New Park Court Chambers

Crime, Civil, Family

Jessica Slaughter is a specialist criminal barrister. She prosecutes as a level 4 CPS panel advocate and defends in complex criminal cases.

Having prior experience as a mixed common law barrister on the South Eastern Circuit, Jessica has chosen to continue her varied experience within family law which complements her criminal caseload.

Prior to pupillage, Jessica worked for a domestic violence organisation and has considerable knowledge and experience surrounding these delicate and sensitive issues.

Jessica began her career with family law cases in pupillage in 2010. In recent years she has spent more time dealing with complex, serious cases in the Criminal Courts but has always continued with her family law practice throughout her 13 year caseload.

In her criminal practice, Jessica regularly deals with issues such as rape and sexual abuse, controlling and coercive behaviour, domestic violence, child neglect, and drug use. Her knowledge of these matters including the disclosure process and police material has proved invaluable in her presentation of her family cases.

Jessica applies a meticulous work ethic to her cases.

Jessica is approachable and empathetic and clients feel at ease in her company. She can be firm in her advice when necessary and is not afraid to robustly deal with issues in Court.

Jessica is able to receive instructions directly from the public in certain cases.

Junior Led Briefs

• R v F (2020) - Led by Michael Hodson for the defence in a case involving multiple allegations of sexual and violent offending within a domestic context.
• R v Q (2019) - Led by Paul Currer for the prosecution in a 6 week trial resulting in conviction of a mental health nurse who had abused elderly dementia patients in their care home. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-51048840
• R v W et al (2018) - Led by Chris Smith for the prosecution in a 6 week trial involving multiple defendants and complex cell site and phone evidence following numerous conspiracies to burgle, steal and defraud in relation to cars and car parts. During the trial Jessica was responsible for examining a number of witnesses. Jessica represented the Crown for the sentencing hearing.

Sexual Offences

• R v C (2019) - Defended client in 6 day trial in relation to historic sex offences involving multiple complainants. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/pervert-scout-master-who-turned-16373741
• R v L (2018) - Defended client in 6 day trial in relation to historic rape allegations against a family member. The client was acquitted.
• R v T - Defended client accused of raping his girlfriend. The case involved lengthy review of unused material including phone communication between the two parties spanning a large time period.

Violent Offences

• R v C (2019) - Defended client in 6 day trial in relation to historic sex offences involving multiple complainants. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/pervert-scout-master-who-turned-16373741
• R v L (2018) - Defended client in 6 day trial in relation to historic rape allegations against a family member. The client was acquitted.
• R v T - Defended client accused of raping his girlfriend. The case involved lengthy review of unused material including phone communication between the two parties spanning a large time period.

Dishonesty Offences

• R v F (2019) - Defended client in blackmail case involving threats towards a political figure. Successfully negotiated basis of plea and resolution to the case which resulted in a 2 year sentence.
• R v McC (2019) - Defended client at trial for dwelling burglary, after drafting abuse of process argument and successful negotiations with the prosecution, agreed on plea to handling stolen goods resulting in a far shorter sentence for the client.
• R v P - Defended client accused of dwelling burglary. The case was stopped following legal submissions in respect of DNA and moveable objects.

Other

• R v P (2020) - Prosecuted defendant for transferring criminal property linked to a large scale drugs operation. The value of the imported drugs was in the region of £17.25 million. This defendant’s role related to the transfer of over £200,000 of cash. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/john-purvis-drugs-gang-court-17738704
• R v ER (2020) - Defended woman accused of public nuisance offences related to suicide attempts. Following expert evidence on the mens rea issue and negotiation with the prosecution, the Crown offered no evidence.
• R v W (2019) - Prosecuted 8 day trial for controlling and coercive behaviour, assault and other domestic related offences. The case involved meticulous analysis of messages sent between the defendant and the victim as part of their relationship.

Family

Jessica’s experienced family practice covers both children and money cases. She has experience acting for the Local Authority, children and parents / family members during public law proceedings. Given her background in supporting domestic violence victims, Jessica is well placed to advise and represent clients in cases involving non molestation and occupation orders. In private law proceedings, she has represented clients with complex issues including applications to transfer proceedings outside the jurisdiction, internal relocation, special guardianship orders, parental alienation and transfer of residence.

Jessica represents clients in relation to applications for financial remedies including settlement and final hearings. Her varied cases have provided exposure to a number of issues, including pension disparity, inheritance disagreements and cohabitation disputes. A client represented by Jessica during a financial remedy final hearing who was awarded more than the usual 50% of the marital assets described her attention to detail “second to none”.

• Re: W (2023) (Private Law) - Instructed in a private law dispute with potential risks of mother relocating abroad with the children.
• Re: G (2022) (Private Law) - Represented mother in complex private law proceedings with irresolvable issues. After considerable negotiation, it was possible to achieve an agreed shared care order on day 2 of the final hearing.
• Re: H (2022) (Care Proceedings) - Represented Local Authority in 6 day final hearing involving complex issues with teenage children and a litigant in person parent.

CPS Level 4 Prosecutor Jules Thorn Scholar, Honourable Society of Middle Temple