind, high quality advocacy, and expertise in the conduct of complex cases. In recent years she has appeared in the most high profile cases including R v Adeboli (UBS rogue trader), R v Nadir (fraud arising from the collapse of Polly Peck PLC), R v Tesco Stores Ltd (DPA secured with Tesco), R v Rogberg and others (misstatement to the LSE by Tesco PLC). She has experience of DPAs from both sides, has been instructed in litigation relating to the wider legal ramifications of the regime. She has extensive area of global investigations and has extensive experience in issues arising out of corporate liability. Criminal Litigation Recognised as an advocate who: “fights very hard for her clients but equally is very open and amenable to new ideas.” Described by peers as: ‘Her advocacy makes her a formidable barrister. ’ Esther’s criminal practice is exclusively in serious and complex cases. She has been instructed in numerous murder cases including: multi-handed cut-throat revenge killing (R v Degoze and others); the killing of a vulnerable 98 year-old (R v Franklin and Cordice); murder motivated by hatred of homosexuality and shame (R v Foley); and murder within the Indian community motivated by an addiction to online gambling (R v Maulin Patel). A trained and experienced specialist in sexual cases, including high profile historic allegations (R v Rolf Harris) her cases has included of the rape of a virgin, serial paedophilia and familial rape and persistent child abuse. She is instructed in a number of allegations arising out of public inquiries into care homes and grooming. She has a particular interest in cybercrime and has experience in hacking prosecutions, Operation Ore cases, international jurisdictional considerations in cases involving data and the use and misuse of computers. She regularly presents evidence electronically. In particular she has obtained a specialism with regard to surveillance and covert policing, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, Public Interest Immunity and disclosure difficulties. Much of her work involves large organisations and the strategic issues which arise in investigations. Human Rights Esther has appeared in a number of leading cases on human rights including as a special advocate including Bank Mellat, Kamoka and Ignaoua. This represents an expanding area of her practice. Appellate Courts Esther frequently appears in the Court of Appeal, in relation to appeals against conviction and sentence. She has particular experience in interlocutory appeals and sentencing appeals. She successfully defended a challenge to the imposition of a financial reporting order and has conducted appeals on issues ranging from autrefois acquit to the disclosure of material obtained under mutual legal assistance by third parties, a decision that involved prior Court of Appeal authority being overturned. Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Esther has detailed knowledge of both Part One and Part Two of the Extradition Act 2003, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 and its predecessor, and other international instruments governing this area. She has advised on all aspects of obtaining evidence from overseas and on extradition. She has been instructed in leading cases on both extradition and mutual legal assistance, appearing in the important judgment of CPS v Gohil [2012] EWCA Civ 1550. Immigration Esther has a particular specialism in the operation of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants) Act 2004 and the protections afforded to defendants under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. She has been instructed in a number of cases before the Court of Appeal and the High Court involving negligent advice. Public and Administrative Law Esther is regularly instructed in judicial reviews involving points of statutory construction or human rights, including the successful defence of a Coroner’s decision not to hold an inquest; the construction of two conflicting provisions in the area of youth justice (Appiah); the effect of negligent advice where refugees plead guilty to immigration offences (Maalin); and defending a challenge to a decision to offer no evidence in a rape case. Esther gained invaluable experience working as a lawyer in the European Court of Human Rights and is the contributing editor of the chapter dealing with Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights in the practitioner’s guide, Human Rights Practice (Sweet and Maxwell). Her practice has encompassed numerous challenges on the basis of Articles 3, 6 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights in particular, but also Article 1 of Protocol 1 of the Convention. Restraint, Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture Esther has broad and comprehensive experience of conducting confiscation and asset forfeiture litigation at first instance and on appeal. She has acted for both prosecuting authorities and defendants and is regularly instructed in cases involving high value and international restraint and confiscation proceedings. She is currently instructed in an appeal against a confiscation order dependent on statutory construction and in a separate appeal against an order relating to the operation of a restraint order. International Criminal Work Esther is interested in developing her experience in international criminal law beyond the ambit of cases in the UK which have a significant international aspect. She has advised in and successfully defended jurisdictional challenges.  

Gareth Patterson

Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2017. Gareth is named by Chambers and Partners as one of their recommended new silks in both Crime and Financial Crime. He has extensive experience of heavy criminal litigation, his cases having included murder, blackmail, fraud, bribery, terrorism and all other types of criminal work. He appears both for the Prosecution and the Defence, often in cases of complexity or sensitivity as noted by the Legal 500. For many years Gareth has been recommended in the fields of Crime and Fraud by both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Notable cases include: R v Ali and Others (‘Three Musketeers’ terror plot); R v Asil Nadir (the theft of nearly £29 million from the company Polly Peck); R v A (involving blackmail relating to sensitive photographs of a foreign Head of State); R v Piggin (the trial of the Loughborough teenager charged with Columbine-style terrorist offences); R v Khan and Khan (the planned beheading of a US serviceman in East Anglia), R v Konye (which involved an acid attack in Dagenham); R v Lim (which involved an allegation of theft of diamonds from the former wife of the Sultan of Brunei); R v Hopkins(the body in the attic murder); a series of domestic homicides. Gareth successfully defended one of the brokers charged in the SFO’s LIBOR-rigging prosecution. Gareth has recently been instructed in the case of Olga Freeman relating to the death of her 10 year old son. Gareth’s practice is not restricted to criminal litigation. He is instructed in advisory work and in cases of judicial review. Gareth has a particular interest in inquests and coronial law and acted for families in the inquests into those killed in the 7/7 London Bombings, the Westminster terror attack and the London Bridge / Borough Market terror attacks. He has been recommended by Legal 500 for his “solid niche in extradition matters”. Before practising at the Bar, he was a commercial solicitor for the City law firm, Gouldens (now Jones Day). Criminal Litigation Gareth has wide experience of both prosecuting and defending in relation to homicide and the full range of criminal offences, at first instance and on appeal. He has been instructed by various prosecuting agencies including the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office. Gareth has advised in an equally wide range of criminal cases. Gareth has acted for the Attorney General in references of unduly lenient sentences and acted on an appeal for a prisoner convicted of murder after a trial involving the use of anonymous witnesses. Gareth has recently prosecuted and defended in many high profile cases of murder and manslaughter, mainly at the Central Criminal Court. Gareth also has considerable experience in cases involving allegations of sexual offences and recently successfully argued for the stay of proceedings brought against a defendant facing historical allegations. Fraud Gareth is described in the Legal 500 as “an amazingly astute fraud lawyer.” He has been instructed both for the Prosecution (including the SFO) and Defence in many cases of fraud. The LIBOR-rigging trial in which he defended, concluded following acquittals in 2016. In R v Nadir he spent nearly one and a half years preparing the case, followed by a trial lasting some seven months and subsequent compensation proceedings. He appeared in the prosecution of a defendant charged with a multi-million pound film industry fraud; after a three-month trial she was convicted at Bristol Crown Court. In R v Ozakpinar and Others, Gareth was instructed in an allegation of corruption arising out of the employment of consultants by a public body. In R v Alexander and Others he appeared in a lengthy fraud involving the assignment of falsely inflated contracts and conspiracy to bribe. Gareth led for the Defence in a case against a British diplomat charged with misconduct in a public office arising out of the dishonest grant of visas in the Philippines. He also has experience of appeals in relation to complicated Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) frauds before the First-Tier Tax Tribunal. Gareth is Instructed by the SFO and by the FCA in relation to major ongoing investigations into multi-jurisdictional offences. He is recommended in both Legal 500 (Fraud: Crime) and Chambers and Partners (new silks: Financial Crime). Inquests & Inquiries Gareth has acted for families in the inquests into those killed in the 7/7 London Bombings, the Westminster terror attack and the London Bridge / Borough Market terror attacks. In the High Court in R (on the application of O’Connor) v HM Coroner for Avon [2009] EWHC 854 (Admin) he obtained a fresh inquest in relation to the death of six year-old Liam Hogan, who was pushed from a balcony in Crete by his father. Regulatory Gareth has been instructed in regulatory cases involving prosecutions brought by a range of government agencies. He has acted for HMRC in relation to appeals in respect of MTIC fraud.

Jacob Hallam

Jake is recognised as an expert in the conduct of substantial high-profile cases involving complex areas of fact, law and public interest in the Crown Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. His ability to take control of large amounts of complex material and craft it for the purposes of trial or other litigation is well-known, as are his talents for the presentation of such evidence in a way that is comprehensive and easily-accessible. His precise and measured courtroom manner makes him a persuasive advocate. He has developed a particular reputation for the presentation of legal arguments and for being an impressive cross-examiner. He has appeared in many of the highest profile criminal trials in the country in recent years, involving homicide, corruption in public office, historic sexual abuse, diamond robbery, cybercrime and international criminal conspiracies. In addition to his work in the criminal courts, Jake has developed an expanding practice in family law, advisory work, judicial review, extradition, and libel law. He brings the skills he has mastered in the preparation and presentation of complex criminal cases to these wider fields, helping lay and professional clients to focus on the core issues that concern them whether that be helping to redress the effects of identity takeover or online fraud, contesting a judicial review application, or representing individuals in fact-finding hearings in the Family Court. Before his appointment as Treasury Counsel, Jake was a grade 4 prosecutor and a member of the specialist serious crime panel. He is a member of the faculty of advocacy teachers at Gray’s Inn, of the Bar Council’s Education and Training Committee, and of the Kalisher Trust. He is a training Facilitator in Vulnerable Witness Advocacy Training. Litigation and Appeals Criminal litigation has been at the core of Jake’s practice since he came to the Bar. In that time, his criminal practice has developed to the level that it now exclusively involves the most complex, serious and high-profile criminal cases which are reported on the national and international stage. He is an acknowledged expert within his field at the preparation and presentation of such cases, of identifying the key issues to be litigated, and in oral and written advocacy at the Crown Court and Court of Appeal. In the appeal courts he has developed a practice conducting appeals against sentence and conviction in cases in which he did not appear at first instance. Jake brings that experience, and the skills he brings to that field of expertise, to other aspects of litigation and advisory work beyond the criminal sphere. Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Jake has detailed knowledge of both Part One and Part Two of the Extradition Act 2003. He acts for requesting judicial authorities and governments, as well as for requested persons. He has appeared in cases at first instance and before the Administrative Court, and has a broad knowledge of the appellate process. Human Rights Human rights law flows through all aspects of Jake’s work, from advising on the use that can be made of information contained in documents, to the review of decisions made by a prosecuting authority, or from the rights of a person whose extradition is sought, to the use of evidence in adversarial proceedings. International Criminal Law Jake’s work in criminal law has led to an increased involvement in international cases, and cross-border litigation. Examples include work involving law enforcement agencies in the USA, the West Indies, South America and the Middle-East, as well as with those in Europe. Media and Information Jake has worked with a number of media clients for many years. He regularly advises the entertainment industry on aspects of libel law. He worked as the legal consultant for the 2021 BBC drama “Showtrial”. Public and Administrative Law Jake has developed a practice which includes work in public and administrative law, advising on and appearing in case of judicial review, including decisions taken by prosecuting authorities and by tribunals. Family Law Since taking silk, Jake has developed a practice in Family Law, bringing his skills in case analysis and cross-examination to this field. He has represented the principal party in a 2-year-long fact-finding hearing relating to an alleged paedophile ring. The case was the subject of an appeal, with leave being granted on all grounds, and a re-hearing. Ultimately no disputed findings were made against his client, and all allegations relating to child abuse were rejected by the court.

James Curtis

James has specialised throughout his career in serious and complex crime: the more complexity the better. He both prosecutes and defends. He relishes cases with high levels of legal, factual, commercial and medical technicality, and sensitivity. James specialises in expert evidence, including commercial, medical and scientific issues. He regularly appears for both the Prosecution and the Defence, throughout England. He appears principally before High Court judges, and also in the Appellate courts. He is committed and enthusiastic in any case he undertakes, enjoying hard work and high standards. He is also enthusiastic for complex paperwork, and is frequently instructed in the designing and creation of computer graphical presentations for courts and juries. He has sat as a Recorder for over 20 years, and has presided over long and complex cases. James’ current practice consists in a series of serious and high-profile trials, principally of murder, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety, and fraud, regularly with multiple defendants. He also has a substantial advisory practice in these fields. His most recent cases include an eight-month commercial fraud trial and several multi-defendant murder trials.

John Ryder

Acknowledged by his peers as an advocate of outstanding ability and superb tactical skill, John Ryder KC has consistently been ranked by Chambers & Partners directory as a leading silk. He is described in Chambers & Partners as “very stylish, adaptable and charming, he has everything you would expect from a barrister”. He is an exceptional cross-examiner and renowned for the persuasive powers of his submissions and final speeches. His practice extends over the entire range of serious crime and disciplinary matters both at first instance and in appellant courts. It includes commercial fraud and the representation of solicitors and other professionals accused of criminal offences. John has appeared in many of the most noteworthy cases of the past decade. He is exceptionally versatile “one of the best silks in the country”, “an absolutely formidable opponent” who has repeatedly achieved notable successes before a range of tribunals. Personally affable and approachable, he encourages participation from all those involved in a case and fosters a strong team spirit. He inspires the full confidence of clients and is notably fearless and uncompromising in the representation of their interests.

