14th MAY 2024: CONVICTIONS SECURED
Following a 5-week trial at Leicester Crown Court, Kate Blumgart KC and Jenny Burgess secured the convictions of five people for their part in the killing of Junior Osborne last year. A boy aged 16 was found guilty of murder and four other teenagers were convicted of manslaughter. All were also convicted of possession of a bladed article.
CCTV footage showed the group of youths following Mr Osborne as he was cycling before stabbing him to death.
The defendants will be sentenced in June.
Kate and Jenny were instructed by the East Midlands Branch of the Crown Prosecution Service.
Media: BBC, Leicester Mercury
7th MAY 2024: ONLINE SAFETY AND THE EUROS – THREE YEARS ON
Mahesh Karu explores what’s changed since 2021. Read his article here.
3rd APRIL 2024: HEALTH AND CARE PROFESSIONS COUNCIL
HCPC v SK: At a fitness to practice final hearing before The Health and Care Professions Council Conduct and Competence Committee, Mahesh Karu was instructed to cross-examine a vulnerable complainant on behalf of the unrepresented registrant paramedic. The registrant was accused of a campaign of bullying and harassment over the course of 11 years, with 9 specific incidents alleged. The complaint was the sole live witness for the HCPC. Following cross-examination, the HCPC found that the witness was not credible and that each of the individual incidents were not well founded.
29th APRIL 2024: FIREARMS SENTENCING
A man was sentenced for firearms offences last week at Lewes Crown Court in a case prosecuted by John Ojakovoh. The defendant had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of a converted pistol and compatible ammunition, and seven other blank-firing pistols readily convertible to fire live bullets. The weapons came to light in an NCA dawn raid. Following a two-day hearing, the sentencing judge sentenced the defendant to 3 years and 4 months’ imprisonment, reduced to 2 years and 10 months’ on account of his guilty plea.
John Ojakovoh, and Sally Mertens who appeared for the Crown on the second day of sentencing, were instructed to prosecute the case by Inderjit Khaira of the CPS Serious Economic Organised Crime and International Directorate.
Media: National Crime Agency
29th APRIL 2024: CLASS A DRUG IMPORTATION CONVICTIONS AFTER TRIAL
John Ojakovoh and Edward Franklin secured convictions last week at Isleworth Crown Court for conspiracies to import and supply cocaine. Encrypted messages obtained by the Police following Operation Venetic, a wider investigation into the encrypted messaging service EncroChat, evidenced an importation route into the UK that had been running for three years. In less than three weeks in 2020, cocaine with a street value of up to £132 million was imported. The defendant denied being the person who had operated under an EncroChat pseudonym as leader of the UK importation operation; but the jury convicted him unanimously of both conspiracies. He awaits sentencing, together with two co-defendants who had pleaded Guilty shortly before the trial.
John Ojakovoh and Edward Franklin were instructed to prosecute the case by Giorgina Venturella of the CPS Serious Economic Organised Crime and International Directorate. The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command.
Media: WiredGov
25th APRIL 2024: PROSECUTING COUNSEL
James Dawes KC and James Caldwell act as Prosecuting Counsel in an ongoing trial at Exeter Crown Court, instructed by Helen Phillips of South West CPS. The trial is expected to last 6 weeks.
Media: BBC News
10th APRIL 2024: CONVICTIONS SECURED
Amy Oliver acted as second junior prosecuting counsel in a case involving what has been described as “Britain’s biggest benefit fraud”. Amy assisted in the preparation and bringing of the case against the five defendants who all, ultimately, pleaded guilty today to fraud and money laundering offences. They are due to be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court in May.
Amy was instructed by Ben Reid of the CPS Serious Economic, Organised & International Directorate who stated “For a number of years, these defendants conspired to commit industrial-scale fraud against the Universal Credit system, costing the taxpayer more than £50 million”.
Media: BBC, ITV, Sky, Crown Prosecution Service Press Release
2nd APRIL 2024: DRUNK DRIVER CONVICTED OF KILLING TWO
Sally Mertens secures the conviction of a woman for causing the deaths of two of her passengers and serious injury to another, by dangerous driving.
The defendant was driving her convertible Mini Cooper in the early hours of 16th July 2022 when she overtook another car at considerable speed and crashed, causing the two rear-seat passengers, who were not wearing seatbelts and were ‘twerking’ at the time, to be flung from the car and killed. Her boyfriend, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was also seriously injured. All of them had been drinking and the defendant was over the limit for alcohol.
