PAUL CAVIN KC
JOINT HEAD OF CHAMBERS
YEAR OF CALL 1995
SILK 2018
“His command of the facts and the law was matched only by his command of the broader situation. He radiated an aura of calmness and competence that immediately put me and my team at immediate ease.”
“If you’ve got something hidden under a stone, expect to be asked about it because he will find it.”
Chambers UK Bar 2024
Paul Cavin KC specialises in fraud and corporate crime - particularly bribery and corruption but also money laundering, cyber crime, and proceeds of crime. He is regularly instructed by the CPS and the SFO and was on the Attorney General’s Criminal List for many years. Before his call to the bar he trained as a solicitor at a city firm (where he gained experience in all aspects of commercial law before qualifying in the commercial litigation/fraud group). He is joint Head of Chambers, the Treasurer of the Southeastern Circuit and a member of the Private Prosecutors’ Association and the Fraud Lawyers Association.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Bribery and Corruption
- Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Confiscation and restraint proceedings
- Corporate Defence
- Private Prosecutions
Full details of Paul Cavin KC’s practice are available here
JAMES DAWES KC
JOINT HEAD OF CHAMBERS
YEAR OF CALL 1993
SILK 2018
APPOINTED RECORDER OF THE CROWN COURT 2023
Direct Access Qualified
"James was a master of the material; he was very detailed and forensic in his presentation of the psychiatric matters involved and also in full command of the facts of the case generally."
"James is an affable, likable advocate, who's on top of the papers. He's a good speech maker and a good cross-examiner."
Chambers UK Bar 2024
James has been a member of chambers since 1995. He specialises in the areas of Murder, Complex Fraud and Organised Crime. The short case profiles below represent some ongoing and recently completed cases that James has prosecuted, defended and advised upon. The profiles give a snapshot of the broad range of criminal allegations with which James has expertise. The range includes allegations of Homicide, Fraud including Bribery, Money Laundering and Cyber-Crime, Historic Child Abuse and Organised Crime with an international dimension. James has a mathematical mind and as a Physics graduate; he retains an interest in recent scientific advances.
Homicide and Serious Violence
James is currently engaged in a 6 week, 6 handed prosecution of an allegation of GBH in HMP Thameside.
R v KP 2023, James defended in a 6 week trial of a father accused of murdering an 11 week old baby. The issues were accident and lack of intent. There were expert witnesses in 6 different medical disciplines each requiring meticulous cross examination. A verdict of manslaughter was returned. James was instructed by Iqbal Bally Singh Kang of Vienna Kang Solicitors. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12667611/parents-accused-murdering-baby-daughter-brain-injuries-skull-fracture-possible-bite-marks.html
R v P, R, R and WP 2023, James prosecuted a 3 month trial of a 4 handed gang murder and GBH by stabbing with a zombie knife of two young men in a block of flats in Croydon. The issues were presence and participation. James was instructed by Amee Patel of London CPS Homicide. https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/peckham/fourth-man-charged-with-murder-of-peckhams-lavaun-witter/
R v A 2023, James successfully prosecuted the trial of a youth who stabbed one person when he was 14 and then 10 months later stabbed and killed another person when he was 15. The issue was self-defence on each occasion. James was instructed by Kirsty O’Connor of London CPS Homicide. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/teenager-convicted-murder-ali-baygoren-tottenham-b1081539.html.
R v G 2023, James successfully prosecuted the trial of a man who murdered his friend in a sudden and terrifying episode of extreme violence. The issue in the case was diminished responsibility. James was instructed by Emily Clewer at West Midlands CPS. https://www.cps.gov.uk/west-midlands/news/updated-sentence-man-convicted-murdering-shane-thompson
R v M 2023, James prosecuted an allegation of manslaughter and infanticide at Liverpool Crown Court. The case will be retried in 2024.
R v M 2023, James prosecuted a man for murder. There was a late plea but the case required a including a Newton hearing https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-64284951
R v M 2022 – 2023, James successfully prosecuted a member of a gang for murder who killed a young victim on a ride-out to gang territory in a 2 month trial. The issue was identity. The evidence included cell site, drill and phone downloads. https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/youth-guilty-stab-murder-glorified-155044446.html
R v C 2022, James was involved in a trial for murder of a man who stabbed his neighbour’s wife to death in a 4 week trial. The issue was diminished responsibility. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11382265/Man-21-killed-married-lover-43-merciless-attack-husband-discovered-affair.html
R v L 2022, James successfully prosecuted a man for a double murder at the Central Criminal Court in a 4 week trial. The issue was participation. The evidence combined RING camera audio with call data evidence. https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/crime/vepkhvia-laliashvili-jailed-double-murder-9160952
R v S 2022: James successfully prosecuted a man who used an SS dagger to stab a man to death in Birmingham in a 4 week trial. The case involved complex psychiatric evidence relating to PTSD. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/kane-stonehouse-jailed-life-minimum-24241304
R v B, B, F and D 2022, James successfully prosecuted a 4 handed, 3 month murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. A gang ride-out where the young victim was stabbed to death by a group intent on retribution. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11619425/Gang-five-killers-hacked-boy-death-celebrated-ride-drill-rap-video
R v HD 2021: James prosecuted the 3 week trial of a 16 year old who murdered a 17 year old on a cricket field in Dursley, Gloucestershire. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-59153274
R v S 2021: James prosecuted the 4 week trial of a man who stabbed his rival to death in a car in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/gary-warner-murder-accused-lost-20898962
R v A 2020: James successfully prosecuted the 5 week trial a man who murdered his love-rival for reasons of jealousy and revenge using a pair of scissors on the street in Walthamstow. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-man-stabbed-love-rival-scissors-guilty-murder-b375656.html
R v P 2020: James prosecuted the case of a man who stabbed his mother to death while labouring under a delusional disorder. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9068141/Ex-soldier-stabbed-mother-death-given-indefinite-hospital-order.html
R v A and 4 others, 2020; Section 18 GBH of a man stabbed by a gang outside a shopping centre in broad daylight. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8545019/Thugs-stabbed-church-musician-heart-stopped-chat-two-women-without-permission.html
R v T, 2019; two gang related attempted murders by shooting separated by 12 weeks.
R v A, 2017; a 4 week trial at the Central Criminal Court of a double attempted murder by shooting.
Fraud, Bribery and Other Financial Crime
James is currently instructed to prosecute allegations of bribery against 7 persons. The case is ongoing.
R v R, 2023; a 4 week trial concerning claims for Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) within the armed forces.
R v EC and DC, 2019; a 3 month long trial where James led for the Crown in which convictions were secured. The case concerned the laundering of over £10m, being the proceeds of the online sale of counterfeit Viagra and other prescription-only medicines. The money was paid through ostensible religious charities based in North London and dispersed through trade-based money-laundering schemes to company bank accounts in Hong Kong, China, Panama, Cyprus. The purpose of the schemes was to ultimately return the value of the money to the ultimate beneficiaries with financial interests in the Middle East.
R v A, 2019; James lead for the successful prosecution of the blackmail of the US technology company, Apple. Apple were threatened with a sophisticated cyber-attack unless demands for money to be paid in bitcoin were met. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-50924434
R v L, 2018; a 2 month long trial alleging a complicated fraud modelled on a Ponzi scheme. James led for the defence acted for the managing partner in a firm of accountants. £23 million of client money was said to have been dishonestly diverted to bank accounts in opaque jurisdictions.
R v K and 6 others, 2018; a 2 month long trial alleging large scale smuggling of non-duty paid cigarettes and alcohol in HGV lorries. James led for the prosecution, securing convictions in a factually complex set of circumstances investigated by the HMRC.
R v C, B and P, 2018; James advised the Crown on the charging of three men accused of Capital Gains Tax evasion relating to 20 years of undeclared property deals.