Jonathan Hall

Jonathan is ranked in POCA, Public Law and Inquests and Public Inquiries, and in the Legal 500 2021 in POCA and International Crime and Extradition. He has a wealth of experience handling unusual, sensitive or controversial matters, in the fields of asset recovery, mutual legal assistance, national security, human rights, confiscation, tax and duties, law enforcement, extradition, inquests and immigration, and wherever criminal law interfaces with public law. Before taking Silk, Jonathan was a grade 4 prosecutor and on the Attorney General’s Civil A Panel. In May 2019, Jonathan Hall KC was appointed by the Home Secretary as Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation. As with previous Reviewers, this is a part-time role which Jonathan principally conducts from Chambers. As a result of this appointment, there are certain limits as to the instructions that Jonathan can accept – his clerks will be happy to discuss. POCA Work and Asset Forfeiture Jonathan is highly esteemed for his work in civil recovery, and an expert on freezing and disclosure orders. He also advises on domestic and international restraint and receivership in confiscation cases. He has recently been handling work surrounding cryptocurrencies. Administrative and Public Law Jonathan is particularly strong in the context of national security and regularly defends the use of ‘no suspicion’ powers under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Karl Laird

Karl became a Member of Chambers in October 2019 following the successful completion of his pupillage. Karl first studied law at Queen Mary, University of London, graduating at the top of his year, before completing the BCL at Mansfield College, Oxford, where he obtained a Distinction and was awarded the Law Faculty Prize for Comparative Public Law. Upon completing the BCL, Karl began his legal career as an academic at Oxford and for five years he was a Stipendiary Lecturer and Fixed-term Fellow at various colleges. During this time Karl also taught at the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge and at the LSE. He continues to hold a part-time academic position as a Stipendiary Lecturer and Tutor in Law at St Edmund Hall, Oxford. Karl is the author of numerous articles and is the co-author (with Professor David Ormerod KC) of Smith and Hogan’s Criminal Law. He also writes monthly case notes for the Criminal Law Review. Karl has particular expertise in financial crime and is responsible for the chapter in Blackstone’s Criminal Practice which deals with bribery and corruption. In addition, he is a contributor to Montgomery and Ormerod: Fraud Law and Practice and writes regular case notes for Lloyd’s Law Reports: Financial Crime. Amongst various other topics, Karl has written extensively on deferred prosecution agreements. In an article which is forthcoming in the Criminal Law Review, he analyses the most recent deferred prosecution agreement judgments. In addition to criminal law, Karl taught public law at Oxford and other universities for a number of years. He is an expert on this subject and has written articles which examine various public law issues, the most recent of which is due to be published in Public Law. He also teaches a course on statutory interpretation at the University of Cambridge. Prior to commencing pupillage, and in conjunction with his academic work, Karl was a Team Lawyer at the Law Commission of England and Wales, where he worked on a project on firearms law (which led to the enactment of provisions in the Policing and Crime Act 2017) and also on a review of official secrets legislation. He lectures regularly to the legal profession and has delivered lectures to the Judicial College, the CPS, the Whitehall Prosecutors’ Group and the Hong Kong Department of Justice (among others). Karl was called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn in 2018, having been awarded a Lord Mansfield Scholarship and a Hardwicke Entrance Award. Karl is a Special Adviser to the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, Jonathan Hall KC.

Kate Wilkinson

Kate is a highly regarded criminal advocate with experience of all areas of serious crime including murder, armed robbery and fraud. Her engaging manner makes her an effective advocate and popular with clients. She is known for her strong intellect and ability to handle complex cases. Criminal Litigation Kate is an extremely experienced and able criminal advocate. She has defended in sensitive and complex cases ranging from murder and rape to fraud. As a Treasury Counsel monitoree, Kate is also regularly instructed to prosecute serious crime including murder, armed robbery, drugs importation and sexual offences as well as high-profile cases. She has been appointed as a Grade 4 prosecutor on the specialist Serious Crime Group panel. She has also been instructed as a leading Junior in a multi-handed drugs exportation case with terrorist funding connections. Kate has a wealth of experience in difficult criminal appeals both in relation to conviction and sentence, including providing advice to the Attorney General. Cybercrime Kate is experienced in this increasingly important area of advisory and litigation work. She has advised on the international complexities of data retrieval from remote server hosts involved in the commission of terrorist offences using cyberspace and regularly advises officers from the High Tech Unit and Digital Media Exploitation Unit. She is also familiar with the technical details involved in computer, website and file-sharing analysis having defended in Op Ore (indecent images of children) cases. Fraud Kate has an eye for detail and for simplifying complex matters which makes her a versatile fraud practitioner. She has defended in frauds including trademark infringements, benefit fraud and payroll dishonesty. She also prosecuted the largest PAYE tax and National Insurance evasion case where her command of the voluminous exhibits permitted them to be skilfully presented to the jury in both hard copy jury bundles and electronically on screen. Restraint, Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture Kate has been appointed as a Grade 4 prosecutor on the specialist Proceeds of Crime panel and is very familiar with confiscation proceedings. She regularly advises on, and conducts hearings in, complex and protracted cases. Her experience prosecuting such matters makes her an ideal choice for those seeking advice in defending potential confiscation claims. Terrorism Kate is regularly instructed to prosecute by the Counter Terrorism Division and has extensive experience in dealing with extremely complex and sensitive matters of disclosure. She conducts prosecutions alone as well as being led. She is also familiar with advising on how to shape difficult cases and in particular on the use of the Electronic Presentation of Evidence to assist a jury’s understanding of the case. International Criminal Work Kate has appeared in Courts Martial in Germany. She also regularly advises in criminal cases where jurisdictional issues arise from evidence gathered abroad. Media and Information Law Kate has advised individuals involved in the police enquiries into practices at News International and has been frequently instructed by publishing companies to assess video material for potential defamation claims. Kate has lectured on the topic of how the media can influence legal proceedings. Public and Administrative Law Kate has conducted judicial review proceedings in respect of several matters including a decision not to prosecute a youth for rape. She has also conducted appeals by way of case stated in respect of matters such as the proper procedure for providing a sample at the police station for alcohol tests and the criteria to be met before imposing a hospital order in the Crown Court. Disciplinary Tribunals Kate advises and prosecutes for the Bar Standards Board and is therefore familiar with conducting hearings before disciplinary tribunals. Regulatory Given her work advising and prosecuting for the Bar Standards Board, Kate is well versed in regulatory proceedings. Civil Litigation Kate has experience of appearing in the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) and is instructed by HMRC to act as Respondent in VAT appeals.

Louis Mably

Louis is a recognised leader in the fields of criminal litigation, corporate investigations and human rights. He has an international reputation for providing expert strategic analysis, and frequently acts in cases with a multi-jurisdictional dimension. Louis has acted in numerous cases in the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights, and recently appeared for the Department of Justice in the High Court of Hong Kong in the territory’s largest corruption trial. Louis was appointed Senior Treasury Counsel in 2015, and Queen’s Counsel in 2017. Criminal Litigation Louis’s specialism in the field of criminal litigation is dealing with cases, at first instance and on appeal, that are complex, high profile and sensitive. Recent cases include: HKSAR v Hui, Kwok & others (Court of First Instance, Hong Kong) Louis was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar and acted for the Department of Justice in the prosecution of the territory’s former Chief Secretary for taking bribes from property developers. Parliamentary Expenses Scandal Louis prosecuted the six Members of Parliament charged in connection with the Parliamentary expenses scandal. The litigation included the landmark constitutional case of R v Chaytor and others in the Supreme Court, on the scope of Parliamentary Privilege and Article IX of the Bill of Rights. Isle of Wight Council v Platt (Supreme Court) Louis represented the Secretary of State in the high profile Supreme Court case concerning the prosecution of parents who take their children on holiday during the school term. R v Hurley Louis represented the Crown in the Court of Appeal in a case where fresh evidence was called to challenge the safety of a murder conviction dating back 25 years. R v Walker Louis represented the Crown in the Court of Appeal in a case which clarified the means by which the DPP grants consent to prosecute. R (Kenward) v DPP (High Court) Louis represented the Attorney General in the litigation challenging the DPP’s policy on assisted suicide. R v McLoughlin (Court of Appeal) Louis represented the Crown and the Attorney General in the Court of Appeal in a case concerning a challenge to the compatibility of whole life sentences with Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Other recent cases include advising on the scope of the privilege against self-incrimination under Hong Kong law; the prosecution of the man who interrupted the Boat Race for public nuisance; the prosecution of the Bulger killer Jon Venables after he re-offended; and numerous murder trials at the Central Criminal Court. Corporate Crime and Investigations Louis specialises in cases involving allegations of bribery, corruption, cartel activity and financial or corporate misconduct. He has recently advised on the coercive powers of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, and on the criminal and extradition exposure of UK corporate officers in connection with conduct in an Asian jurisdiction. Other recent cases include: London Whale Affair Louis is acting for one of the involved in the London Whale affair, arising from JP Morgan’s announcement of a US$2 billion trading loss in 2012. Litigation has taken place in Spain; there are ongoing criminal and civil proceedings in the US involving the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission; and the UK litigation includes proceedings against the FCA in the Upper Tribunal, Tax and Chancery Chamber. Akcine Bendrove Bankas Snoras v Antonov Louis acted for a major Lithuanian bank in the Commercial Court in proceedings concerning the application of the privilege against self-incrimination and Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights to disclosure in civil proceedings. JPMorgan v SFO Louis represented JP Morgan and a number of other City banks in the High Court, challenging the lawfulness of a section 2 (CJA 1987) Notice to produce documents, issued by the SFO at the request of an overseas prosecutor. SFO v BAE Louis acted in relation to the SFO’s investigation into BAE’s global business dealings. Human Rights and Public  Louis has represented the UK Government in numerous cases in the European Court of Human Rights, including the following cases in the Grand Chamber: Ibrahim v UK Concerning whether the questioning of terrorist suspects under domestic legislation violated Article 6 of the Convention. Vinter v UK Concerning whether the domestic scheme of whole life sentencing was compatible with Article 3 of the Convention. Al-Khawaja v UK Concerning whether the domestic legislation in relation to hearsay evidence was compatible with Article 6 of the Convention.

