Garden Court Chambers

Garden Court Chambers has a well-established reputation for representing claimants across the gamut of police law proceedings, from conventional torts and claims under the Human Rights Act 1998, to inquests, public inquiries and judicial review challenges against the police and IOPC. Leslie Thomas KC is representing the family of Rebecca Ikumelo following her death in the Brixton Academy crush, with the upcoming inquest raising questions over the policing of the incident and potential breaches of the right to life under the European Convention on Human Rights. In Bell v Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis, Stephen Simblet KC appeared before the High Court in a claim for damages contending the police are liable for their role in facilitating the abduction of a child to Brazil. Also appearing before the High Court in June 2024 is Sarah Hemingway in Reynolds v Chief Constable of Kent Police, with the judgment expected to be the lead authority on the use of the ‘Fundamental Dishonesty’ provision in police cases.