Region Area

Barristers

Deanna Heer KC

Deanna Heer KC

Work Department

General crime; health and safety; professional disciplinary.

Position

Appointed Senior Treasury Counsel in 2022, Deanna is a highly experienced criminal barrister who is regularly instructed in the most serious and high-profile cases. For over a decade she has specialised in the prosecution of homicide offences at the Central Criminal Court. In 2020 she was named The Times Lawyer of the Week following her successful prosecution of Jonty Bravery who threw a child from the viewing platform of the Tate Modern.

She frequently appears before the Court of Appeal in respect of appeals against conviction and sentence and advises the Attorney General on References to the Court of Appeal on questions of law and sentencing. In 2021, following a four-day appeal which involved questioning multiple experts she successfully persuaded the Court of Appeal to uphold the convictions in the case of the so-called ‘Freshwater Five’.

Deanna is also an acknowledged expert in health and safety law and has specialised in this area for many years, appearing in the leading case of R v Tangerine Confectionary in the Court of Appeal.

She is experienced in appearing at inquests, including those involving juries, and is currently instructed in the inquest into the death of Belly Mujinga who died during the Covid 19 pandemic.

She sits as a Recorder of the Crown Court.

Career

Called 1994, Gray’s Inn.

Recorder of the Crown Court 2009

Junior Treasury Counsel 2015

King’s Counsel 2022

Senior Treasury Counsel 2022

Memberships

Criminal Bar Association; Health and Safety Lawyers Association.

Education

LLB Hons.

Mentions

London Bar

Crime

Leading silk4
Deanna Heer KC – 5 Paper Buildings ‘Deanna is a class act. She is charming and persuasive. Her legal knowledge is outstanding. She is fair, hugely talented and has scrupulous integrity. It is always a pleasure to work with her. Her cross-examination is well prepared and to the point. Her legal submissions are focused, clear and on point.’
London Bar

Health and safety

Leading silk2
Deanna Heer KC –5 Paper Buildings ‘Deanna is a very succinct advocate. She knows her cases very well; judges listen to her and like her measured style.’