Lucy Organ

Lucy is a criminal practitioner with expertise of prosecuting and defending cases right across the spectrum of offences. Between 2010 and 2014 Lucy worked as a defence attorney in the Cayman Islands where she was frequently instructed in the most serious of criminal offences appearing to Appellate level. Lucy has implemented this experience upon her return to the bar of England and Wales, establishing a practice of serious crime. She is now regularly instructed in criminal cases of the highest level. She has notable experience of assisting in the prosecution of anti-competitive activities and in assisting companies that are the subject of investigation by the SFO and FCA. Lucy also has experience in assisting corporate entities with internal investigations. Lucy also has experience acting as independent counsel. Lucy is qualified to undertake direct access work and can accept instructions directl from individuals and companies. Lucy is a member of the international association of young lawyers and recently spoke at their seminar “Legal Practice Offshore: Opportunity and Controversy” on the new offences created by the Criminal Finances Act 2017. Defence Lucy is very experienced in defending in the full spectrum of criminal offences She has defended in fraud and white collar crime and represented high profile individuals charged with criminal offences. This has included advising and assisting high profile corporate clients. Lucy has defended in high profile crime which runs the full gamut of offences including murder. She has successfully represented a number of defendants charged with rape, death by dangerous driving, attempted murder, possession of firearms and fraud. She is able to fluently deal with complicated expert evidence. She is fully trained and experienced at cross-examining young and vulnerable witnesses. Lucy has extensive experience of appearing in the Court of Appeal both on her own and as junior counsel. Lucy has been instructed privately in asset forfeiture and POCA proceedings. She also has experience of privately representing individuals who are charged with road traffic matters. Prosecution Lucy is a Grade 4 prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service and prosecutes a range of offences including terrorism, homicide, serious violence and sexual offences. Lucy was junior counsel for the crown in a six-handed murder which was one of the first trials to resume at the Central Criminal Court after the “lock-down” because of the Coronavirus pandemic. She is very familiar with the consequential changes to jury trials as a result of social-distancing. She has experience of prosecuting matters arising out of HMRC investigations. Lucy also undertakes private prosecutions and is regularly instructed to prosecute on behalf of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. She has also prosecuted on behalf of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Lucy has assisted in very large scale prosecutions. This has included advising on potential prosecutions arising out of the Hillsborough Disaster and assisting the Competition and Markets Authority in their most recent prosecution of a group of managing directors for the cartel offence under the Enterprise Act 2002. Public Law Lucy has acted for the Secretary of State for Transport in respect of appeals against the removal of individuals’ driving licenses. She has also acted for the Director of Border Revenue in the First-Tier Tax Tribunal. She also has experience of appearing in the First Tier Immigration and Asylum Tribunal. She is currently instructed to represent the Immigration Services Commissioner in respect of an appeal against a decision to discontinue the registration of an immigration advisor. The appeal is complicated legally and factually and will occur entirely remotely over 7 days. Extradition Lucy acts in extradition matters and has conducted full extradition hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Lucy has acted in extradition matters in the Cayman Islands. This including an incoming request for an Israeli-German citizen by Israel to the Cayman Islands.  Regulatory Lucy is on the panel of prosecutors of the Bar Standards Board. She also has experience representing doctors at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service. Most recently she successfully represented a doctor who was unable to return to the United Kingdom for the hearing, so gave evidence via the telephone.  Health & Safety R v Naylor: Lucy was led by Duncan Penny QC in a trial of gross negligence manslaughter. It was alleged that an electrician was grossly negligent when installing garden lights in a public house garden which led to the death of a 7 year old. R v Sawhney: Lucy prosecuted the owner of a guesthouse for a number of failings under the fire safety regulations ( Regulatory Reform( Fire Safety) Order 2005) in circumstances where a fire had occurred and a guest had been injured  Homicide Lucy is a grade 4 CPS prosecutor and has been recently appointed as a Treasury Counsel Monitoree. She has extensive experience prosecuting and defending homicide.  Road Traffic Hani Ali v DPP [ 2020] EWCA Crim 1370: Lucy appeared for the DPP in this appeal by way of case stated. The appeal raised questions as to the presumption of reliability of an alcohol breath test machine, and the burden and standard of proof to be applied when evidence of unreliability is sought to be adduced. Olajide v Stratford Magistrates Court [2018] EWHC 2159 (Admin): Lucy represented the Crown Prosecution Service as the Interested Party in this judicial review. The Claimant argued that the prosecution had failed to comply with section 16(3)(a) of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 which deals with the admission of documentary evidence as to specimens of breath obtained by the police. R v Piercy: Lucy defended in this case of death by dangerous driving where the issues were who was driving and whether the driving was dangerous. The defendant was convicted, but on appeal Lucy successfully argued that the expert witnesses were not in fact suitably qualified and that there was not sufficient evidence that the driving was dangerous.  Sexual Offences R v Barnett: Lucy defended in this case of sexual activity with a child and grooming. The child gave evidence under the section 28 YJCEA 1999 procedures and so Lucy pre-recorded the cross-examination. Lucy is trained at dealing with young and vulnerable witnesses. R v McLaughlin: Lucy defended in this case of historic rape. This involved the cross-examination of a young and vulnerable witness  Terrorism R v Ziamani and Hockton: Lucy was led by Annabel Darlow QC in this trial of two serving prisoners for the attempted murder of a prison guard. This case was tried by Mrs Justice May. Both defendants were islamic fundamentalists and the prosecution case was the offence was a terrorist attack. R v Benboukhemis: Lucy prosecuted this Newton Hearing for a defendant who pleaded guilty to dissemination of two terrorist publications but claimed she did so recklessly, rather than intentionally. R v Mala: Lucy was junior counsel for the Crown in this first prosecution of an individual under section 16 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2000. R v Hussain: Lucy prosecuted the defendant for dissemination of terrorist publications.  Fraud, bribery & corruption R v Rufus: Lucy is instructed in this 15 million pound fraud involving FX trading. R v Jackow and Ors: Lucy prosecuted this conspiracy to defraud. It was a large “courier fraud” in which elderly individuals were targeted. R v Commonwealth Evaluators:Lucy was leading counsel in the prosecution of a company and individuals for running an illegal immigration law firm. R v Ali: Lucy prosecuted this fraud, where the defendant had set up bogus charities in order to fraudulently claim gift aid.  Judicial Review Lucy is regular instructed by the DPP to represent him in Judicial Review proceedings as either a defendant or interested party. Lucy is instructed for the DPP in a judicial review of the decision of the police not to refer to the CPS historic allegations of rape. Lucy has been instructed by the CPS in a number of judicial reviews of the CPS’s decision to take over and discontinue private prosecutions .Lucy is instructed for the DPP in a judicial review where the issue is whether the trial was fair because of the judge’s behaviour. Olajide v Stratford Magistrates Court [2018] EWHC 2159 (Admin): Lucy represented the Crown Prosecution Service as the Interested Party in this judicial review. The Claimant argued that the prosecution had failed to comply with section 16(3)(a) of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 which deals with the admission of documentary evidence as to specimens of breath obtained by the police. R.( El Gizouli v Secretary of State for the Home Department):Lucy was instructed by the GLS to deal with the duty of candour disclosure process in this high profile judicial review of the Home Secretary’s decision to provide mutual assistance to the United States without an assurance that the death penalty would not be imposed.  Licensing Lucy has experience assisting businesses in matters of licensing. This includes special treatment premises.

Lyndon Harris

Lyndon accepts instructions in general crime, corporate crime and public law and regularly acts for both the prosecution and the defence. He is regularly instructed to represent individuals, companies, and government departments both in litigation and in a purely advisory capacity. He frequently provides advice at the early stages of proceedings at a stage where important strategic decisions can influence the ultimate outcome. He is equally comfortable advising on, and conducting, complex legal arguments as he is with advising on, and taking, strategic decisions in complex and serious litigation. Crime Lyndon prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) and accepts instructions across a full range of criminal work. He prosecuted on behalf of the NCA, CPS and others. Recent prosecution instructions include cases of murder, manslaughter, fraud and money laundering, firearms, serious non-fatal violence and the supply of Class A drugs. Recent defence instructions include cases involving offences of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, rape and other serious sexual offences (including involving children), robbery, serious violence, human trafficking and cases of neglect resulting in death. In relation to prosecution instructions, he is experienced in cases involving highly sensitive material and PII. When acting for the defence, he is experienced in making targeted section 8 applications for disclosure. Additionally, he has experience advising on issues surrounding legal professional privilege including at a pre-charge stage and acting as independent counsel. He has also provided ad hoc advice to Jonathan Hall QC in his role as the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation. Financial Crime Lyndon accepts instructions in financial crime matters in respect of individuals and corporations. Instructions include acting for corporations in internal investigations, investigations conducted by an investigating authority and where criminal proceedings have begun. Current instructions include large-scale international money laundering involving the engagement of sanctions legislation, ‘boiler room’ fraud and conspiracy to defraud. He is adept at marshalling large volumes of material quickly and effectively and is instructed both as sole junior and led junior in a range of cases involving financial crime, both where court proceedings have been commenced, and at the early stages of an investigation. He acts in a range of Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 matters, both following conviction in relation to Part II of the Act (including at the enforcement stage) and in relation to the civil powers in Part V of the Act. Recent instructions have included cases involving applications for account freezing orders (R. (National Crime Agency) v Westminster Magistrates’ Court [2022] EWHC 2631 (Admin)), confiscation orders where the benefit figure runs to many millions and the enforcement of such orders. Public and Civil Law Lyndon also accepts instructions in matters where public and criminal law intersect. His recent instructions in judicial review cases involving unlawful detention, prisoner transfer agreements and decisions of prosecuting authorities and criminal courts. Additionally, he is instructed in cases involving civil proceeds of crime matters (such as those concerning account freezing orders), sanctions and regulatory matters. Advisory Work Lyndon is frequently instructed to advise individuals and corporations on a range of matters, including criminal (where proceedings are live and where they are contemplated), regulatory matters and civil matters where there is an intersection with the criminal law. He is adept at providing clear and concise advice in a timely manner, with a focus on a quick identification of the real issues and considered practical advice tailored to the client’s needs and priorities.  

Martyn Bowyer

Martyn has been a member of 6KBW since 1984 and offers 38 years experience at the Criminal Bar in the full range of criminal and quasi-criminal work, both as Junior and Leading Junior at Crown Court and Appellate levels. He regularly appears at the Central Criminal Court and at other Crown Court centres across the South East and in The Midlands. He has frequently conducted cases in the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), the Administrative Court and has appeared in the House of Lords (now the Supreme Court) twice. He also has appeared in a number of Courts Martial. Martyn has always sought to maintain a balanced practice incorporating both prosecution and defence work. He is always prepared to “go the extra mile”. He has previously been monitored for Treasury Counsel and is currently a Grade 4 prosecutor on both the CPS General and Serious and Organised Crime lists. In addition he has prosecuted cases on behalf of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and the Services Prosecution Authority. He is regularly instructed by defence solicitors in major criminal trials and has a reputation for establishing an excellent rapport with any defendant, irrespective of their background. He is equally at home defending as he is prosecuting. Martyn considers excellent team-work to be crucial in any criminal trial and has consistently received repeat instructions from the full range of professional clients as a result of his approachable and professional style. Martyn is computer literate and has developed a particular interest in the use of mobile telephone technology and social media in the detection and subsequent prosecution of serious crime. He has been involved in numerous cases (both prosecuting and defending) involving the admissibility of gang membership and the deployment of ‘drill videos’ by the prosecution in support. He places great store upon engaging with both Professional and Lay Clients at the earliest possible stage in the criminal justice process and wherever possible seeks to appear at all pre-trial hearings and have early conferences when instructed to do so. Martyn is extremely diligent in the preparation of all of his cases and seeks to engage with and involve all parties to the proceedings from the early stages to ensure an efficient and effective trial.

Melanie Cumberland

Melanie Cumberland is a leading junior with a broad range of practice areas, including crime, extradition, confiscation, mutual legal assistance, administrative law, public inquiries and inquests. Melanie has extensive experience appearing in the higher courts, in cases before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court. She also regularly acts on behalf of individuals and the Government in cases before the European Court of Human Rights. She has been instructed in some of the most complex and sensitive criminal and quasi-criminal cases of recent years, including a challenge to the refusal to issue arrest warrants against Tony Blair, Jack Straw and Lord Goldsmith for their participation in the Iraq War (R (on the application of Al-Rabbat) v. Westminster Magistrates’ Court); Supreme Court appeals concerning a challenge to search warrants issued in reliance on sensitive material (R (on the application of Haralambous) v. St Albans Crown Court); and sentences of imprisonment for public protection based on their alleged breach of the principle of lex mitior (R v. Docherty). Melanie was first appointed by the Attorney General as junior counsel to the Crown in 2009, and has been on the A Panel since 2016. She undertakes a range of high profile work for a variety of government departments and has particular expertise in national security work, inquests, public inquiries and judicial review proceedings raising issues of principle under the criminal law. She has acted in many of the most important public inquiries and inquests of recent years including the Westminster Bridge Inquests, the Litvinenko Inquiry, the inquest into the death of Alexander Perepilichnyy and the Al Sweady Inquiry. She has also been instructed in a number of judicial review and civil damages claims arising from the Government’s military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan; for example, in  claims brought by Rahmatullah, Al-Sweady and Al-Saadoon, and in appeals before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, arising from those claims.  

Michael Bisgrove

Michael is a skilful and dedicated advocate, with a compelling attention to detail. Professional and hardworking in his approach, and rigorous in his preparation, he is comfortable handling the most serious and complex of cases. Michael enjoys a mixed Criminal and Regulatory practice and is experienced in both prosecuting and defending. Criminal Litigation Acting both for defendants and for the prosecution, Michael’s experience of criminal litigation includes murder, fraud, organised crime and terrorism offences. He has a wealth of experience in the field of drug trafficking and is regularly instructed in large scale conspiracy cases. He is a Grade 4 prosecutor and is on the Fraud, Serious Crime, and Counter-Terrorism panels. Michael advises and acts in Judicial Review claims and in appeals against conviction and sentence, both on behalf of those who he has represented at first instance and on behalf of those who seek a second opinion on appeal. Fraud Michael is experienced in fraud, commercial crime and professional regulation, having been instructed in substantial fraud trials and in commercial regulatory proceedings. He has represented clients charged with corruption, conspiracy to commit fraud and substantive Fraud Act offences. Michael also acts in confiscation and enforcement hearings and has considerable experience of cash forfeiture proceedings. As well as post-charge fraud work, Michael has been instructed to advise companies in the early stages of potential Serious Fraud Office investigations both where the company is at risk of prosecution and where the company has detected possible criminal behaviour by others. Michael has worked in off-shore jurisdictions reporting on the compliance of certain listed companies with market regulations. Restraint, Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture Michael has substantial experience of cash forfeiture proceedings both at first instance and on appeal. He is also conversant with confiscation and enforcement proceedings stemming from criminal allegations and is proficient in negotiating and in contesting confiscation orders. Regulatory Michael acts in civil and criminal regulatory matters. He is regularly instructed to prosecute on behalf of regulatory bodies in the criminal courts and in the First-tier and Upper Tribunals, and to advise on matters of policy or practise. He also defends those charged with commercial or personal regulatory offences. Public Law Michael advises and acts in judicial review proceedings, principally arising from criminal or regulatory decisions.  