International Justice
R v JL, 2019; James was instructed by the CPS International Justice and Organised Crime Division, represented the Crown in a claim of abuse of process made by JL against the National Crime Agency (NCA) relating to the removal of a UK citizen from northern Cyprus into the Republic of Cyprus and her subsequent deportation to the UK. A controversial and developing area of law dealing with two antipathetic jurisdictions. JL relied upon her Article 8 rights and how they pertain to European Arrest Warrants. James succeeded in establishing a successful defence of the claim, relying upon the increasingly important authorities of R v Ibori [2018] EWCA 2291 and R v Akarcay and the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police and the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the NCA [2017] EWHC 159 (Admin).
James is regularly instructed to advise a law enforcement agency in Bermuda.
Search Warrants
In an ongoing police investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police, James acted for the police to secure retrospective judicial permission for the police to retain and use material gathered during a police search which had been undertaken outside the terms of the warrant issued by the Court.
Sexual Offences
R v R, 2022: James was involved in a 2 week trial of an allegation of historic sexual abuse. A highly charged case with allegations dating back many years.
R v W, 2022: an ongoing rape trial which will resume in 2023 at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
R v B, 2021: a rape trial at Warwick Crown Court of a young victim in a tent on common land. The witnesses were young and with social disadvantages which required considerable sensitivity to navigate.
R v G and C, 2019: a 2 month long trial alleging historic sexual abuse by members of staff on boys in care spanning Lambeth, Kingston and South Wales council run children’s homes. James led for the prosecution securing convictions against both defendants. The trial required an attention to detail to the vast amount of source material dating back to the early 1970s and the review of 3 previous police investigations and inquiries.
R v B, 2018: a rape trial, James acted for the prosecution in this allegation of rape of a child trafficked from Mongolia. The period covered by the indictment was 10 years. A sensitive approach was essential to navigate a factual scenario strewn with the potential for cultural pitfalls and misunderstanding.
Drug and Firearm Offences
R v O, 2022: a firearms and blackmail matter which has recently resolved with a plea.
R v D and 5 others, 2018: a wide-ranging Metropolitan Police investigation into the smuggling of handguns, silencers, ammunition and a machine gun from Lithuania to London and their subsequent sale to criminals. This was the third in a series of trials involving 15 Defendants in which James was instructed to lead for the prosecution. The final trial took 3 months and resulted in the conviction of significant defendants.
R v Y and R, 2018: was the largest ever prosecution of an underground steroid laboratory in the South-East, James acted for the prosecution secured convictions after unpicking a complex financial web spanning 7 years and millions of pounds.
jdawes@2hb.co.uk
SEAN BRUNTON KC
YEAR OF CALL 1990
SILK 2018
Sean specialises in Homicide, Serious Sexual Offences, Organised Crime and Fatal Accident cases. He is equally adept prosecuting and defending. He has successfully prosecuted and defended in many single and multi-handed murder trials, rape trials, drugs trials and cases of Infanticide and Child Destruction.
He also has an expertise in Regulatory Crime, particularly Environmental, Health and Safety and animal related cases. He successfully defended one of the main defendants in the largest ever prosecution brought by the Environment Agency.
He has represented defendants before various professional misconduct hearings. He has also represented police officers at inquest.
He is a hard-hitting cross-examiner and a powerful speech-maker.
Sean also practices from Chambers in Exeter and Plymouth.
Read more about Sean’s notable cases here.
Direct Access Qualified.
Specialist Regulatory Advocate ‘A list’ since 2012.
JANE OSBORNE KC
SILK: 2020
‘Jane is an excellent KC.’
‘She is good with the client and a great person to work with.’
Chambers UK Bar 2024
‘Jane has an excellent legal brain. Her written and oral submissions are of a very high standard. She has a comprehensive knowledge of her brief. Her cross-examination is suitably concise and effective. Her final speeches are very jury friendly and effective.'
‘Jane assimilates case papers rapidly and has a clear grasp of the details. She gives important strategic advice from the outset of her instructions and is very pragmatic and forthright with clients when necessary.’
The Legal 500 2024
Ranked in Legal 500 for both General Crime and Fraud and in Chambers and Partners for Financial Crime, Jane has a leading practice in complex prosecution and defence work, and particularly in the field of financial business crime. Jane is regularly instructed in cases of conspiracy to defraud and to cheat the revenue, MTIC and carousel frauds, and in multi million pound money laundering investigations. She is regularly involved in Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings to recover the proceeds of such offences. She is also very experienced in prosecuting and defending serious cases involving serial sex offences, serious violence including homicide, and offences arising from investigations into organised crime groups.
Jane is described by those who instruct her as jury friendly with a reassuring manner which puts jurors at ease. She has a straightforward manner and is capable of making even the most complex evidence easy to understand for a jury. When cross-examining she is commanding and assertive. Her attention to detail is particularly apparent when presenting and challenging detailed financial evidence, or complex telephone and cell site evidence.
Those who instruct Jane to defend identify her excellent client care skills as a particular strength. She is routinely instructed to represent those with learning difficulties and mental health issues and also young defendants charged with very serious offences. She is a talented jury advocate who gains the trust and respect of juries through her detailed and thorough knowledge of the detail of the case.
Jane also has a substantial appellate practice having appeared in the court of appeal in the recent past to argue points of law relating to conspiracy indictments, expert evidence and the legality of covert surveillance methods.
Jane is available and qualified to take instructions directly from members of the public in appropriate cases.
Read more about Jane’s practice here.
Areas of Expertise
Fraud
Money Laundering
Proceeds of Crime
Revenue Offences
Sexual offences
Serious Organised Crime
Email: josborne@2hb.co.uk
KATE BLUMGART KC
YEAR OF CALL 1999
SILK 2024
Kate is instructed for both the prosecution (CPS grade 4) and defence predominantly in the London Crown Courts. Her practice frequently involves matters of a serious and sensitive nature. She has particular expertise in sexual offences and cases involving young, vulnerable witnesses and those with communication difficulties. She has recently led in a case involving historic allegations of abuse made by 14 victims and prosecuted a couple accused of sexually abusing all of their 5 natural children (toddlers to teenagers).
Other recent instructions include the prosecution of an attempted murder, a multi-handed conspiracy to import class A drugs (leading counsel), prosecution of care workers abusing vulnerable and elderly victims (leading counsel) and defending in a sensitive death by careless driving case. Additionally, she has been led junior counsel on many occasions including allegations of murder, firearms conspiracies, drugs conspiracies, fraud and human trafficking drugs.
Kate also has experience of liquor licensing (new regime) and Courts Martial.
MARK PALTENGHI
YEAR OF CALL: 1979
Over the last 35 years, Mark has acquired considerable experience in prosecuting all areas of serious crime, including attempted murder, kidnap, blackmail, death by dangerous driving, armed robbery, perverting the course of justice and large-scale drug importations. He has prosecuted serious cases on behalf of the Flying Squad, Trident and the Middle Market Drugs Project. He is regularly instructed on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service as a leading junior in such cases.
Mark’s particular speciality lies in the prosecution of complex fraud, having developed a reputation for deploying the evidence in a straightforward manner that is readily understood by a jury. He has also been instructed by the Serious Fraud Office and the Fraud Prosecution Service. He has considerable experience of confiscation proceedings, and has a developed expertise in cases involving mobile phone and cell site analysis.
MARK GADSDEN
YEAR OF CALL: 1980
Mark is a highly-respected leading criminal practitioner who regularly acts in trials arising from police operations against organised crime including serious fraud, contract killing, firearms, kidnapping, major drug importation, money-laundering and theft of intellectual property.
He has particular expertise in cases involving covert surveillance, and mobile phone / cell-site evidence – but also specialises in rape and other serious sexual offences.
Over the course of a professional career spanning in excess of three and a half decades Mark has acquired a wealth of experience in defending such cases in the Crown Court – as well as at courts-martial and disciplinary tribunals.