Following a trial at the Old Bailey, a jury convicted the defendant unanimously on all counts and she will be sentenced on Friday.
Sally was instructed by the London Homicide Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service.
Media: The Sunday Times
1st APRIL 2024: APPOINTMENT TO THE INSOLVENCY SERVICE
Dominic Hockley appointed as Standing Counsel to The Insolvency Service Legal Services Directorate (Criminal Team).
Following a recent competitive recruitment exercise, Dominic and three others have been appointed as Standing Counsel to the Insolvency Service for a period of three years.
18th MARCH 2024: SILKS’ DAY
Our warmest congratulations to Kate Blumgart KC upon her appointment as King’s Counsel. We are very proud of her achievement and wish her continued success for the future.
1st MARCH 2024: BURGLAR SENTENCED
Prosecuted by Jenny Burgess, the defendant was sentenced to 11 and a half years’ imprisonment for a spate of burglaries culminating in the tying up and violent assault on a third and final victim.
The defendant stole property from the homes of three young men each of whom he had befriended whilst on a night out and accompanied home. He had sexual intercourse with the first two victims following which he stole high-value clothing and electrical goods. The third victim was tied up, gagged and beaten by the defendant and a second man before his address was also burgled.
Jenny was instructed by Francis Gomer of the Crown Prosecution Service.
23rd FEBRUARY 2024: SUCCESSFUL APPEAL AGAINST CONVICTION
Paul Cavin KC, leading Patrick Hill (3 Raymond Buildings), successfully represented Bob Stewart MP in his appeal against conviction to Southwark Crown Court. Following a retrial, the Court quashed his Magistrates’ Court conviction of last year for an alleged racially aggravated public order offence.
Paul was instructed by Ellen Peart and Rishi Joshi of BCL Solicitors LLP.
22nd FEBRUARY 2024: DENTIST RECEIVES HOSPITAL ORDER
Sally Mertens successfully prosecutes a dentist for offences relating to his sustained campaign of harassment against two individuals and other staff linked to the General Dental Council (“GDC”) and which included him threatening to kill his local MP, Barry Gardiner.
On the 15th of September 2023, Amit Kerai, pleaded guilty to four offences: (1) putting Keith Percival in fear of violence by harassment, (2) putting Emily Vidovic in fear of violence by harassment, (3) making a threat to kill Barry Gardiner MP, and (4) sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety to call centre staff at the General Dental Council.
Following his suspension from practice by the GDC in 2018, Mr Kerai began a four-year campaign of harassment against fellow dentist Keith Percival, who had sat on the local dental committee, and his daughter who worked as an administrator for the same organisation. Mr Kerai sought help from his local MP, Barry Gardiner, visiting him at his constituency surgery in February 2022. He later threatened to kill him.
Today at the Old Bailey, the Recorder of London sentenced him to a Hospital Order. He was also made subject to a Restraining Order for an indefinite period.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68367110
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/barry-gardiner-amit-kerai-dentist-b2500883.html
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1869659/dentist-threatened-to-kill-labour-mp-barry-gardiner
19th FEBRUARY 2024: ACQUITTAL SECURED
Today at the Old Bailey, Fer Chinner secured the acquittal of her client who was on trial for two conspiracies to murder. Fer was instructed as Junior Counsel.
At the conclusion of the prosecution case it was successfully argued by the Defence that the prosecution evidence had not stood up to cross-examination and was inherently flawed. The Judge ruled there was no case to answer on all charges and directed the jury to return verdicts of Not Guilty.
The client had been arrested by the Police in 2021, accused of being the gunman in a drive- by shooting. The prosecution case was that two men were targeted by the defendants who carefully planned to murder the two men. Shots were fired at the two men from a stolen Mitsubishi bearing false plates. The client denied being in the vehicle at the time of the shooting despite being picked up on CCTV running from the spot where the vehicle had been burnt out.
The Defence successfully argued that the prosecution evidence could not prove presence at the scene of the shooting, and that what evidence there was of participation was insufficient to prove an intention to kill.
Counsel were instructed by Guven Atesh of Atesh Solicitors.
14th FEBRUARY 2024: CONVICTIONS SECURED IN OPERATION DAPHNIS
Sally Mertens, leading Amy Oliver/Joe Weeks, was instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Unit (East Mids) to prosecute a seven-handed conspiracy to steal and associated conspiracy to conceal/disguise/convert/transfer/remove criminal property, involving cars worth in excess of a million pounds.