Miranda Hill KC

Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2022 and awarded Crime Junior of the Year at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2017 , Miranda is “a very clever lawyer with an instinctive touch for the right approach in difficult and challenging circumstances”. “Sought out to advise corporations implicated in financial crime” and recommended by the legal directories as a New Silk in financial crime, financial crime (corporates), general crime and investigations, Miranda has a wide range of experience as a criminal practitioner.  Specialising in business and corporate crime, she is particularly renowned for her ability to master substantial and complex cases. Corporate Crime and Investigations Described as a “newly appointed silk who was widely regarded as the best junior in this field of work”, Miranda has unparalleled experience in relation to business and corporate crime. She represented both Rolls-Royce and Amec Foster Wheeler in deferred prosecution agreement proceedings (led by David Perry KC and leading Katherine Hardcastle) and advised News Group Newspapers Limited and News UK in respect of the phone hacking and misconduct allegations (which concluded with no criminal proceedings being brought against either company). Since acting for BAE Systems Plc in respect of the proceedings brought by the Serious Fraud Office, Miranda has advised other household names from the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and financial services sectors in respect of allegations of corruption and other aspects of business crime. She led an internal investigation into allegations of corrupt behaviour by employees of a FTSE 100 company and has been instructed on behalf of two major high-street banks to advise on matters relating to fraud, Financial Services and Markets Act and Companies Act offences. Miranda also has experience of advising individuals in connection with cartel offences and the leniency provisions. Cybercrime Miranda has experience of advising companies in respect of ‘cybercrime’ offences, committed in the context of industrial espionage and by present and former employees. She has advised, amongst other matters, in respect of offences relating to the obtaining, transfer and destruction of confidential data and also with regard to counter-surveillance measures. General Crime Miranda has been led both for the Prosecution and for the Defence in numerous homicide cases, including those of unusual factual and/or legal complexity. As sole advocate, she has successfully represented individuals accused of rape, serious offences of violence and driving offences involving fatalities, amongst other matters. She also represented the four Uber drivers who were privately prosecuted by the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association in connection with the dispute about whether the Uber App amounted to a taximeter for the purposes of the legislation. She also has considerable experience of prosecuting: this includes prosecuting both single and multiple defendants accused of a range of offences including child cruelty, sexual offences, offences of serious violence and robbery. Fraud Miranda is recognised in the legal directories as a New Silk in the field of fraud. Having been instructed early in her practice in commercial litigation between Sumitomo and Credit Lyonnais Rouse, she was instructed subsequently by the Serious Fraud Office in one of its largest investigations into a multi-million pound, multi-jurisdictional fraud within the metal trading industry. The case involved calling defendants convicted in the US, who had co-operated under formal agreements with the US Department of Justice, as prosecution witnesses. This has given Miranda a unique understanding of the US system regarding co-operating witnesses, plea bargaining and sentencing. Restraint Miranda has both prosecuted and defended in cases of money laundering and has experience of advising in relation to suspicious activity reports. She has experience of appeals against forfeiture orders made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and of complex confiscation hearings. Inquests Having acted on behalf of a number of the senior police officers at the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, Miranda has experience both of Article 2 and non-Article 2 compliant inquests and has represented the interests of families of the deceased as well as those of persons whose behaviour might be criticised. Independent Counsel Miranda has been instructed by the Financial Services Authority, the Serious Fraud Office and the Jersey Law Officer’s Department as Independent Counsel to review material and determine whether it is subject to legal professional privilege.  

Paul Jarvis

Paul is a first-rate advocate with a thriving practice as both a leader and a junior alone in cases of substance and complexity. He is a Junior Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court, appointed by the Attorney General in 2017 to prosecute the most serious offences including murder and terrorism. In that role Paul accepts instructions from all divisions of the Crown Prosecution Service and from the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority. Alongside prosecuting, Paul maintains a busy private defence practice, mainly in the areas of corporate and financial crime, cybercrime, serious sexual offending and motoring offences, where his expertise is sought at all stages of proceedings. Paul has particular expertise with regards to the proceeds of crime and judicial review.  He also has a sizeable appellate practice.  In the last few years he has appeared as sole junior counsel in over one hundred cases before the Court of Appeal. Paul is the joint editor of Millington & Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime, and Kingsley Napley & 6KBW College Hill: Serious Fraud, Investigation & Trial, and a contributor to Blackstones’ Criminal Practice and Taylor on Appeals. He is a case commentator for Lloyd’s Law Reports: Financial Crime, and a regular contributor to the Criminal Law Review and Archbold Review.

Paul Humpherson

aul’s practice incorporates both courtroom advocacy in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal, and more academic engagement with the law through his work as a university law tutor and his current secondment to the Law Commission. He also has considerable practical experience in financial crime and regulation. Paul is regularly instructed to prosecute and defend in Crown Court cases involving serious violence, sexual offences, theft and fraud. He has recently appeared successfully in a number of reported criminal appeals in both the Court of Appeal and the High Court. Paul has diverse experience of financial crime and regulation, having undertaken secondments with the Financial Conduct Authority, Serious Fraud Office, Stephen Platt Associates LLP (a financial regulation and compliance consultancy based in the Channel Islands), WilmerHale (a City law firm), and the Welfare, Rural and Health Division of the Crown Prosecution Service (where he prosecuted benefit fraud and regulatory offences).

Peter Ratliff

Peter is a highly regarded and sought after practitioner with a busy advisory and court practice. Peter specialises in complex casework, and investigations into business and corporate crime. He regularly advises multinational companies and company directors on matters arising from civil and criminal litigation. He has appeared for the Defence and Prosecution in many high profile criminal cases, and is ranked as a Leading Junior in Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. Corporate Crime and Investigations Peter has a breadth of experience of advising on corporate criminal matters. Peter represented News UK in respect of investigations into phone hacking and corruption. He is currently instructed by a leading American law firm to represent a FTSE 100 listed corporate suspect in a high-profile SFO investigation. Peter is currently instructed by the SFO to advise in respect of two major corporate investigations. Peter has particular experience of advising and representing individual suspects and parties to SFO investigations pre-charge. Peter has specific expertise in protecting the rights of companies to legal professional privilege, commercially sensitive, journalistic source and private data in circumstances where they are the subject of investigation. He has represented major UK Plcs in this regard. Peter represented a well-known firm of solicitors in resisting the execution of a warrant which purported to permit the Metropolitan Police to seize notes of conferences and proofs of evidence created between the solicitors and clients and witnesses. Fraud Peter has extensive experience defending allegations of fraud brought by the Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, the Department of Trade and Industry. Peter recently secured the acquittal after trial of a defendant charged in respect of Operation Incubus, a significant investigation into tobacco smuggling. He secured the only acquittal of a defendant charged in respect of the DWP’s largest investigation into fraud on the benefits system. Peter was instructed as sole Junior in respect of the SFO’s widespread and complex investigation into criminality at Torex Retail Plc, and advised as to corporate liability, the appropriate scope of the investigation and charges. Peter was led in the two subsequent trials which resulted in the conviction for offences of conspiracy to defraud of 5 of 6 company directors. Peter was Junior Counsel for the Crown in the prosecution of the head of the UK’s policing project in Afghanistan for offences of conspiracy to fraud relating to the provision of equipment to the Afghan police force. Peter has experience of cases involving the freezing of assets and forfeiture proceedings, and has acted for the Defence and Prosecution in many high value confiscation hearings. Criminal Litigation Peter has considerable experience in representing the Defence and Prosecution in high profile and serious cases.  He is currently a Junior Treasury Counsel. He was instructed, together with Duncan Penny QC, by the Director of Public Prosecutions of  the Cayman Islands to prosecute the country’s first Premier for offences of misconduct in a public office. In R v. Shilling and Others, Peter conducted the successful prosecution of defendants charged in respect of the largest importation of firearms into the United Kingdom. In R v. Gomez-Remolina, Peter was junior in the prosecution of a brutal double-murder by an international jewel thief. In R v. Ammber Rafiq Peter successfully defended a young woman charged with encouraging terrorism. Peter advised the CPS in respect of the prosecution of suspects in respect of the investigation into the Hillsborough disaster. Peter is currently instructed to prosecute a series of cases involving the hacking and blackmail of TalkTalk Plc and other corporate entities. Other cases include the successful defences of a prison officer for offences of conspiracy to supply drugs, and of a well-known music producer accused of historic rape, false imprisonment, robbery and possession of a firearm. Peter prosecuted a member of  a proscribed extremist organisation for an assault on Baroness Warsi.  Peter was Junior Counsel for the Crown in the prosecution of a defendant for the murder of his wife for financial gain, and the prosecution of two men for the execution-style killing of another. Peter was Junior for the Crown in the re-trial of Barry George, accused of the murder of the television presenter Jill Dando, and has defended the musician Peter Doherty for offences of drug possession arising from an investigation into the death of a young woman associated with him, dangerous driving and other offences. Peter was instructed to represent the Blue musician Lee Ryan in respect of offences committed following Mr. Ryan’s appearance on the television programme “Celebrity Big Brother”. Peter has experience of and interest in cases involving cybercrime. He has advised on the misuse of restricted computer systems, and has experience of using and presenting evidence relating to many of the commercial auditing systems used by complex and secure computer networks. His current caseload includes the criminal use of Bitcoins.

Richard Evans

Richard has a broad practice with particular emphasis on extradition and public law. Extradition Richard has detailed knowledge of both Part One and Part Two of the Extradition Act 2003. He acts for requesting judicial authorities and governments, as well as for requested persons. He has appeared in a number of significant cases at first instance and before the Administrative Court, and has a detailed knowledge of the appellate process. Public Law Richard is a member of the Attorney General’s B Panel of Counsel to the Crown. Richard has experience in public law, especially its operation in immigration, extradition and criminal proceedings.  He regularly appears before the Court of Appeal, High Court and Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). Immigration Richard regularly appears for the Home Office in immigration judicial review cases before the High Court and Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).  He has appeared as presenting officer for the Home Office in relation to immigration appeals to the first-tier tribunal.  These cases have involved human rights issues and the requirements of the immigration rules and the application of published policy. He has undertaken immigration cases for individuals. Tax Richard regularly appears for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs before the First-Tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) and the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) in relation to appeals concerning customs and excise duty.  Recent cases have involved the penalties imposed for non-payment of duty, classification of goods and the regulation of warehouse keepers. Criminal Litigation Richard prosecutes in the Crown Court and the Magistrates’ Court on behalf of a range of authorities. These include the Crown Prosecution Service, Transport for London, Revenue and Customs, the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and the National Probation Service. He has been instructed by the Serious Fraud Office to advise on investigations into bribery and corruption. Richard has also advises multi-national companies in relation to allegations of bribery and corruption. Richard defends in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court.  Richard regularly undertakes privately funded work defending clients charged with road traffic offences. Health and Safety Richard has been involved in prosecuting health and safety offences in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court. He has previously been seconded to the Office of Rail Regulation as a legal adviser. His recent cases have concerned incidents on the railway resulting in death or serious injury. He is on the Panel of Specialist Regulatory Advocates (List C) in Health and Safety and Environmental Law. Regulatory Richard has been instructed by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner in cases involving the unlawful provision of immigration advice. He has appeared on behalf of the Office of Rail Regulation in relation to an inquest into the death of a railway worker. He has also appear on behalf of the Environment Agency in relation to a case involving the regulation of the waterways.

Rosalind Earis

Rosalind acts in a range of Chambers’ practice areas including general crime, financial and specialist crime, public law, inquiries and regulatory law. She is a member of the Attorney-General’s Panel of Civil Counsel and particularly focuses on the intersection of public and criminal law, including acting in judicial review proceedings arising out of ongoing or potential criminal litigation. Rosalind previously worked for the United Nations and as a British Government consultant in the Middle East. She graduated with a first-class degree from Cambridge University in 2007. General Crime Rosalind prosecutes and defends in a range of criminal matters at all levels, both alone and led. Defence Rosalind has successfully defended in cases of blackmail, arson with intent to endanger life, grievous bodily harm, robbery, people smuggling, drug supply and violent and sexual offences. She has appeared in the Court of Appeal as a sole junior in appeals against conviction and sentence, and been praised by that Court for the quality of her advocacy. Rosalind has a particular interest in matters concerning the offence of participating in activities of organised crime group. Prosecution Rosalind is a CPS Level 3 Prosecutor, and has successfully prosecuted as sole junior cases of perverting the course of justice, fraud, robbery and large-scale drug supply among others. Notable cases as led junior include R v Zaman and Others, prosecuting a drug supply conspiracy worth around £1 million, and R v McAllister, a multi-million pound fraud conspiracy. Her comparative analysis of legal provisions concerning terrorism in jurisdictions around the world was presented to the Supreme Court in R v Gul [2013] UKSC 64 as part of the Crown’s successful case. Rosalind also accepts instructions in private prosecutions of all types.  Specialist Crime Rosalind regularly prosecutes both fraud and the provision of unregulated immigration services on behalf of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). She also advises on questions of law and procedure at all stages of the investigation. Notable cases include R v Binns and Ors, which five defendants were convicted of running a large-scale fraudulent immigration business. Rosalind also represents the OISC in regulatory appeals arising out of their decision-making, in both the First Tier and the Upper Tribunals. Rosalind is a member of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution advocates’ panel, and has both prosecuted and defended in HSE matters in the magistrates’ and Crown Courts. Rosalind is also experienced in both making and resisting applications in quasi-criminal and ancillary matters, including applications for search warrants both inter partes and ex parte, and advising on the bringing or defending of subsequent judicial review proceedings arising from such applications.  Financial Crime and Confiscation Rosalind has been instructed for both the Crown and the defence in confiscation proceedings under POCA 2002. Notable cases include obtaining a successful variation for a third party in the multi-billion dollar confiscation proceedings arising out of R v Ibori, R v Gohil. She has previously acted for a large multi-national company in their worldwide internal investigations into compliance with fraud and bribery legislation. Rosalind also advises the UK Competition and Markets Authority on prosecuting the cartel offence, on an ongoing basis.  Public Law In 2019 Rosalind was appointed to the Attorney-General’s Civil Panel of Counsel (level C). She has also appeared for the CPS in matters before the High Court arising out of criminal prosecutions. Prior to her C-panel appointment she was instructed by the Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) in immigration and public law matters, and appeared regularly for the SSHD in immigration appeals to the First Tier Tribunal. She also advises and appears for claimants wishing to bring judicial review proceedings, including those seeking urgent interim relief and those who need urgent advice.  Inquiry Work Rosalind is currently instructed as junior counsel for the Metropolitan Police in the Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI), led by Peter Skelton QC.  As part of the UCPI she appeared as led junior in the judicial review proceedings brought by a number of Core Participants against decisions of the Chairman concerning the anonymity of former undercover officers. Her work on the Inquiry has given her a particular knowledge of matters of Public Interest Immunity arising from national security and related concerns.  Civil Litigation/Government Work Rosalind has been instructed in civil litigation matters by a range of government agencies, including the Serious Fraud Office, the DVLA, HMRC and the Home Office.