Latterly, Mark was chosen to conduct the first-ever prosecution for Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm by the reckless transmission of HIV – and was also involved from the outset in the first witness anonymity case referred to the House of Lords.
JANE CARPENTER
YEAR OF CALL 1984
Jane is a highly regarded senior member of the bar whose practice principally comprises significant and substantial cases.
She prosecutes and defends in all areas of the criminal law with a particular emphasis on cases involving rape and serious sexual assaults, child cruelty and offences of violence. Jane is particularly adept at presenting evidence via video links, using intermediaries and in handling witnesses and defendants who are vulnerable and/or very young.
TOBY FITZGERALD
YEAR OF CALL 1993
Toby has extensive experience in all areas of criminal law, and he specialises in two particular areas: serious sexual offences (often serial offences) and fraud. He has over many years both prosecuted and defended in these areas.
He often acts as leading counsel in lengthy and complex cases that include multiple defendants and have very large volumes of material to consider.
He has dealt with numerous cases of attempted murder (often as leading counsel), large scale drugs offences, death by dangerous driving, and other very serious driving offences. He is also frequently asked to advise in relation to issues of Public Interest Immunity and third party disclosure.
SALLY HALKERSTON
YEAR OF CALL 1994
Sally has been a member of chambers since 1995 and has extensive experience in all areas of criminal law, both prosecuting and defending. Her first-rate work ethic, preparation and strategic planning always maximise the opportunities for success. Sally’s practice now has an emphasis on advisory and support work in the fields of criminal and quasi-criminal law, in particular white-collar crime.
Having specialised in large-scale and/or complex cases involving Serious and Organised Crime including firearms, armed robbery and multi-kilo drugs conspiracies and homicide, Sally’s expertise also extends to areas such as covert investigations, complex disclosure and Public Interest Immunity issues, expert evidence and mutual cooperation.
She also acted as Junior Counsel in the first-ever successful prosecution for Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm by the reckless transmission of HIV.
Sally has particular interest in risk management, security, surveillance and investigations.
NICHOLAS ALEXANDER
YEAR OF CALL 1996
Nick is a highly experienced barrister and undertakes serious and complex cases both on behalf of the prosecution and the defence. He has extensive experience in all areas of criminal law from pre-charge advice work through to appellate work in the Court of Appeal. He is thorough and meticulous in his case preparation, he provides clear reasoned advice to his instructing solicitors and lay client and he consistently gets good results.
He is a CPS Rape Panel Specialist dealing with serious sexual offences. Due to his calm and approachable manner him he is regularly instructed to deal with difficult cases involving juvenile defendants, and witnesses with learning disabilities.
Nick is a Grade 4 CPS Prosecutor. He has extensive experience in cases of drug importation, running county lines and covert surveillance operations. He has extensive experience in cases involving complex expert evidence covering fraud, serious violence and murder (including non-accidental head injury). He regularly appears as leading counsel in large multi handed prosecutions or being led by King’s Counsel in particularly difficult and novel cases.
CATHERINE DONNELLY
YEAR OF CALL 1997
"Effective, determined, highly capable and good company to boot."
Chambers UK Bar 2024
Ranked in tier 2 - The Legal 500 2024
Catherine Donnelly is an experienced criminal practitioner, ranked by both the Chambers & Partners UK Bar and Legal 500 Guides [London - tier 2]. She has established a substantial criminal practice prosecuting and defending at the highest level.
Catherine Donnelly is regularly instructed in complex, paper heavy criminal cases. She has particular expertise in homicide cases, large scale conspiracies involving guns/dishonesty offences, serious sexual offending, and drug importations. She has extensive experience of dealing with complex expert evidence including medical evidence, psychiatric evidence, ANPR and cell site analysis. She regularly prosecutes cases where the defence is represented by King’s Counsel and has prosecuted allegations of murder for the CPS as sole counsel.
She specialises in the most serious sexual offences “She is an expert in the field of child sexual abuse.” Legal 500.
She was counsel to Operation Pallial 2013 – 2020. Operation Pallial was formed to investigate allegations of child sex abuse in North Wales Children’s homes in 2012 by Teresa May. It was one of the largest investigations into child abuse in the UK to date. The Operation dealt with 255 complainants who made allegations of abuse against 120 possible suspects at 18 children's homes in North Wales between 1963 and 1992. The Operation was investigated by the NCA.
In addition she was counsel to Operation Almond advising and prosecuting historic cases of abuse in care homes in South Wales. She regularly lectures to those involved in the prosecution of such cases.
She is regularly instructed for the defence in case of Murder, Attempted murder, serious violence, drug trafficking and serious sexual offences. She has particular expertise in cases involving vulnerable witnesses including children as young as three.
RECENT CASES
R v Gracias 2024. Leading counsel for the defence. High value theft at Heathrow Airport.
R v Said 2024. Leading counsel for the defence. High level class A drug conspiracy.
R v X and others 2024. Led by Nicholas Corsellis KC. Youth charged with attempted murder.
R v Murat and others 2023. Led by Ali Bajwa KC. Defence. Conspiracy to murder. Allegations against Tottenham Turks gang background.
R v Jedynak and others 2023. Leading counsel for the defence. Successful defence of Miss Jedynak for alleged multi million pound fraud against Barclays Bank.
R v McCleester 2023. Prosecution of Queen Elizabeth II’s former verger for historical sexual abuse against young boys at Southwark Cathedral.
R v Highgate 2022 Leading junior for the prosecution. Successful prosecution of football coach who targeted a number of young children over 30 years.
R v Morel 2022 Leading junior for the prosecution. Successful prosecution of football coach who targeted a number of young children.
R v David Fuller 2020 – 2023. Defence counsel for high profile murderer also charged with high volume of mortuary offences at Pembury Hospital in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Operation Greenest [2021] – allegations of serious sexual offending.
R v Allen [2020] Prosecution. Serial paedophile who abused boys in North Wales care homes over 50 years.
R v B [2020] Leading counsel prosecution. Complex child cruelty where allegation of FII (Munchausen by proxy).
R v Dyckhoff [2019] Leading Junior. Defence. Kidnap, blackmail and torture.
R v Brazier [2019] – Secured murder conviction as counsel alone.
FER CHINNER
YEAR OF CALL: 1998
With over 20 years of trial experience Fer is a highly skilled jury advocate who specialises in cases of serious violence including sexual violence.
She has particular expertise in examining and cross -examining children, vulnerable witnesses and medical experts. Her practice has seen her instructed in a wide spectrum of the most serious criminal offences both defending and prosecuting.
She is proficient at adopting different tactics to meet the specific requirements of the case which coupled with a meticulous eye for detail makes her an advocate with a proven track record for providing excellent representation to her clients. Her hard work and sharp intellect means she is regularly sought after by her professional clients to advise on sensitive or challenging cases involving complex matters of disclosure, PII, anonymity and media interest.
Fer has experience in criminal confiscation; search and seizure orders and civil recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Her personable approach and natural charm make her an obvious choice for jury trials and cases attracting media attention.
Full details of Fer Chinner’s practice are available here
fchinner@2hb.co.uk
PAUL CASEY
YEAR OF CALL 1999
Paul accepts instructions in all criminal and related regulatory or disciplinary matters. In recent years, his work has involved prosecuting and defending at all levels up to and including the Court of Appeal in cases involving allegations of murder, attempted murder, rape, serious violence and child cruelty, the production and supply of class A drugs, the possession of firearms, fraud, confiscation proceedings, inquests and courts-martial.
CHRISTOPHER STIMPSON
YEAR OF CALL 1999
"Very good at sexual offences cases, he prepares his brief from both sides and is someone whose judgement you can trust."