Rosemary Davidson

Rosemary is a highly sought after junior with a wide practice encompassing the fields of: international cooperation (extradition, mutual legal assistance and Interpol requests); public law; human rights; criminal law (domestic and international); immigration; and inquests and inquiries. Within those specialisms, she has particular expertise in the areas of national security, sanctions and public law claims arising in the context of the criminal justice system (prisons, police, prosecution decisions and extradition). She is recognised for her strong intellect and her eye for detail: “So rigorous and detailed. She never gives up and doesn’t let any tiny loose ends go. Everything gets pulled together and tidied up.” Chambers & Partners Rosemary is recommended as a leading junior in the areas of extradition and public law and has appeared in a wide range of high profile and significant cases in these practice areas. Her recent cases of note include: R (W80) v Independent Office for Police Conduct in which the Court of Appeal ruled on the applicable test for self-defence in police disciplinary proceedings; R (X) v Secretary of State for Justice, a judicial review challenge concerning the extension of a custodial term and the use of closed material in the youth court; and Hafeez v United States, the leading extradition case on Article 3 in the context of life without parole. Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Rosemary is one of the leading juniors in the field of extradition (Legal 500, 2020), with over a decade of experience and a comprehensive knowledge of extradition law and practice. She represents requested persons, judicial authorities and requesting governments in all stages of contested extradition proceedings in the UK, as well as advising individuals and foreign governments in relation to UK extradition requests. She also has extensive experience of domestic cases where specialty/abuse of process issues arise as a result of the defendant’s extradition. Rosemary has particular expertise in Part 1 cases involving issues of EU law, and complex Part 2 cases involving human rights issues or political prosecutions. Her expertise in public law is asset in complex extradition cases, including those involving asylum or other immigration issues, or concurrent judicial review proceedings. Rosemary regularly advises individuals and Government bodies in relation to mutual legal assistance requests and acts in public law cases in which MLA requests are litigated. Rosemary has provided expert evidence on UK extradition law in foreign legal proceedings and has given evidence to the House of Lords EU Home Affairs Select Committee in relation to the impact of Brexit on the UK’s extradition arrangements. Rosemary has written widely about extradition and is the co-author and co-editor of the Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Handbook (Oxford University Press). She has contributed chapters on extradition to Rechtshilferecht in Strafsachen (Lexis Nexis) and EU Law in Criminal Practice (Oxford University Press). Rosemary has extensive experience of advising and assisting individuals who are, or may be, the subject of an Interpol notice, including making applications to Interpol for the deletion of data. Public and Administrative Law Rosemary is recommended as a leading junior in this field: “if you need something done, it’ll get done and it’ll be really, really good” (Chambers and Partners, 2020). Rosemary has extensive experience acting for and against public bodies in judicial review claims and statutory appeals and she frequently appears in high profile and complex cases. She has particular expertise in judicial review cases that arise in the criminal justice context. Terrorism/ National Security Rosemary has appeared in a wide range of terrorism cases in both the criminal and the civil context. Her experience encompasses high-profile terrorism prosecutions, as well as national security deportations before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, control order/TPIM cases in the High Court, and civil claims involving national security aspects. She is a contributor to National Security Law, Procedure and Practice (OUP, 2021). Rosemary’s notable cases in this context include Al Rawi and Ors (the Guantanamo Bay litigation); Othman (the Abu Qatada deportation); MA and CF (the first civil claim in which the closed material process under the Justice and Security Act 2013 was used); and Kamoka and Ors (allegations of UK complicity in rendition and torture). Rosemary also acts as counsel to the tribunal in cases before the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. Criminal Litigation and International Criminal Law Rosemary is a criminal law specialist and trial advocate. She has particular expertise in terrorism cases, and cases involving extradition/immigration issues. Her recent experience includes: R v Umerji – the Court of Appeal considered whether a defendant is required to be present at the section 51 sending hearing R v W – the Court of Appeal ruled on the meaning of section 146 of the Extradition Act 2003 (speciality provisions) Rosemary’s criminal practice often encompasses issues of international law and she advises NGOs and other grass roots organisations on international criminal law issues in general, and in particular on the use of domestic criminal law to prosecute international crimes. In the asylum context, Rosemary has particular expertise in the application of international criminal law in Refugee Convention exclusion cases. In 2002 Rosemary completed an internship with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Inquests and Public Inquiries Rosemary has extensive experience in the field of Inquests and Public Inquiries. She spent five years as junior counsel to the Home Office in the Undercover Policing Inquiry, during which time she oversaw an extensive disclosure exercise and represented the Home Office at a number of hearings. Rosemary has also appeared in inquests and has particular experience of cases involving deaths in custody. Sanctions Rosemary advises individuals and Government departments in relation to international sanctions, and Chambers and Partners has noted that Rosemary is “particularly knowledgeable” in this field. Rosemary has extensive experience of domestic judicial review challenges in relation to international sanctions. Her notable cases include R (Bredenkamp) v Foreign and Commonwealth Office [2013] EWHC 2480 (Admin); National Iranian Tanker Company v Foreign and Commonwealth Office [2015] EWHC 282 (Admin); and R (Khaled) v Foreign and Commonwealth Office [2017] EWHC 1422 (Admin).

Sahil Sinha

Sahil is an experienced and professional junior advocate with a particular focus on complex casework.  Sahil prosecutes and defends across the spectrum of criminal litigation and also accepts instructions in corporate crime, inquests and inquiries, and prison law. Sahil is experienced in the instruction and calling of a broad range of experts, including complex and challenged pathology and psychiatric evidence. Sahil has also recently called evidence about the usage of mobile telephones that was described as significantly advancing the scope of that evidence. Sahil has a background of corporate and financial crime and internal investigations and continues to practice in those areas. Homicide Sahil prosecutes and defends in all forms of homicide cases, and has particular experience in cases of legal complexity and cases involving complex and challenged medical expert evidence. Sahil is currently instructed in a number of child homicide cases. Serious and Organised Crime Sahil both prosecutes and defends in cases involving sophisticated and high-profile organised crime and criminal conspiracies, including those involving controlled drugs, blackmail and kidnap, and firearms. Sahil has particular experience in cases involving the use of covert tactics and investigatory powers. Sahil was led by Tim Cray KC in the prosecution of R v Jovanovic and others, members of the group that committed the highest value burglaries in the UK and burgled the homes of Tamara Ecclestone, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and Frank Lampard.  Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Sahil has been instructed in the prosecution of modern slavery organisations of different sizes and levels of sophistication around the country. Notably, Sahil has acted for the Crown in Operation Fort, the prosecution of the largest modern slavery network uncovered in the UK and featured in the BBC’s Panorama. Sahil also has experience of both prosecuting and defending cases involving victims of modern slavery and the defence under section 45 of the Act.  Sexual Offences Sahil prosecutes and defends cases involving sexual offences. Sahil has previously defended cases of historic child sexual offences as junior counsel, and is currently instructed in a case of historic familial child sex offences. Sahil has completed vulnerable witness training and accepts instructions in cases involving children and vulnerable witnesses or defendants.  Terrorism Sahil accepts instructions in terrorism cases. Notably, Sahil acted as disclosure junior in the prosecution of Jack Renshaw who was convicted of plotting to kill an MP and was one of six men alleged to be part of the far-right group National Action.  Cybercrime Sahil has a keen interest in cybercrime and accepts instructions in all areas. Sahil was instructed in R v Akala – a prosecution following the unlawful access of 160 accounts held by Camelot (then operator of the National Lottery).  Fraud, bribery and corruption Prior to joining chambers, Sahil was involved in representing clients and companies concerned with allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption at all levels and across a number of jurisdictions. Sahil has recently conducted the successful prosecutions of a variety of dishonest enterprises. Sahil was instructed to prosecute R v Patel – the accounts manager of Westmill Foods (Associated British Foods) who defrauded her employer of £560,000.  Sahil has contributed to Ormerod on Fraud: Criminal Law and Procedure and had previously co-authored the article Public Interest and Corruption in Lexis PSL, considering the public interest and its impact on corruption prosecutions. Sahil has represented defendants, the CPS and the SFO in a number of confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and cases involving restraint and asset forfeiture.  Internal investigations & corporate crime Sahil accepts instructions in corporate criminal cases. Prior to joining cases, Sahil worked for the Investigations and Criminal Litigation team of a leading US law firm. During his time there Sahil was involved in the representation of companies and individuals facing prosecution by the SFO, CMA, FCA, PRA, CPS, as well as overseas prosecutors such as the US DoJ. This included the UK-based representation of Forex traders successfully defended before the US courts. Sahil has experience of conducting investigations of all forms, including corporate internal investigations, investigations in the representation of individuals, LPP and disclosure reviews. Sahil has been instructed by the CPS to manage and conduct large disclosure exercises, including material across external agencies and highly sensitive material. Sahil accepts instructions to advise about all aspects of investigations and has recently advised on obtaining material held by the media in a terrorism case and also in the context of appellate proceedings for two conspiracies to commit murder. Sahil accepts instructions relating to the criminal impact of sanctions. Prior to joining the bar, Sahil’s work within law firms included advice on export restrictions/sanctions.  Private prosecution Sahil accepts instructions in private prosecutions of all types. In addition to being a CPS Grade 3 prosecutor, Sahil has experience of prosecuting and defending cases brought by private prosecutors. Sahil has regularly prosecuted for the Immigration Services Commissioner in cases of fraud and the illegal provision of immigration advice.  Road Traffic Sahil represents clients in road traffic cases and council prosecutions, including cases involving special reasons and exceptional hardship.  Public & Civil Law Sahil accepts instructions in limited areas of public and civil law including contempt, inquests and prison law. Sahil has contributed to Miller on Contempt (4th edn).

Sasha Wass

“She is an excellent tactician who always makes the right judgement call in the most delicate of situations. She commands respect from her peers effortlessly. She is an incomparable class act, particularly in the most challenging, sensitive and high profile of cases. Sasha adopts a no-nonsense approach and is always prepared and willing to cut through a deadlock situation. A true barrister of principle, she will stand her ground and fight for what is ultimately right.” Legal 500 Sasha Wass KC has practised at the Criminal Bar for 39 years. Ranked in Chambers & Partners and in The Legal 500 as a Tier 1 Leading Counsel. She was made Criminal Silk of the Year in 2015. In 2021, the Lawyer Magazine selected her as one of the “Hot 100”, describing her as “one of the leading lights of the Bar.” She both defends and prosecutes and has worked on such notable cases as:- Rosemary West:  accused of ten murders. Rolf Harris, children’s entertainer convicted of child abuse. Johnny Depp: Hollywood actor involve in libel trial. John Edwards, picture editor of The Sun (News International) Colin Gregg of Greggs Bakers: accused of historic sex offences. Kweku Adoboli, rogue trader responsible for largest British banking fraud $2.3bn. James Ibori, corrupt Nigerian State Governor and his associates involved in the theft if £250 million from the public purse. Roger Levitt, financier involved in large scale company fraud. Ben Butler, accused of baby shaking. Tesco Stores Limited: successfully negotiated £129 million Deferred Prosecution Agreement. Callum Harriott, secured acquittal for ex-Colchester United footballer accused of rape. Advisory work undertaken including: Russian Oligarch on Merits of private prosecution Serious Fraud Office: advised on Libor, Rolls Royce. Premier League footballer accused of gang rape Professionals accused of sexual misconduct in the work environment. General appellate work arising out of miscarriages of justice.

Simon Denison

Simon Denison QC has acted in many high profile, multi-handed and / or complex cases, including murder, manslaughter, firearms, gang related offences, robbery, kidnapping, human trafficking, serious sexual offences, drugs, human rights, European Law, fraud, corruption, cases involving issues of sensitive disclosure , national security, and terrorism, including cyber terrorism. He is Security Cleared. He has advised the Attorney General and appeared on his behalf in the Court of Appeal in many cases. Other advisory work has included advising prosecuting agencies pre- and post­ charge on discrete issues of law, including statutory interpretation, and advising in relation to issues of money laundering, and professional regulation. He is on the SFO QC Panel. Examples of cases include R v Tariq Rana and others (murder committed by a British National in Pakistan, prosecuted here), R v Fadi Nasri and others (contract murder of woman special constable ordered by her husband), R v Leon Dunkley and others  (gang murder of innocent 16-year-old girl by shooting  into a pizza shop, involving anonymous witnesses) , R v Hamilton and others (gang murder of 15-year-old Negus McLean who was chased on his bicycle and stabbed), R v RF (killing of sex worker by vulnerable defendant with mental health issues), R v Khan and others (cyber terrorism, including  youngest convicted terrorist), R v Chentouf(mother hid bomb manual in her burka and considered turning her children into human bombs), R v Beach and others (Heathrow bullion robbery), R v Bellamy (paedophile sexual grooming) , Attorney General’s Reference No 16 of 2009 (firearms and assisting offenders, gun used in the gang murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones), Attorney General’s Reference Nos 4 – 8 of 2014 (firearms), R v Hanif and Khan (2014 CCRC reference to the Court of Appeal following finding by the ECHR of a violation of Article 6).

Simon Ray

He just gets it right every time. He has great, sound judgement…” “A very good black-letter lawyer who is highly responsive to those that instruct him.” “He has an understated yet extremely effective advocacy style and is superb with clients.” “He’s incredibly calm but authoritative, and inspires confidence in clients through his very measured and reasoned approach.” “Simon is very experienced and always on top of the law and facts of any given case. He immediately wins the trust and confidence of lay clients and any tribunal.” “Has a lovely manner with judges and clients.” Simon is a sought after and highly regarded criminal advocate with market-leading expertise in serious and complex litigation. He has appeared in several of the most high-profile cases in recent years, with a practice focused on work for private clients whose prominence and professional status gives rise to particular sensitivities. Simon has been ranked as a Band 1 leading junior by Chambers & Partners every year since 2016, and market sources praise him for his ‘ability to mop up a huge amount of material and get to grips with it’, as well as the ‘experience and skill’ he brings to private cases. Simon’s practice incorporates the full criminal spectrum, and he has particular expertise in financial crime. He is regularly instructed by City clients, large international law firms, and large corporate clients, and is on the Serious Fraud Office’s A Panel of counsel. Simon is praised for the clarity and effectiveness of his written and oral advocacy, and his ability to provide strong, strategic advice on complex legal issues. It is notable that Simon’s expertise is sought by other members of the legal profession to advise on sensitive issues affecting firms and individuals. Work highlights include: Leading counsel advising the SFO in a complex overseas bribery investigation involving corporate and individual suspects. Acting on behalf of six directors of an international advertising agency under investigation for tax fraud. Defending the former head of compliance at Alstom, the multi-national energy and engineering company, who was acquitted of corruption following two trials in the Crown Court. Instructed as leading counsel to provide sensitive advice to two major international law firms about serious internal misconduct, appropriate interaction with UK law enforcement and regulators. Instructed to provide strategic advice and draft a major report into a FTSE350 company under extraordinary time pressure and with real risk to the company’s future. Instructed by Allen & Overy on behalf of a key former officer of Quindell Plc under investigation by the SFO and under threat of private prosecution. Defending the former CEO of Hotcha Ltd charged with a fraud to secure £7.5millon of venture capital. Instructed by Clifford Chance to act on behalf of officers and employees of an international corporation in a harassment claim in the High Court against an activist investor. Leading counsel in the defence of the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Coldstream Guards who in 2022 was acquitted of a conspiracy to supply stolen army ammunition. Defending Chris Cairns, the former New Zealand cricket captain who was found not guilty of perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice in connection with his successful libel claim to refute allegations of match fixing. Appearing as junior defence counsel for the entertainer Rolf Harris. Corporate Crime and Investigations Simon has particular depth of experience advising corporate clients, law firms and enforcement authorities on the full range of corporate criminal offences. Simon also advises corporate clients in connection with internal investigations and other compliance-related issues, in a way which is practical, efficient, and sensitive to clients’ commercial needs. In the last 18 months Simon was instructed (as leading counsel) to provide sensitive advice to two major international law firms about serious internal misconduct, appropriate interaction with UK law enforcement and regulators. One concerned serious client fraud by a senior associate, with huge reputational risk for the firm. In 2021 he was instructed to provide strategic advice and draft a major report on behalf of a FTSE350 company under extraordinary time pressure and with real risk to the company’s future. Simon is advising the SFO on corporate liability for two UK companies under investigation in connection with offences under the Bribery Act 2010. Simon has worked with magic circle law firms to advise on corporate criminal liability. His work includes acting for a major international corporation to conduct a review of potential criminal conduct within its UK subsidiary, and the potential liability of a Swiss company under the Bribery Act. Simon has advised a City firm on the preparation of a manual for their international corporate clients and overseas lawyers on UK anti-money laundering requirements. He was instructed for a period of two years by Linklaters and Arnold & Porter on behalf of News Corp in connection with the phone hacking and misconduct in a public office investigation. The role included providing advice on complex questions of legal professional privilege and data protection issues. He has also been involved on behalf of the companies in the SFO investigations into Glencore and GSK. Other recent corporate clients have included Uber, a car-industry marketing and sales data company, well-known charities and a UK hedge-fund in connection with an overseas cum-ex trading investigation. Simon has also acted on behalf of the former CEO of Cambridge Analytica and provided advice ahead of his Parliamentary Select Committee appearance. Fraud, Bribery and Corruption  Simon has a particular specialism in cases involving serious fraud and corruption. Notably, he is one of a small number of barristers with experience of negotiating on behalf of a defendant with the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority under the Attorney General’s Guidelines on Plea Discussions in Cases of Serious or Complex Fraud. Current instructions include representing the former CEO of Hotcha Ltd in connection with a £7.5m venture capital fraud. Simon has a track record of guiding and advising professional people through complex financial investigations. Examples include: acting on behalf of six directors of an international advertising agency under investigation for tax fraud; advising a key individual in the SFO’s investigation into Quindell Plc; representing a key individual in the SFO’s investigation into the £236million collapse of London Capital & Finance. In each case the investigations concluded without criminal charges being brought. Simon was instructed by Wilmer Hale to defend the former head of compliance at Alstom, the multi-national energy and engineering company, who was acquitted of corruption following two trials in the Crown Court. He has also received recognition for his work on market abuse cases. Cases include representing an equities trader prosecuted by the FCA for insider dealing (Operation Tabernula). Other notable cases include the defence of the former CEO of a City re- insurance broker, prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office for offences of overseas corruption. Simon is a member of the Serious Fraud Office A Panel and notable cases include the prosecution of fraud offences arising from the collapse of a litigation funding company, involving allegations of fraudulent trading with a loss to international investors of £80 million. In 2015, he was instructed in the SFO prosecution of a £20m conspiracy to mis-sell green energy pension investments and fraudulent trading. This case included the first Bribery Act charges brought by the SFO. In 2016-2018 he was instructed to advise on the investigation into Lloyds HBOS following the LIBOR scandal. Currently Simon is instructed as leading counsel advising the SFO in a complex overseas bribery investigation involving corporate and individual suspects. Criminal Litigation Simon has vast experience of working at the highest level in all types of serious criminal litigation, both for the defence and the prosecution, including cases of murder, attempted murder, organised crime, serious assault, rape and serious sexual offences. His experience includes addressing issues arising under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Computer Misuse Act 1990. He has particular experience of defending in allegations of sexual misconduct with an emphasis on sensitive and privately funded cases. He regularly appears in cases of homicide at the Old Bailey and elsewhere. Simon is regularly instructed as leading counsel, appearing alongside and against silks. Recent notable recent examples include: leading in the defence of the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Coldstream Guards who in 2022 was acquitted of a conspiracy to supply stolen army ammunition; and leading in the prosecution of a defendant for encouraging the suicide of a fellow patient on a mental health ward. This followed an earlier instruction in the first case of assisting suicide prosecuted in the UK where the defendant met the deceased through online suicide forums. Throughout his career, in addition to his defence work, Simon has been instructed by specialist divisions of the Crown Prosecution Service to conduct cases involving computer piracy, conspiracy to defraud, corruption, misconduct in public office, international drug trafficking, money-laundering and election offences. Between 2013 and 2021 Simon advised the CPS on criminal liability for undercover police officers who adopted the identities of dead children. This included difficult questions of aliases and sexual consent. This was an issue of great public concern. Restraint, Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture Simon has considerable experience in confiscation, including proceedings arising from multi-million pound money laundering, drug trafficking and fraud cases. He has experience of cases involving asset tracing in multiple jurisdictions. He appeared in the Court of Appeal in R v Del Basso and Goodwin [2010] EWCA Crim 1119, a case concerning the relationship between legitimate business expenses and “benefit” for the purposes of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. It is common for Simon’s cases to involve parallel financial restraint proceedings. In 2020 he successfully resisted multiple bank account freezing orders on behalf of a network of international cosmetic sales companies. Appellate Work Simon frequently appears in the appellate courts for both the Prosecution and the Defence. He is instructed regularly by the Appeals Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service. Simon provides specialist advice to the Association of Chief Police Officers and police forces on police powers and statutory interpretation including on questions of technical road traffic law. Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Several of Simon’s cases for both the defence and prosecution have involved complex international investigations giving rise to multi-jurisdictional questions of evidence and disclosure. He has particular experience in cases involving parallel investigations by UK law enforcement agencies and the US Department of Justice. As a result, Simon has experience for both the prosecution and defence of dealing with issues arising from evidence obtained via Letters of Request in several jurisdictions and of negotiating with the US Department of Justice over complicated disclosure arguments. In addition, Simon has advised on the comparisons between United States procedure on plea-bargaining and the regime in this jurisdiction for the acceptance of bases of plea and judicial indications as to sentence. Simon has provided advice to the Supreme Court of the Canton of Bern on a question of jurisdiction and equivalence in English/Swiss law; and has also provided advice to the Swiss government concerning potential fraud offences by a British citizen against Swiss interests. Simon has appeared for both defendants and requesting states in extradition proceedings at first instance and in the High Court. Public and Administrative Law Simon has appeared in several cases in the appellate courts involving important principles of human rights and public law. In 2020, he was instructed for the Director of Public Prosecutions (led and alone) in a series of High Court cases involving the extension of custody time limits because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case was of significant public importance, given the extraordinary pressure on the criminal justice system. In 2022 he appeared in a significant decision of the High Court concerning the jurisdiction of the Youth Court in rape cases where the defendant turns 18 during the course of the proceedings. Simon was instructed as junior to David Perry KC to prepare submissions on behalf of the Advocate to the Court in the appeal to the Supreme Court from the High Court decision on police powers of detention in Hookway. Simon also appeared in R v Davis [2008] UKHL 36, the decision of the House of Lords on anonymous witnesses that led to the passing of the Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Act 2008. He has expertise in the area of the retention of DNA samples, fingerprints and Police National Computer records. Inquests and Public Inquiries Simon appears in Inquests. His experience includes the representation of a CCTV camera operator arrested and interviewed under caution for gross negligence manslaughter at a subsequent Coroner’s inquest. He has also appeared on behalf of London Underground staff in an inquest into a death at an underground station Disciplinary Tribunals and Regulatory Crime Simon has extensive experience of professional disciplinary tribunals and regulatory cases. In R v B&S Ltd & others, Simon led in a case at the Old Bailey that involved complex and novel questions of EU and domestic law. The defendants (two companies and three people, one a Romanian barrister) unlawfully advised hundreds of clients, asserting that they had found a lacuna in UK immigration legal services regulation. He defended a corporate defendant charged under the Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work Regulations. The case involved questions of interpretation of UK and European Community legislation. Simon appeared in the Court of Appeal in R v Clarke [2008] EWCA 893 – a case involving the reverse burden of proof in regulatory offences. He has lectured to City solicitors on regulatory crime.