Chambers UK Bar 2024
Chris is a leading criminal barrister with a reputation for his legal acumen, advocacy and success rate. A Blackstone Exhibitioner at the Middle Temple he specialises exclusively within the fields of serious sexual offences, drugs and violence.
He undertakes significant private defence work and is regularly instructed by, inter alia, the country’s leading Solicitors as well as prosecuting for the Crown’s Serious Case Work unit and RASSO - the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences division.
Full details of Christopher Stimpson’s practice available here
JULIAN JONES
YEAR OF CALL 1999
PRACTISING DOOR TENANT
“Julian Jones is thorough, clever and strategic in court and a powerful advocate.”
Chambers UK Bar 2024
Julian is a specialist in serious and complex crime. He is instructed for the prosecution and defence in approximately equal proportions. He appears as leading junior counsel, sole counsel, and is led by King’s Counsel.
Julian has experience of very substantial width and depth in trial advocacy, appellate advocacy, the giving of advice and case management. He brings very thorough preparation and a firm grip on case management to every case he undertakes.
Julian is fully committed to giving every case the best he possibly can and those who instruct him know their case is in trusted hands. In the current resource stripped climate he will ‘go the extra mile’ and do whatever he personally can for Prosecution Lawyers, Paralegal Officers and Defence Solicitors so as to make a case ready for hearing.
He takes great pride in client care, whether it be working with senior prosecution lawyers and police officers on prosecution strategy, or fulfilling the pastoral side of the job with a vulnerable defence client.
Julian is firmly committed to a mixed practice of both defending and prosecuting and believes experience on each side has helped him on the other.
His experience includes cases involving abuse of process, judicial review, confiscation, PII, notification hearings, RIPA/IPA, witness anonymity, third party disclosure, police texts, fitness to plead.
He has a particular interest and expertise in disclosure and has lectured to leading Yorkshire and London solicitors and to senior Metropolitan Police Service detectives on this topic.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Homicide
- Gang-related Crime
- Organised Crime
- Fraud and Money Laundering
- Serious Sexual Offences
- Private Prosecutions
JJones@2hb.co.uk
Full details of Julian Jones’ practice are available here.
TOM NICHOLSON
YEAR OF CALL 2001
‘Tom is a good lawyer. He is hard-working and a pleasure to work with.’
The Legal 500 2024
Tom is a leading specialist criminal barrister, whose reputation is built on the thoroughness of his preparation and excellence of his advocacy.
His practice, often as leading junior counsel, tends to involve cases of gravity and complexity, such as multi-handed police or NCA investigations, encompassing the most sensitive disclosure and PII issues, as well as high public profiles. One such case, involving people-smuggling from Afghanistan, led to an official commendation from the Home Secretary.
Tom defends in the most serious or difficult cases - for example representing police officers in cases such as fatal/near fatal accidents, youths charged with rape and serious sexual offences, or offences where mental health is a significant feature of the case.
He has significant experience of landmark cases with complex legal issues, such as the prosecution of those who infect others with HIV, the pioneering use of technology and cases with an international dimension.
He has expertise in all aspects of road traffic offences, including drink-driving and technical defences.
Tom has for some years been a BASC recommended counsel, with a particular interest in firearms revocation appeals and antique defences.
SALLY MERTENS
YEAR OF CALL: 2002
Please contact our clerks for a copy of Ms Mertens’ CV.
EDWARD FRANKLIN
YEAR OF CALL 2006
‘Edward is an intellectual heavyweight. It is apparent from his excellent drafting that he has easy command of complex legal principles. His advocacy is measured and all the more forceful for that. He has mastered the art of emphasis by understatement, and can convey to better effect with a few short words that which many struggle to achieve when addressing courts at great length.’
The Legal 500 2024
Edward Franklin specialises in complex or sensitive criminal cases. He is an experienced jury advocate. He is frequently commended for his written advocacy and advices. Edward has an appetite for hard work and marries intellectual rigour with creativity of thought. He enjoyed a career in commerce before qualifying as a barrister.
Particular areas of practice
- Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Bribery and corruption and misconduct in public office
- Confiscation
- Complex disclosure exercises and LPP issues
- Organised crime
- Sexual crime/human trafficking
- Private Prosecutions
- Corporate Defence
Edward is Direct Access qualified.
Please click here for a full CV
JENNY BURGESS
YEAR OF CALL 2008
‘Jenny is a class act. She is meticulously prepared and knows her cases inside out. She is a confident, engaging advocate who gets straight to the point with legal arguments. She is reasonable in the points she takes and is very persuasive. Her closing speeches are also great.’
The Legal 500 2024
Jenny joined Chambers in 2010. She both prosecutes and defends.
As a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor, Jenny is regularly instructed in complex cases as leading junior and junior alone. Her practice is wide ranging with a specialism in complex fraud and money laundering. She is on the CPS fraud panel and has a wide experience of confiscation proceedings and cases engaging PII.
In addition to fraud, Jenny has a strong practice in multi-handed drugs cases, particularly those involving Encrochat material. She has regularly advised on international matters including extradition.
Jenny is a RASSO prosecutor and provides training to other advocates in the handling of vulnerable witnesses. She has a wide experience of cases involving intermediaries and pre-recorded cross-examination under s.28.
Jenny has appeared before the Court of Appeal and the High Court both on behalf of the Appellant and the Respondent.
Jenny is qualified to take Direct Access work.
In addition to her criminal practice, Jenny is instructed by the Royal College of Nursing to defend in front of the NMC Regulatory Panels and as the Registrant’s representative at inquests. She has also prosecuted for the Nursing and Midwifery Council and for the General Dental Council. Her other non-criminal practice includes the representation of prisoners at Parole Board hearings, and instruction on behalf of appellants at licensing appeals at the Magistrates Court. She has acted as legal advisor to the Licensing Sub-Committee of Newham Council.
Jenny has been a pupil supervisor since 2018.
JOHN OJAKOVOH
YEAR OF CALL 2008
‘John is highly intelligent, has a good eye for detail and is very thoroughly prepared. He is liked by judges and extremely effective in cross-examination.’
The Legal 500 2024
John Ojakovoh prosecutes and defends, both privately and publicly funded, with a successful practice in complex fraud, cybercrime, and other serious and organised crime.
John has extensive experience leading teams in complex cases, regularly acting as Leading Counsel, often against King’s Counsel opponents. He stands out for his natural leadership and sound strategic judgement, always focused on achieving the best possible outcome for his clients, whether defending or prosecuting at trial, or concluding matters without a trial.
As a Grade 4 (the highest) on the CPS General, Fraud and Serious Crime Panels, John brings an in-depth understanding of complex disclosure and PII, and issues arising from IPA and RIPA, whether prosecuting or defending.
John has also been appointed to the SFO Prosecution Panel A, and is often described as a “go-to person” for fraud and cybercrime.
John also undertakes private instructions to represent companies, charities, company directors, shareholders, and consortiums, defending and pursuing private prosecutions.
To all his work, John brings an ability to master complex financial, technical, and voluminous evidence quickly with his Mathematics background, MBA, and IT, finance, and accounting expertise from his previous city career in strategy consulting.
John also has a busy advisory practice, whether instructed by prosecution or defence. Examples of areas in which John has advised include: Abuse of Process; Complex issues of Admissibility and Disclosure; Private Prosecution; Allegations of Fraud in the Education Sector, High Street Retail, and Stockbroking; Trademark Offences; Perverting the Course of Justice; Unduly Lenient Sentence; and Mutual Legal Assistance.
Examples of current instructions
R v M and others: Defending client, first on the Indictment, in large-scale and complex three-handed case involving more than 30 allegations of Fraudulent Trading and Environmental Protection Act offences.