Thomas Williams

Tom is a sought-after practitioner ranked in the Legal 500 and in Chambers and Partners, specialising in criminal litigation, extradition, corporate crime and public law. Criminal Litigation Tom is an experienced advocate appearing both for the prosecution and the defence in homicide and other serious criminal cases. His recent experience includes a convicted murderer’s ultimately unsuccessful attempt to mislead the Court of Appeal by fabricating an alibi long after his trial (R v Peter Jones & others, Basildon Crown Court, led by Kate Wilkinson); an armed robbery in Upminster which ended with the shooting of an eleven-year-old child (R v Antony Lascelles & others, Snaresbrook Crown Court, led by Alistair Richardson); a sophisticated conspiracy involving a corrupt police officer intercepting money paid to drug-dealers and cash-couriers, whilst he was wearing his police uniform and driving a marked police vehicle (R v Kashif Mahmood & others, Southwark Crown Court, led by Peter Ratliff); and a bomb hoax outside Downing Street during lockdown, shortly before the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, arrived to deliver one of the televised national COVID-19 briefings (R v Toby Champeney, Southwark Crown Court). Tom has particular experience in terrorism prosecutions at the Central Criminal Court, including: the first police officer to be convicted of a terrorism offence (R v Benjamin Hannam, led by Dan Pawson-Pounds); a teenager in Essex who, immersed in right-wing propaganda during lockdown, became involved in the manufacture of two working guns with a 3D printer and arranging for a consignment of firearms to be sent to the UK in a shipping container (R v Matthew Cronjager, led by Alistair Richardson); and one of the oldest members of National Action, whose involvement in the extreme far-right group was only identified several years later (appearing alone at first instance and on appeal: R v David Musins [2022] EWCA Crim 1625). Tom has appeared a number of times in the Court of Appeal, both on behalf of the defence and the Crown; in R v Anthony Kirsten [2020] EWCA Crim 1039, a successful appeal against sentence in which Tom was instructed on behalf of the defendant, the Court referred to his submissions as ‘persuasive’ and ‘admirably brief and to the point’. Finally, Tom is experienced in dealing with driving offences in the magistrates’ court, for instance when the court is considering a discretionary or a totting-up disqualification; in the past he has advanced a number of successful exceptional hardship arguments.  Extradition Tom regularly appears for both requesting judicial authorities and requested persons at extradition hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, and also has experience of applications for permission to appeal in the High Court. He is a Level 2 advocate on the CPS Extradition Panel. In addition to Part 1 cases, he is familiar with Part 2 requests: he is currently instructed on behalf of the government of the United States of America (led by Richard Evans) in relation to a cybercrime request.  Corporate crime Tom has provided advice to individuals and corporates facing charges for offences under the Fraud Act 2006, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and arising out of a number of different regulations. Since 2017, he has been instructed to advise a large corporate in relation to potential criminal liability, led by David Perry KC and Miranda Hill KC. His previous experience includes a ten-week mortgage fraud (R v Darren Goulbourne & others, Hull Crown Court, led by Paul Jarvis) as well as defending prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority.  Public law and inquiries Tom has a real interest in public law work, particularly when there is a cross-over with criminal law. His judicial review experience includes acting for the Director of Public Prosecutions (led by Duncan Atkinson KC) in a crowd-funded challenge to what was characterised by the applicant as a decision not to refer the investigation of Dominic Cummings, the Prime Minister’s Chief Adviser, to the police in relation to his alleged breaches of the Coronavirus Regulations (R (Redston) v Director of Public Prosecutions [2020] EWHC 2962 (Admin), [2021] ACD 50). Tom has been involved in a number of public inquiries, including being instructed in 2017 as second junior counsel acting for the Home Office in the Undercover Policing Inquiry (led by Nicholas Griffin KC and Rosemary Davidson).  Contempt and media law Tom has an in-depth knowledge of reporting restrictions in the criminal courts, including orders made under ss. 4(2) and 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and injunctions; he is the author of the ‘Open Justice’ chapter in the most recent edition of Miller on Contempt (4th edn, 2017). He has appeared (led by Alistair Richardson) in an appeal against a finding of contempt in the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) (R v Satvinder Singh [2021] EWCA Crim 1531). He has also previously been retained to provide pre-publication advice to two newspapers in relation to defamation, privacy, and contempt of court.  Prison law Tom has appeared a number of times before the Parole Board, representing prisoners serving life sentences or IPP sentences, and has advised on whether Parole Board decisions should be challenged by way of judicial review. He is also familiar with prison adjudications dealt with by an independent adjudicator.

Timothy Cray

With 33 years of trial experience, including seven years as Senior Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court, Timothy is widely recognised as one of the leading silks at the criminal bar. Timothy is instructed for individuals as well as corporates in all areas of criminal litigation, but with a particular emphasis on financial and business crime, as well as cases with parallel civil and regulatory proceedings.   His background of leading prosecutions at the highest level is often called upon in cases where sensitive engagement with domestic and international prosecuting authorities and departments of state becomes necessary. Timothy has never sought inclusion in any legal journal and relies on the judgment of his peers and his reputation for delivering results. White Collar Crime Timothy has prosecuted notable cases on behalf of the SFO, OFT (now the CMA) and HMRC and secured the first convictions under the Bribery Act 2010 for the SFO (R v West and Whale [2016] EWCA Crim 742. He has a substantial advisory practice which includes advising Magic Circle and leading US firms.  He was instructed as specialist counsel to advise corporates by Skadden Arps in a multi jurisdiction corruption litigation; Addleshaw Goddard to advise on an Insider dealing allegation; Freshfields for a complex HMRC banking investigation and Arnold and Porter to give strategic advice relevant to multi-national clients on compliance and anti-corruption issues. Timothy also advises individuals cradle to grave in a range of asset protection matters including confiscation, asset security litigation, restraint orders and search and seizure.  He advises on novel points of law including LLP and sanctions.  Recent instructions include from Enyo Law in an Eastern Bloc asset protection and sanctions case and from Sonn Macmillan Walker in ongoing fraud based litigation. Serious Sexual Offences Regularly instructed in guideline and notable cases involving sensitive allegations where reputation management is required in addition to litigation, Timothy acted in a leading case on reasonable belief in consent (MAB v The Queen [2013] EWCA Crim 3), and the guideline case on arranging child sex offences (Privett and others [2020] EWCA Crim 557). Timothy is currently instructed as lead prosecution counsel in the case of Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City and French International footballer) and another in relation to multi-complainant rape allegations. High Profiles Cases Over the last two decades, Timothy has appeared in many of the  most newsworthy cases including the conspiracy to steal £26million from the celebrities Tamara Ecclestone and Frank Lampard, (R v Maltese and others; (www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-59037924)), the prosecution of a special forces soldier at first instance and on appeal (R v Danny Nightingale; (www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-23450909)) and the first trial by judge alone in 400 years (R v Twomey and Others [2011] 1 Cr App R 29 CA (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/mar/31/jury-less-trial-guilty-heathrow-robbery)). Homicide During his time at Senior Treasury Counsel, Timothy directly advised the Attorney General, Solicitor General and DPP on homicide and serious crime issues of national importance, including deaths in custody, police killings, assisted suicide and medical negligence. He appeared and advised in 57 homicide trials and 84 appellate cases from 2014 to 2021. Representative examples of homicide cases are serial killing (‘Tony Montana’ murder – www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-475349;), killings by medical professionals, nurse Ledesma, www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4034672); Surgeon Khan,www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news-doctor-killed-dad-four-lethal-22990279), killings involving police and armed forces: PC Brehmer ULS appeal, www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-56454792, [2021] EWCA Crim.390, Gang and Contract killings, Lee McKnight murder 2021 www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-57121072.)

Tom Williams

Criminal Litigation Tom is an experienced advocate appearing both for the prosecution and the defence in homicide and other serious criminal cases. His recent experience includes a convicted murderer’s ultimately unsuccessful attempt to mislead the Court of Appeal by fabricating an alibi long after his trial (R v Peter Jones & others, Basildon Crown Court, led by Kate Wilkinson); an armed robbery in Upminster which ended with the shooting of an eleven-year-old child (R v Antony Lascelles & others, Snaresbrook Crown Court, led by Alistair Richardson); a sophisticated conspiracy involving a corrupt police officer intercepting money paid to drug-dealers and cash-couriers, whilst he was wearing his police uniform and driving a marked police vehicle (R v Kashif Mahmood & others, Southwark Crown Court, led by Peter Ratliff); and a bomb hoax outside Downing Street during lockdown, shortly before the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, arrived to deliver one of the televised national COVID-19 briefings (R v Toby Champeney, Southwark Crown Court). Tom has particular experience in terrorism prosecutions at the Central Criminal Court, including: the first police officer to be convicted of a terrorism offence (R v Benjamin Hannam, led by Dan Pawson-Pounds); a teenager in Essex who, immersed in right-wing propaganda during lockdown, became involved in the manufacture of two working guns with a 3D printer and arranging for a consignment of firearms to be sent to the UK in a shipping container (R v Matthew Cronjager, led by Alistair Richardson); and one of the oldest members of National Action, whose involvement in the extreme far-right group was only identified several years later (appearing alone at first instance and on appeal: R v David Musins [2022] EWCA Crim 1625). Tom has appeared a number of times in the Court of Appeal, both on behalf of the defence and the Crown; in R v Anthony Kirsten [2020] EWCA Crim 1039, a successful appeal against sentence in which Tom was instructed on behalf of the defendant, the Court referred to his submissions as ‘persuasive’ and ‘admirably brief and to the point’. Finally, Tom is experienced in dealing with driving offences in the magistrates’ court, for instance when the court is considering a discretionary or a totting-up disqualification; in the past he has advanced a number of successful exceptional hardship arguments.  Extradition Tom regularly appears for both requesting judicial authorities and requested persons at extradition hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, and also has experience of applications for permission to appeal in the High Court. He is a Level 2 advocate on the CPS Extradition Panel. In addition to Part 1 cases, he is familiar with Part 2 requests: he is currently instructed on behalf of the government of the United States of America (led by Richard Evans) in relation to a cybercrime request.  Corporate crime Tom has provided advice to individuals and corporates facing charges for offences under the Fraud Act 2006, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and arising out of a number of different regulations. Since 2017, he has been instructed to advise a large corporate in relation to potential criminal liability, led by David Perry KC and Miranda Hill KC. His previous experience includes a ten-week mortgage fraud (R v Darren Goulbourne & others, Hull Crown Court, led by Paul Jarvis) as well as defending prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority.  Public law and inquiries Tom has a real interest in public law work, particularly when there is a cross-over with criminal law. His judicial review experience includes acting for the Director of Public Prosecutions (led by Duncan Atkinson KC) in a crowd-funded challenge to what was characterised by the applicant as a decision not to refer the investigation of Dominic Cummings, the Prime Minister’s Chief Adviser, to the police in relation to his alleged breaches of the Coronavirus Regulations (R (Redston) v Director of Public Prosecutions [2020] EWHC 2962 (Admin), [2021] ACD 50). Tom has been involved in a number of public inquiries, including being instructed in 2017 as second junior counsel acting for the Home Office in the Undercover Policing Inquiry (led by Nicholas Griffin KC and Rosemary Davidson).  Contempt and media law Tom has an in-depth knowledge of reporting restrictions in the criminal courts, including orders made under ss. 4(2) and 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and injunctions; he is the author of the ‘Open Justice’ chapter in the most recent edition of Miller on Contempt (4th edn, 2017). He has appeared (led by Alistair Richardson) in an appeal against a finding of contempt in the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) (R v Satvinder Singh [2021] EWCA Crim 1531). He has also previously been retained to provide pre-publication advice to two newspapers in relation to defamation, privacy, and contempt of court.  Prison law Tom has appeared a number of times before the Parole Board, representing prisoners serving life sentences or IPP sentences, and has advised on whether Parole Board decisions should be challenged by way of judicial review. He is also familiar with prison adjudications dealt with by an independent adjudicator.  