Operation Elaborate: As Leading Counsel, prosecuted to conviction and sentence founder of ‘iSpoof’ website for Fraud Act and Cryptocurrency money laundering offences. Widely reported as the Metropolitan Police’s largest ever fraud investigation, involved victims’ losses of £100 million. Confiscation proceedings are ongoing.
https://www.ft.com/content/9239cc58-cbee-42c1-87c1-4c14327203b9
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65649776
Operation Miching: As Leading Counsel, prosecuted one of largest ever dark web drugs conspiracies, a, five-handed £20-million counterfeit Pfizer drug supply conspiracy and cryptocurrency money laundering. Following the Newton hearing and sentencing, confiscation proceedings are ongoing.
https://www.cps.gov.uk/wessex/news/three-imprisoned-one-britains-largest-dark-web-drugs-cases
Operation Prism: As Leading Counsel, prosecuted trial and sentence of Director of biofuel company on four counts of theft from investors and money laundering. Confiscation proceedings are ongoing.
Operation Spree: Prosecuting three-handed cybercrime trial of Conspiracy to Cheat the public Revenue and conspiracies to launder the proceeds.
Operation Belshazzar: As Leading Counsel, prosecuting twelve-handed Class A drug importation (approaching one tonne of cocaine and heroin), drug supply and money laundering, arising out of Operation Venetic ‘EncroChat’ investigation.
R v J (Operation Belshazzar): As Leading Counsel, prosecuted trial of a lorry driver involved in five importations. He awaits sentencing, together with six other defendants – two awaiting Newton hearings – who have pleaded guilty. Two others have pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Three await trial.
Operation Genie: As Leading Counsel, prosecuting five-handed allegation of cocaine importation.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-50815509
Examples of previous instructions
R v C: As Leading Counsel, defended company director of care home business against charges of Cheating the Public Revenue and four counts of Fraud, arising from allegations of deliberate failure to submit returns to HMRC and pay £300,000 in employees’ PAYE and National Insurance after care home entered administration. After a detailed defence and prolonged and extensive disclosure requests and applications, the Prosecution offered no evidence and the client was acquitted.
R v T and Others: Prosecuted two-handed trial on cannabis importation and firearms offences. Subsequently sentenced with a third defendant who pleaded guilty to the importation.
Operation Hygrology: Prosecuted to conviction attempted possession of prohibited weapon.
R v T: Prosecuted trial in a private prosecution for a cancer charity. Responded to Appeal against Conviction. Macmillan Cancer Support v Toogood [2022] EWCA Crim 633.
https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Crim/2022/633.html
Operation Subtlety: Led by QC, prosecuted to conviction blackmail of Apple Inc., and Computer Misuse offences.
R v EE: Prosecuted trial of cyberfraud on US pension fund.
https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/home/25935/west-berkshire-man-jailed-for-us-pension-fraud.html
R v GE: As Leading Counsel, prosecuted Computer Misuse and Bitcoin money laundering.
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/02/15/refud_cryptex_kingpin_goncalo_esteves_jailed/
R v TJ: As Leading Counsel, prosecuted Gift Aid Tax Fraud trial and confiscation hearing.
https://www.accountancydaily.co/church-leader-jailed-ps150k-gift-aid-fraud
R v F: Prosecuted £1 million fraud by company CEO.
R v CW & Others: Defended in money laundering associated with boiler room and binary options fraud.
For background: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6414297/Towie-star-Mike-Hassini-spared-jail-money-laundering-boiler-room-diamond-investment-scam.html
R v O: Defended two-handed HMRC cyber fraud.
Operation Boutade: Prosecuted drugs conspiracy trial, later upheld on appeal R v Arthur Boxall [2020] EWCA Crim 688
https://nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/32-years-in-prison-for-duo-caught-supplying-cocaine
R v M: Defended alleged £5-6 million cigarette duty fraud.
R v CL: Defended five-handed drug-trafficking conspiracy trial.
Re B: Defended cash forfeiture (alleged Hatton Garden burglary proceeds, all cash returned to client).
For background: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/man-held-hatton-garden-cops-7679790
R v H: Prosecuted trial of four armed robberies with firearm, leading to conviction of the only defendant not to plead guilty.
R v I: Defended trial of alleged s18 (originally attempted murder, victim's forehead sliced off with meat cleaver).
JOjakovoh@2hb.co.uk
DUNCAN COOKE
YEAR OF CALL 2010
Duncan was admitted as a solicitor in 1994 and in the 16 years before his call to the Bar was a partner in a large criminal defence practice. Having practised as a solicitor advocate for seven years he then joined the Bar.
Between 1994 and 2018 Duncan prosecuted and defended those accused of serious crimes in the UK, practising in the Crown Courts and in the Court of Appeal.
Between 2018 and 2020 Duncan occupied the role of Public Solicitor for the Island of St Helena. From 1.4.2020, he will occupy a judicial role as Chief Magistrate for the Island of St. Helena.
Duncan does not accept instructions by reason of his judicial post and is registered as non-practicing.
VORATIDA SANGCHANT
YEAR OF CALL 2010
Voratida prosecutes and defends in jury trials across London and the surrounding area.
She is regularly instructed to prosecute in a wide variety of cases including grievous bodily harm with intent, arson, fraud, and possession with intent to supply controlled drugs. Voratida has spent several months as a disclosure junior at the Serious Fraud Office working on a large-scale complex case, and has a broad experience of confiscation proceedings. More recently, having been seconded to the CPS Domestic Violence Unit, she has been instructed in a number of cases of controlling and coercive behaviour, and regularly deals with vulnerable and young witnesses.
Voratida also defends across the wide spectrum of criminal offences, and is experienced in defending clients with mental health issues, addictions and other vulnerabilities.
Prior to coming to the bar, Voratida worked for an NGO in India and Cambodia combating serious organised crime and modern slavery in which she retains a strong interest.
Voratida is currently taking a sabbatical while she accompanies her husband to the USA and as a consequence is not accepting instructions for the time being.
JAMES CALDWELL
YEAR OF CALL 2011
James appears for both the prosecution and defence in all areas of criminal law and related fields, with additional experience in courts martial, regulatory and licensing matters.
James is a confident and persuasive jury advocate with a rigorous attention to detail, and his practice in the Crown Court encompasses the full range of criminal offences.
James has successfully defended clients charged with matters of serious violence, sexual offences, supply of drugs, fraud, offences of dishonesty and driving offences. James offers comprehensively thought-through yet practical advice to clients at all stages of criminal proceedings.
For the prosecution, in addition to prosecuting cases as a junior in his own right, James also has experience as a led junior in complex and multi-handed cases involving white-collar fraud and drug supply.
James appears for Transport for London, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and accepts instructions in private hire taxi licensing appeals.
DOMINIC HOCKLEY
YEAR OF CALL 2011
‘Gritty, determined and clever, Dominic cross-examines very well.’
Chambers UK Bar 2024
‘Dominic is bright, diligent, knowledgeable and has very good judgement. He has excellent interpersonal skills which allows him to gain the trust of instructing solicitors, clients, opponents and judges alike. He has extensive experience in dealing with heavy fraud cases and is able to deal with factually complex matters with ease.’
The Legal 500 2024
Dominic has a reputation for fearless advocacy and sound legal advice.
He is a sought-after junior specialising in complex and organised crime, serious fraud and white-collar crime. He prosecutes and defends in jury trials across London and the surrounding area. He is skilled at witness handling; adept at questioning difficult or vulnerable witnesses and cross-examining medical and forensic experts.
Dominic has been involved in a number of the most significant fraud and corruption cases in recent years and has acted for the Serious Fraud Office, CPS Serious Fraud Division, the Insolvency Service and leading defence firms in this field. He has a blossoming practice in private prosecutions, particularly in the charity and security industry sectors.
Able to deliver a bespoke service, Dominic accepts private instructions and has significant experience acting for clients on a public / direct access basis.
Dominic is also a very experienced advocate before professional and disciplinary bodies, particularly in fitness to practice hearings in the healthcare field. His approachable attitude and clear presentation make him the ideal advocate for regulators and registrants.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• Fraud
• Serious Crime
• Money Laundering
• Confiscation and Restraint Proceedings
• Private Prosecutions
• Professional Discipline & Regulatory
Read about Dominic’s recent notable cases here.
NATALIA CONSTANTINE
YEAR OF CALL 2011
Natalia has a busy and diverse practice, specialising in crime, professional discipline, inquest, and public inquires. She is a dedicated and able advocate who is frequently commended for her sensitive approach to cases and clients. She prosecutes and defends in a wide range of criminal offences including Class A drug offences, serious sexual offences, complex fraud and violence both alone and as a led junior. She appears in the Court of Appeal and Crown Court, as well as a range of professional discipline settings. She is adept at tackling cases involving clients and witnesses with complex mental health issues, learning disabilities, and medical issues, which often traverse her practice areas.
Natalia is a Grade 3 CPS Advocate Panel member and has represented many private defence clients due to her ability to guide them and attend to their needs throughout the lifetime of the case. This is within the remit of criminal matters including all motoring offences and licensing law.
Natalia has particular expertise in evidence review, disclosure and Legal Professional Privilege in large scale investigations, including the Infected Blood Inquiry (instructed by the Government Legal Department) and the Post Office sub postmaster appeals. She has been instructed in several operations to act as independent counsel, and has advised the HMRC, Serious Fraud Office, National Crime Agency and the CPS on whether material is subject to LPP. She is fluent in the Greek language, and this has often been of great assistance throughout reviews.
Natalia has worked in an advisory capacity for the HMRC building a niche practice in advising on International Letters of Request and obtaining successful applications in the courts for production orders and search warrants. In turn, this makes her particularly skilled at advising banks and private individuals, who are subject to such orders, in potential appeals.
Before joining Chambers, Natalia worked at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) regularly appearing at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, defending nurses in all types of fitness-to-practise hearings. With both a professional and academic background in medical law and ethics, Natalia welcomes instructions in a wide range of regulatory proceedings in the healthcare field. She has undertaken a wide range of work both prosecuting and defending. She regularly acts as a Presenting Officer for the HCPC in long and complex final hearings. Natalia has been instructed by the Medical Defence Union to defend doctors before the MPTS and has represented several GPs in Inquest hearings. She has further represented medical professionals and Trusts in Article 2 inquests.
Natalia has sat as a Legal Assessor for the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People which ensures she has a wide-scale and in-depth knowledge of the law within the professional discipline field. She is also instructed to represent students before their university boards in misconduct hearings and welcomes instruction in this field.
SAM BARKER
YEAR OF CALL 2014
‘Sam is an excellent lawyer and a naturally gifted advocate.’
The Legal 500 2024
Sam is a calm and confident barrister who has quickly built a busy and successful criminal practice. He regularly acts in cases years ahead of his call, including as leading counsel.
Sam prosecutes and defends in serious criminal cases across London and on circuit. He combines outstanding advice and legal knowledge with his excellent courtroom manner and powerful advocacy.
Sam has been instructed for both the prosecution and defence as leading counsel, particularly in relation to large multi-handed drugs conspiracies.
Recent cases as a junior alone have included serious violence, firearms offences, rape and sexual assaults, major public disorder, ‘county lines’ drugs conspiracies, gang stabbings, counterfeiting, arson with intent to endanger life, and armed robberies.
As a busy and popular led junior, Sam is led in trials of gravity and complexity. Recently these have included major drug conspiracies, attempted murder by shooting, immigration fraud, and multi-expert cases involving non-accidental head injury to infants. He has handled the PII, LPP, and disclosure challenges presented by those types of cases, and is trusted by leaders and judges alike to handle important aspects of cases alone.
Sam is able to accept instructions directly from members of the public in appropriate cases.
IMOGEN NELSON
YEAR OF CALL 2014
Imogen specialises in defending and prosecuting criminal cases at all levels, both as a led and sole junior.
She is experienced in defending driving offences and has routinely avoided disqualification, having successfully advanced special reasons and exceptional hardship.
Imogen is a Grade 3 CPS Advocate Panel member and has prosecuted on behalf of other agencies, including TFL.
Having been seconded to the FCA to assist with a money laundering investigation into a regulated firm, Imogen is knowledgeable about financial crime and market regulation.
Imogen is meticulous in her approach towards client and witness care. She has experience of handling young and/or vulnerable defendants and witnesses.
Before joining Chambers, Imogen worked at a criminal solicitor's firm in Kent. She is attentive to the needs of solicitors and is particularly mindful of their relationship with the lay client.
Full details of Imogen Nelson’s practice are available here
AMY OLIVER
YEAR OF CALL 2016
Amy has a busy criminal practice incorporating both prosecution and defence work. She is regularly instructed to appear as junior alone and as a led junior in cases involving a wide range of offences, including financial crime, serious violence, drug-dealing and organised crime. She has experience appearing as junior alone in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Amy specialises in proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, acting for both the prosecution and the defence in hearings at all stages. She has a thorough knowledge of the confiscation, restraint and enforcement regimes and is available to advise on their application from the pre-charge stage through to post-conviction.
She has an in-depth understanding of forensic scientific evidence (e.g. DNA), analysis of telephone data and financial material, and other areas of expert evidence. Amy has prosecuted and defended in cases where defendants have had serious mental health difficulties, and consequently has experience in issues of fitness to plead, psychiatric assessments, and mental health disposals. She also has considerable experience of the modern slavery regime, having appeared in trials involving modern slavery and human trafficking charges and the defence under s.45 of the Modern Slavery Act.
Amy has advised on evidence review, disclosure and Legal Professional Privilege in large-scale investigations, including in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Post Office subpostmaster appeals and Horizon Inquiry. She has significant experience acting as independent counsel in operations led by the National Crime Agency, the Serious Fraud Office, and HMRC.
Amy has conducted advocacy on behalf of the Insolvency Service and the Metropolitan Police. She has appeared for Requested Persons in contested extradition proceedings. Amy also has experience in the regulatory field, including in the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the First Tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber).
CHARLES DRINNAN
YEAR OF CALL 2016
Charles has quickly established himself as a coveted junior with a substantial practice specialising in serious crime and regulatory law.
Charles defends and prosecutes in the Crown Courts across London and on circuit. His approach combines sound legal advice with formidable advocacy. He prides himself on his client care.
Charles is regularly instructed in serious and multi-handed matters far beyond his year of call, across all of Chambers’ specialisms. His current Crown Court instructions include being led on large, multi-handed drug conspiracies and importations, attempted murder, S18 GBH, arson, armed robbery, sexual assault, firearms, fraud, and money laundering.
He regularly deals with complex evidence including DNA and forensic drug reports, cell-site telephone analysis and disclosure. He has represented a number of vulnerable clients, as well as appearing in cases with particularly vulnerable witnesses. His fearless yet personal approach keep him in high demand for cases where client care is paramount.
He regularly receives private instructions to advise and represent clients before the criminal Courts and regulatory tribunals. As a direct access barrister, Charles welcomes instructions at any stage of a case and provides a stellar service with both written advice and advocacy. He is further able to use his network to recommend solicitors and experts to clients where required. His noted direct access specialisms include driving matters and professional discipline.
Charles is a very experienced regulatory practitioner and has acted for regulators, local authorities, and registrants, both privately and on a direct access basis. He regularly advises and presents cases for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and acts for a wide range of regulators and unions, including the Health and Care Professions Council, Care Quality Commission, Royal College of Nursing and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Charles is at Level C of the Specialist Regulatory Advocates Panel in Health and Safety and Environmental Law and has accepted instructions involving alleged breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and Security Industry Act 2001.
He additionally has a growing inquest practice and a developing interest in sports law.
He welcomes disclosure, review and inquiry work, and has varied experience advising the NCA as independent counsel and conducting LPP reviews for HMRC.