Tony Badenoch

Called to the Bar in 1996 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2014, having met the standard of excellence required by the selection panel, from a thriving junior practice in criminal, coronial and regulatory law. Criminal Law Significant experience both for the Crown and the Defence as Leading and Junior Counsel, maintaining a practice with a 50/50 split since called in 1996. Tony has repeatedly received instructions from a wide range of professional clients, including leading firms of defence solicitors and the special casework unit within the Crown Prosecution Service. More recently, he has developed a niche in cases of homicide, sexual offending and child cruelty, where medical evidence often features and to which he can bring particular specialist knowledge from his appointments with the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service and as Assistant Coroner. Homicide (Inc. Deaths in Custody) / Terrorism Since taking Silk (2014), Tony has maintained a busy practice in this area prosecuting and defending in some of the most grave and complex cases. One year into Silk, he was instructed to prosecute Rehman and Khan, for preparing to bomb London in a ‘21/7 anniversary attack’ in the name of ISIS. Each received the lengthiest sentences handed down by any court for this particular terrorism offence. Other work within his busy caseload includes advising on decisions to prosecute in some of the most high-profile complex cases and prosecuting at trial highly complex and sensitive cases lasting individually many months (2016-2017). Deaths occurring in custody are an area in which Tony is repeatedly retained to advise and appear, bringing specialist knowledge from the unique perspective of his judicial appointments (Criminal, Coronial and Medical), together with real expertise of court processes in all jurisdictions. In 2014 he prosecuted three custody officers alleged to be responsible for the death of Jimmy Mubenga, following an inquest jury finding of Unlawful Killing. His experience in Silk, and as a junior in which he appeared in dozens of murder trials, is such that he is often asked to review the safety of convictions for both sides. In doing so he has worked closely with the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the Appeals Unit within the CPS advising and responding to issues raised from historic convictions. Fraud Between 2004 and 2010, Tony was instructed to prosecute a global conspiracy emanating from over 60 countries and states. Initially, he advised on appropriate charges alone, before Queen’s Counsel was instructed to lead him at trial. He brought specialist knowledge to the case including an insight into multi-jurisdictional issues, presentation of live-link evidence from around the world and asset recovery from overseas. More recently, in 2013-14, he has received instructions to prosecute as Leading Counsel a substantial conspiracy perpetrated against the Vehicle Operating and Services Agency. Both defendants were convicted upon their pleas of guilty. Inquests & Public Inquiries Tony has particular expertise in the procedure at inquests. Following an open competition in 2011, he was appointed Assistant Coroner to Inner London South to assist with the backlog of death in custody inquests, held with juries. Since appointment he has regularly heard inquests with juries, and more recently, received instructions to appear as an advocate, for a Senior Crown Prosecution Service lawyer, in the long running and high profile inquest arising out of the death of Sabina Akhtar. Regulatory and Medical Law Tony is fully familiar with the Medical Act 1983, associated statutory rules and has such expertise in this area of Regulatory Law that he has been appointed as Legal Assessor to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service Fitness to Practise Tribunal, following an open competition in 2010. Restraint, Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture Tony has been instructed in Very High Cost Cases arising from Missing Trader Intra- Community (MTIC) frauds and global conspiracies for confiscation orders sought in the hundreds of millions. Such instructions, as with all of his criminal practice, are received from both the Crown and the Defence. Media and Information Law Tony is retained by the Northern and Shell Media Group (including Express Newspapers) to provide pre-publication advice in a number of areas of media law, including defamation, copyright, privacy and confidence and reporting restrictions.

Victoria Ailes

Victoria acts in criminal, public law and human rights matters. Her practice has a strong international dimension. Inquests and Public Inquiries Victoria regularly appears in inquests, including those in which Article 2 is engaged. In the Inquests into the deaths in the terror attacks on London Bridge in 2017, she acted (with Gareth Patterson QC) for the families of six of those killed. She also represents those at risk of criticism. Victoria has worked on public inquiries, most recently as junior counsel to the Undercover Policing Inquiry. Public and Administrative Law Victoria enjoys dealing with issues of public and administrative law and has represented both individuals and public authorities in judicial review proceedings. Victoria has a deep knowledge of human rights principles and case law which she applies to all areas of her practice. She has been instructed by the Government of the United Kingdom in a number of cases before the European Court of Human Rights, including Al Khawaja and Tahery v United Kingdom [2011] 54 EHRR 23 and subsequent cases. Crime Victoria is an experienced trial advocate. Her recent work has focused on offences of fraud, corruption and money laundering. She has prosecuted and defended companies accused of criminal offences, and provides strategic advice to corporate clients at all stages from investigation to trial. Proceeds of Crime Victoria has been instructed in cases of money laundering and advises on all aspects of confiscation and asset forfeiture. She appears in asset recovery proceedings at all stages from restraint to enforcement. Victoria’s publications in this area include:  External Requests for Restraint Orders: King v Director of the Serious Fraud Office, Proceeds of Crime Review 3 (2009) (with David Perry QC) and Proceeds of Crime and the European Convention on Human Rights, Proceeds of Crime Review 4 (2010) (with David Perry QC).  Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Victoria provides advocacy and advice in extradition and mutual legal assistance matters, and has experience of cases under both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Extradition Act 2003. She is currently instructed, with Louis Mably QC, in an appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision in Jane v Westminster Magistrates Court [2019] EWHC 394. Victoria has worked with government officials across the common law world to revise the “Harare Scheme” for mutual legal assistance within the Commonwealth and been involved in training and developing prosecutors in these areas, particularly in Eastern and Southern Africa. Victoria contributed Part III (Mutual Legal Assistance) to the Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Handbook (Oxford University Press). Media and Information Law Victoria advises national newspapers on defamation, contempt and privacy issues. International Victoria has acted in an advisory capacity for and against a number of foreign governments and prosecution agencies, most frequently in relation to corruption allegations, and has represented individuals facing criminal charges before courts in other jurisdictions. Victoria was junior counsel for the Appellant in Director of Public Prosecutions of Mauritius v Jugnauth [2019] UKPC 8, an appeal concerning the prosecution of the Prime Minister of Mauritius on corruption charges.

Vincent Scully

Vincent has been a member of Chambers since 2018, and he accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers’ practice, including crime, inquests and inquiries, and public law. Before coming to the bar, Vincent worked for three years in the Law Commission and at the Attorney General’s Office. This gave him valuable experience in a number of specialist areas, including firearms law, contempt of court, and sentencing. Vincent has a particular expertise and interest in financial crime, having been instructed by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in his first year in practice in the prosecution of executives at Tesco for fraud and false accounting (R v Rogberg, Bush & Scouler). He now regularly acts for the Financial Conduct Authority, SFO and private clients in serious and complex fraud cases. Crime Vincent regularly appears in the Crown Court, where he both prosecutes and defends. His recent experience as sole counsel includes a two-week prosecution of an immigration advisor for regulatory offences, prosecutions of armed gang robberies, large-scale organised drugs supply, serious violence, and defence of serious driving and dangerous dogs matters. Vincent has extensive experience of serious criminal trials, having been instructed by the CPS as second junior in several high profile and complex cases including R v Ben Lacomba, a missing-body murder, and R v PC Ben Monk & PC Bettley-Smith, the trial of police officers for the murder of premiership footballer Dalian Atkinson. He has also been instructed as first junior in other complex cases, including a series of more than 40 household burglaries in the West Midlands with a total value exceeding £1 million. He is currently instructed as second junior to prosecute a nine-handed historic child sex offences case concerning a special school. Vincent has particular expertise in complex sentencing matters having worked to codify sentencing law at the Law Commission; these proposals have recently been enacted in the Sentencing Act 2020. Subsequently he spent time advising the Attorney and Solicitor General on whether high-profile sentences referred by members of the public were unduly lenient, giving him extensive experience in the full range of complex sentencing matters. Vincent is a Level 3 prosecutor for the CPS on the General Crime panel and the Serious Crime specialist panel.  Private Prosecution Vincent regularly appears in the Crown Court, where he both prosecutes and defends. His recent experience as sole counsel includes a two-week prosecution of an immigration advisor for regulatory offences, prosecutions of armed gang robberies, large-scale organised drugs supply, serious violence, and defence of serious driving and dangerous dogs matters. Vincent has extensive experience of serious criminal trials, having been instructed by the CPS as second junior in several high profile and complex cases including R v Ben Lacomba, a missing-body murder, and R v PC Ben Monk & PC Bettley-Smith, the trial of police officers for the murder of premiership footballer Dalian Atkinson. He has also been instructed as first junior in other complex cases, including a series of more than 40 household burglaries in the West Midlands with a total value exceeding £1 million. He is currently instructed as second junior to prosecute a nine-handed historic child sex offences case concerning a special school. Vincent has particular expertise in complex sentencing matters having worked to codify sentencing law at the Law Commission; these proposals have recently been enacted in the Sentencing Act 2020. Subsequently he spent time advising the Attorney and Solicitor General on whether high-profile sentences referred by members of the public were unduly lenient, giving him extensive experience in the full range of complex sentencing matters. Vincent is a Level 3 prosecutor for the CPS on the General Crime panel and the Serious Crime specialist panel.  Private Prosecution Vincent regularly prosecutes for organisations other than the CPS, including local authorities and the Immigration Services Commissioner. He has also acted in private prosecutions by individuals, including the first known prosecution brought by a reservist against their employer for breach of the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985. Vincent recently advised in a proposed fraud and regulatory prosecution against a bank.  Financial Crime Vincent is a member of the CPS Fraud specialist panel at Level 3, and the SFO’s prosecution panel at Level C. Vincent has previously been instructed as junior counsel by the Financial Conduct Authority in a without-notice restraint order application under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and has experience in other confiscation matters on behalf of both defendants and prosecuting agencies. He has appeared and advised in Criminal Justice Act 1988 confiscation cases in the High Court and in the County Courts as well as in more typical POCA 2002 matters in the Crown Court. The Financial Conduct Authority currently instructs Vincent in the regulatory case against Barclays Bank concerning its capital raisings in 2008. Vincent is also regularly instructed in fraud matters in the Crown Court, with recent cases ranging from credit card frauds committed by employees to the forgery of COVID-19 test certificates. In pupillage, Vincent assisted in advising a listed company on the adequacy of its internal procedures for the purposes of the due diligence defence to the offence of a company failing to prevent bribery under section 7 of the Bribery Act 2010. He is now drafting a chapter for a forthcoming book on fraud investigations.  Proceeds of Crime Vincent is a member of the CPS specialist proceeds of crime panel at Level 3 and the SFO proceeds of crime and international assistance panel at :evel C. He advises those organisations and defendants on legally challenging proceeds of crime cases, and has appeared in the High Court, County Court and Crown Court on POCA 2002 and CJA 1988 confiscation matters. He has recently acted in restraint order proceedings for the Financial Conduct Authority in a multi-million pound investment fraud, and for the CPS to resist an application to discharge a restraint order brought in connection with insolvency proceedings. Vincent has contributed a chapter to the forthcoming 6th edition of Millington and Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime on the enforcement of restraint and receivership orders through contempt proceedings.  Contempt of Court In his previous work at the Attorney General’s Office, Vincent advised the Law Officers on whether to bring committal proceedings in cases across all types of contempt, and worked with the police and other authorities to manage investigations into potential contempts. He has also contributed a chapter on contempt in the context of POCA restraint and receivership orders to the forthcoming 6th edition of OUP’s Millington and Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime.  Inquests and Inquiries At the Attorney General’s Office Vincent advised the Law Officers on the exercise of their powers to grant permission to apply for fresh inquests under section 12 of the Coroners Act 1988. From examining applications to assess whether previous inquests were flawed in that capacity, Vincent has developed a good working knowledge of inquest law, and is keen to develop his practice in this area.  Public Law Vincent has wide experience of a range of public law matters from his time at the Attorney General’s Office, particularly with issues relating to charities and the criminal justice system in the broadest sense. He is now a member of the Government Legal Department’s “junior junior” scheme and has appeared for the Home Office in immigration matters dealing with human rights arguments. He has been instructed by the GLD to advise on disclosure by a government department into criminal proceedings, and by the FCDO to advise on the imposition of sanctions against individuals and organisations for human rights abuses and other breaches of international law, including in Ukraine. Vincent accepts instructions in the full range of prison law matters – as a former Independent Monitoring Board member at HMP Belmarsh, he is particularly experienced in this area.  Sanctions Vincent is regularly instructed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (“FCDO”) to advise on the imposition of sanctions under the UK’s autonomous Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 regimes. He advises on the evidential sufficiency and human rights compatibility of the proposed designations, and assists officials with improving their justifications for imposing sanctions on particular individuals or entities. He accepts instructions in all areas of sanctions litigation.  

William Hays

Will is ranked in both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, appearing in a wide range of tribunals at all levels. His expertise in both public and criminal law make him sought-after in a variety of areas. Recent instructions range from deportation to deferred prosecution agreements; from asset recovery to applications to the Strasbourg Court, and from proscribed organisation litigation to prisoner repatriation. Will is regularly instructed to advise law firms and regulated entities on their obligations to report money laundering. Appointments include the Attorney General’s panel for civil litigation and the panels maintained by the Serious Fraud Office. Will is an editor of Millington and Sutherland Williams on The Proceeds of Crime, a contributor to Blackstone’s Criminal Practice and has been published in Judicial Review and the Lloyd’s Law Reports. Crime Will is instructed on behalf of prosecuting authorities, defendants and third parties in connection with all aspects of proceeds of crime (criminal and civil). He regularly advises law firms and financial institutions on their reporting obligations under Part 7 of POCA. He acts in civil recovery proceedings both in the High Court and Magistrates’ Court. He is an editor of the 5th Edition of Millington and Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime. R v Guraj, Supreme Court, [2017] 1 WLR 22 (postponement of confiscation orders) led by Jonathan Hall QC Peacock v United Kingdom, ECtHR, Application no. 52335/12 (the right to property in confiscation proceedings) led by David Perry QC R v GH, Supreme Court, [2015] UKSC 24; [2015] 1 WLR 2126 (money laundering arrangements) led by Kennedy Talbot QC NCA v Khan (QBD) [2017] Lloyd’s Rep FC 153 (civil recovery of organised crime property). Corporate Crime Will has substantial experience acting for corporations, particularly in connection with deferred prosecution agreements and prosecutions for bribery and corruption. He is a regular contributor to the Lloyds Law Reports (financial crime). Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Will acts for individuals, corporates and prosecuting authorities. He is a regular contributor to the Lloyds Law Reports (financial crime). Contempt Will acts on behalf of the Law Officers in contempt proceedings, applications for civil restraint orders and related matters. He also accepts instructions on behalf of respondents to such applications.