Read about Charles’s notable cases here
MAHESH KARU
YEAR OF CALL 2016
Mahesh is a skilled criminal practitioner with experience of both prosecuting and defending corporate and commercial defendants, allowing him to provide specialist advice in the crossover between criminal, commercial and regulatory matters.
Having worked closely with regulators and prosecuting authorities including HMRC, NCA, and the Bank of England, assisting and advising in large scale and complex commercial crime and financial regulation investigations, Mahesh is adept at advising in consideration of both the criminal and regulatory frameworks, and the commercial interests of his clients.
Mahesh has appeared frequently in the criminal courts in cases against corporations and their directors, including those prosecuted by the Insolvency Service. In addition, Mahesh’s experience advising high-net-worth individuals at the earliest stages of criminal investigations, and his skills as a criminal barrister, provide him with a firm understanding of the specific risks and considerations that flow from criminal investigations against commercial clients, placing him in a unique position to deliver practical and efficient advice.
In addition to working with investigators within HMRC, Mahesh assisted the Mutual Legal Assistance department in considering letters of request from international prosecution authorities, requiring cooperating with international authorities, assessments of Human Rights risks, and an assessment of the legal and evidential basis of international, tax-related matters.
Mahesh has experience advising clients on matters under the Trade Marks Act 1994, having been instructed in private prosecutions, both for the prosecution and defence. On matters of counterfeit products and trade mark infringement.
He has an in-depth knowledge of legal professional privilege and disclosure, having been instructed as independent counsel and disclosure counsel to undertake vast disclosure reviews by agencies such as Serious Fraud Office, National Crime Agency, The Insolvency Service, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and Government Legal Department.
Mahesh is regularly privately instructed to advise and act in all aspects of criminal work and receives instructions to appear in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court privately.
Crown Court:
R v SA (2024) – Instructed as junior counsel to represent a defendant charged with possession of articles for use in fraud and conspiracy to defraud
R v CT (2023) – Instructed to represent a defendant charged with multiple counts under the Trade Marks Act 1994 of possession and selling counterfeit goods.
R v CG (2023) - Successfully defended the first defendant alleged to have planned and executed an armed robbery of three women and a man staying in an Air BnB together with three other men. The defendant was acquitted of multiple counts of robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent, and found to have caused grievous bodily harm when acting in excessive self-defence.
R v MAS (2022) - Junior counsel led by King’s Counsel to represent a man charged with murder following a single stab to the chest. The defendant was acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter.
R v CC (2022) – Instructed to represent a defendant in POCA confiscation proceedings where the prosecution sought an order for over £700,000 in relation to a counterfeit cheque fraud. Following argument, an order for approximately £3,000 benefit amount, with a nominal £1 available amount was made.
TIS v SS (2022) – Acted on behalf of the Insolvency Service to prosecute a man charged with offences under the Companies Act 2006 and the Fraud Act 2006 in relation to Bounce Back loans received during the Coronavirus pandemic.
R v MM (2021) – Instructed to represent a defendant charged with GBH in a domestic context. The defendant was acquitted after trial.
TIS v PH (2021) – Secured a conviction on behalf of the Insolvency Service in a prosecution again a man charged with concealment of over £50,000 from the Official Receiver following bankruptcy.
R v S (2020) – Represented a defendant in respect of multiple Class A county lines conspiracy cases involving many kilograms of cocaine and heroin.
R v SS and Six Others (2020) - Junior Counsel, Defended the first defendant in Kidnap, Blackmail, Robbery, Burglary. The defendant was found not guilty of all counts.
R v AK (2020) - Junior to King's Counsel, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Possession of Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life.
WILLIAM GOSS
YEAR OF CALL 2018
William specialises in serious and organised crime and is a highly sought-after junior for heavyweight and complex cases.
He accepts instructions to prosecute and defend in all areas of Chambers’ work, with a particular emphasis on homicide, county lines drug dealing, and serious sexual offending. Regularly instructed in large multi-handed cases, both as leading and led counsel, William’s experience significantly exceeds his year of call. He combines a thorough, personable service with excellent legal advice, and a fearless courtroom manner. He has quickly established himself as an accomplished trial advocate.
As leading counsel, William has prosecuted large scale drugs and money laundering conspiracies. As a led junior, he has recently dealt with multiple trials of murder, rape and child sexual offences, and multi-million-pound frauds. As a junior alone his instructions include multi-handed gang stabbings, kidnap, sexual assaults, and armed robberies.
William also has expertise in LPP and evidence review and is regularly instructed by the National Crime Agency and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to act as independent counsel in large scale and international investigations of Bribery, Corruption and Fraud.
Recent cases / instructions include:
HOMICIDE
R v. Berry-Parkes & Hamad (Birmingham Crown Court, 2024) – Murder. A trial of two ‘pimps’ accused of beating a man to death following an allegation he raped a prostitute under their control. The case involved substantial expert psychiatric and neurological evidence regarding diminished responsibility. Led by Edward Franklin.
R v. Shannon Grant (Leicester Crown Court, 2024) – Murder. The Defendant, an admitted drug dealer and gangster, used cable ties to restrain and strangle the girlfriend of his recently deceased friend. Burn injuries to the victim’s body revealed a level of torture using a heated metal tool. Her body was found hidden in the base of an Ottoman bed. Led by Paul Cavin KC.
R v. Benham & Hedges (Maidstone Crown Court, 2023) – Murder. The Defendants were convicted of murdering their 18-month-old baby by beating and smothering him to death in a caravan during the COVID lockdown. The case involved numerous experts from various forensic fields, and against one Defendant turned heavily on the presentation of expert bitemark analysis evidence. Instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Unit, William was led by Jennifer Knight KC.
SEXUAL OFFENCES
R v. Petru Iancu (Luton Crown Court, 2023) – Led Junior. William secured convictions on all 17 counts of sexual offending committed against three children over a five-year period. The offences included Rape of a Child, Causing a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity, and Sexual Assault. Led by Edward Lucas.
R v. J (Inner London Crown Court, 2022) — Junior alone in a trial relating to a violent Sexual Assault.
R v. M (Croydon Crown Court, 2022) — Junior alone, securing convictions in respect of multiple child sexual offences.
R v. J (Maidstone Crown Court, 2021) — Junior alone, successfully prosecuted a Defendant suffering from paranoid schizophrenia in a multi-complainant Sexual Assault and Stalking trial.
DRUGS OFFENCES
Operation Coolum (Wood Green Crown Court, 2023) – Leading junior in a six Defendant Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs, relating to approximately half a million pounds worth of Heroin and “Crack” Cocaine supplied in Islington and Camden. In July 2024 William is also due to act as leading counsel in the multi-million-pound money laundering operation relating to the proceeds of the drugs lines. Leading Joe Weeks.
Operation Homepart (Guildford Crown Court, 2024) – Led Junior in a ‘County Lines’ drugs conspiracy between London and Crawley. Led by Sam Barker.
Operation Leafkart (Wood Green Crown Court, 2023) – Led Junior in a trial of multiple defendants for drugs and money laundering offences. The trial raised issued of modern slavery and duress. Led by Sam Barker.
Operation Garner (Wood Green Crown Court, 2022) —Led Junior, prosecuting a Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs relating to a gang led by three brothers who facilitated the supply of multiple kilos of Class A drugs within North London. Led by Sam Barker.
Operation Virtuous (Winchester Crown Court, 2022) — Led Junior, defending in a multi-handed Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs. The case relates to an Organised Crime Group led by “Britain’s Most Wanted Cocaine Baron” which was involved in the supply of many tonnes of Cocaine valued at over £100 million. Acquittal secured on the drugs offences. Led by Sam Barker.
VIOLENT CRIME
R v. K & Others (Canterbury Crown Court, 2024) – Junior alone, prosecuting a multi-handed stabbing involving multiple victims in Canterbury Town Centre. Trial due to take place in August 2024.
R v. E (Portsmouth Crown Court, 2022) — Junior alone defending in a trial of Kidnap, securing an acquittal.
R v. O & Others (Maidstone Crown Court, 2022) — Junior alone, prosecuting a multi-handed Aggravated Burglary.
R v. L (Maidstone Crown Court, 2022) — Junior alone, prosecuting a trial of Arson With Intent to Endanger Life.
Operation Celsius (Harrow Crown Court, 2021) — Led Junior securing convictions against all five defendants in a trial of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery and Conspiracy to Have an Imitation Firearm with Criminal Intent. The case involved a meticulously planned operation involving the use of magnetic GPS trackers, culminating in an armed nighttime raid on the affluent victim in his Berkshire mansion. Numerous high-value wristwatches were stolen. Investigated by The Flying Squad, the case relied predominantly on cell-site data and expert evidence. Led by Tim Hunter.
R v. K-A-J (Central Criminal Court, 2021) — Junior alone, prosecuting a trial of home invasion Armed Robbery of a young mother.
R v. K (Wood Green Crown Court, 2021) — Junior alone, prosecuting a high-value Armed Robbery where the Defence raised a counter-allegation of attempted Rape. William secured convictions on all counts.
R v. A (Snaresbrook Crown Court, 2021) — Junior alone, defending a 15 year-old accused of s.18 Grievous Bodily Harm in a pre-meditated multi-handed stabbing.
R v. S (Portsmouth Crown Court, 2021) — Junior alone, defending in a trial of ABH, securing an acquittal.
R v. E (Portsmouth Crown Court, 2020) — Junior alone, defending in a trial of Violent Disorder, securing an acquittal.
FINANCIAL CRIME
Operation Typhoon (Inner London Crown Court, 2024) – Led junior, prosecuting multiple Defendants in a money laundering operation arising from a fraud relating to a mobile phone recycling scheme. Trial due to take place in October 2024, led by Sam Willis.
R v. F (Isleworth Crown Court, 2022) — Junior alone in a sophisticated money laundering relating to frauds committed through email hacking, and the subsequent dissipation of criminal property to numerous bank accounts in the UK and overseas.
Operation Papillon (Lewes Crown Court, 2023) – Led junior, prosecuting a c.£4 million Fraud and associated Directors Disqualification offences, committed by an accomplished confidence trickster over a period of 6 years. Duncan Grant convinced multiple people to invest in a cash spoiling device company, but instead spent their money on luxury holidays, cars, jewellery, and houses. Instructed by the Serious Economic and Organised Crime and International Directorate, William was led by Dominic Hockley.
Operation Recover (Canterbury Crown Court, 2023) – Junior alone, William secured a conviction against the single Defendant for Fraudulent Evasion of Duty in respect of his transportation of c.6 million cigarettes into the United Kingdom, at a loss to the Exchequer of £2.1 million. The case was investigated by HMRC.
Operation Zajic (Southwark Crown Court, 2022) – Led junior in the trial of Jacob Gross, who via his UK merchant bank accounts, received over £1.6 million from the online sale of illegal medications across numerous European countries. Instructed by the Specialist Fraud Unit, the investigation produced over 100,000 pages of evidence and was over a decade in duration. Led by Jenny Burgess.
Operation Dobbs (Kingston Crown Court, 2019) — Led junior in a multi-million-pound Conspiracy to Defraud trial. The Defendants preyed on an elderly man and defrauded him of his home and capital assets over period of 16 years. Led by Nick Alexander.
R v. T & Others (Maidstone Crown Court, 2020) — Junior alone. A conspiracy to defraud affecting over 200 victims, and involving a large amount of telephone and CCTV evidence. The Defendants used fraudulent bank details to purchase high-value electronics, and targeted vulnerable properties as decoys to deliver and circulate criminal property.
PAGE NYAME
YEAR OF CALL 2021
Page is a highly regarded prosecution and defence junior specialising in corporate crime and public inquiries. She has a track record of resolving matters favourably for clients.
She is regularly engaged in pre-charge investigations, trial litigation, appellate matters (Court of Appeal and High Court) and asset recovery (including cryptocurrency).
Her recent instructions include:
High Court King's Bench Division [2023] - A v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and others led junior for the appellant; successful in application for permission to appeal.
Central Criminal Court [2023] - Confiscation - junior alone; confiscation ordered in terms sought.
Pre-charge investigations for a multinational technology company [2023] advising on criminal and civil enforcement action - including intellectual property (IP) protection - for multijurisdictional fraud in UK, US, EMEA and Japan.
Cambridge Magistrates' Court [2023] - Private prosecution for the Insolvency Service on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy junior alone instructed for trial, 3 handed.
Harrow Crown Court [2023] - Affray (5 handed) and Assault Emergency Worker junior alone; successful representations and case discontinued for young Defendant. In 2021 Page marshalled District Judge Brennan at Willesden Youth Court. She has recent experience of cases involving youth Defendants in the Youth and Crown Court.
Woolwich Crown Court [2023] - Burglary junior alone; successful representations and case discontinued.
Client under s.3 MHA 1983 detention; instructions in parallel Magistrates' Court proceedings (as assigned advocate with certificate for counsel). Page is recently trained in Advocacy and the Vulnerable witness training.
In her public inquiries practice, Page is currently instructed in
Undercover Policing Inquiry for the Inquiry Legal Team, co-authoring with David Barr KC and Rebekah Hummerstone submissions on section 2 Inquiries Act 2005 and
UK Covid-19 Inquiry for the Cabinet Office.
Before coming to the Bar, she interned at the US Public Defender’s Office in Las Vegas, Nevada assisting with post-conviction death row appeals.
Outside of her professional work, Page has a keen interest in charity governance. She currently sits on the board of the National Prison Arts Charity Koestler Arts and previously served as Co-Director of Vocalise (Prison Debating Mentorship Programme) and as Trustee for the National Children's Bureau (winning the 2020 Dame Helen Alexander 'Non-Executive Director' to Watch Award as featured in the Sunday Times).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/page-nyame/
JOE WEEKS
Joe was taken on as a tenant at Two Harcourt Buildings following the successful completion of his pupillage. He has already developed a busy practice in both the magistrates’ and Crown Courts and further details will follow in due course.
Joe is a CPS General Advocate Panel Member (level 1).
ALICE HEWETT
Alice commenced her 1st 6 pupillage in October 2023; her supervisor is Edward Franklin.
NICOLE SHAW
Nicole commenced her 1st 6 pupillage in October 2023; her supervisor is Paul Casey.
SALLY THOMPSON
YEAR OF CALL 1994
Sally is a civil and commercial Barrister Mediator, accredited by the ADR Group and Regents College, London. She is a member of several commercial mediation panels, the Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates and the Family Mediators’ Association.
She has experience of mediating a wide range of cases in the civil and commercial sectors, spanning the fields of probate & trusts; professional negligence; finance, banking & insurance; property, landlord & tenant; defamation; building & construction; discrimination, consumer issues, boundary and contractual disputes.
A criminal law barrister specialising in high-value fraud and asset-recovery, Sally brings a specialist background knowledge to the resolution of actions against the police and asset-recovery mediation. She also mediates workplace disputes and those arising within the educational field, including SEN.
As a qualified family mediator she deals with all aspects of ancillary relief and contact, for both divorcing couples and co-habitees.
Sally is a member of the mediation panel of Law Works – the mediation limb of the Bar Pro Bono Panel – and that of several community mediation services: mediating disputes relating to housing, discrimination, neighbourhood conflicts and other social issues. She is also an experienced Restorative Justice Facilitator.
Publications include Archbold Practical Research Papers, and the Criminal Law Review.
Sally is currently taking a career break.