After a five-week trial, and six hours of deliberation, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts in relation to three defendants. Four defendants had entered pleas of guilty in March 2022. Sentencing has been adjourned to a date to be fixed.
25th JANUARY 2024: SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT FOR MAN WHO DIRECTED SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN
Prosecuted by Toby FitzGerald, today a defendant received a total sentence of 13 years and six months’ imprisonment for multiple international sexual offences committed in relation to young complainants located in the United States. The defendant made live internet contact with children in the United States, one of whom was under 13 years old, and caused or incited them to perform sexual acts. He was also sentenced for possessing multiple indecent images of children and for an offence of possessing extreme pornography.
13th FEBRUARY 2023: COVENTRY GANGSTER CONVICTED OF STRANGLING WOMAN AND HIDING HER BODY UNDER A BED
Paul Cavin KC and William Goss today secured the conviction of Shannon Grant for the murder of Natasha Morais, following a four-week trial at Leicester Crown Court. Natasha Morais died on 22nd June 2023 having been strangled using cable ties. Burn injuries to her body also revealed a level of torture using heated metal tools. Her body was found hidden in the base of an Ottoman-style bed. The defendant will be sentenced on 21st March 2024.
Paul and William were instructed for the prosecution by the CPS Complex Casework Unit (East Midlands).
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-68285595
https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/13/killer-caught-camera-buying-cable-ties-hours-killing-woman-20273613/
23rd JANUARY 2024: KATE BLUMGART TO BE APPOINTED KING’S COUNSEL
It is with great delight that 2HB announces the King’s approval of the Lord Chancellor’s recommendation that Kate Blumgart be appointed one of His Majesty’s Counsel.
Kate will be sworn in at Westminster Hall on the 18th March 2024, presided by The Lord Chancellor where he will formally bestow the title of King's Counsel.
We congratulate Kate and wish her the very best in Silk!
19th JANUARY 2024: ACQUITTAL SECURED
Following a 10-day trial, Jenny Burgess secured the acquittal of a defendant accused of possessing a firearm. The defendant - who was only 17 years old at the time - was arrested after armed police stopped the Uber in which he was travelling in North London.
His adult co-defendant was convicted of arranging for an unidentified third party to pass the firearm into the taxi. He awaits sentence.
Jenny's client admitted carrying a knife at the time of the police-stop and was given a 12-month conditional discharge for this offence.
Jenny was instructed by Mohsin Arif and William Giller of Lloyds PR.
12th JANUARY 2024: MOTHER AND HER BOYFRIEND SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF 18 MONTH-OLD
Jack Benham and Sian Hedges, who were convicted in November 2023 of murdering Sian Hedges’ son Alfie Phillips, following a frenzied and sustained attack on him in November 2020, were sentenced today at Maidstone Crown Court. Mr Justice Cavanagh, referring to the assault on the 18 month-old as ‘vicious and brutal’ imposed life sentences on both defendants, with minimum terms of 23 years and 19 year respectively.
Jennifer Knight KC and William Goss were instructed for the prosecution by the CPS South East Complex Casework Unit.
4th JANUARY 2024: CUSTODIAL SENTENCES FOR CARE HOME RESIDENTS’ ABUSERS
Kate Blumgart and James Caldwell secure convictions of three defendants accused of ill-treating residents at a care home in Sutton. The defendants were convicted by a jury following a 4-week trial at Croydon Crown Court last year and sentenced today to a total of 5½ years’ imprisonment.
The defendants were employed as support workers at Grove House care home in Sutton which provided residential care for those with learning disabilities, mental illness and complex needs.
Two male residents suffered abuse at the hands of the defendants which included being sprayed with water, verbally insulted and humiliated, locked in a room, dragged by their hands and legs and roughly man-handled, denied food and having their clothing and possessions deliberately damaged.
These crimes have been described as “…as shocking example of a disability hate crime, involving abuse of very vulnerable people with complex needs”.
Kate and James were instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service (London South).
https://www.cps.gov.uk/london-south/news/three-men-jailed-abusing-residents-sutton-care-home
21st DECEMBER 2023: ATTEMPTED MURDER CONVICTION SECURED
Kate Blumgart and Charles Drinnan secure convictions for Attempted Murder, Wounding with Intent, Attempted Wounding with Intent, ABH and Possession of Knifes after a 14-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
The Defendant attacked members of the public with Stanley knife blades. The victim of the Attempted Murder had his throat slit nearby to the Tower of London in what was a savage, unprovoked and random attack. The other attacks were similarly random and violent, with the Defendant slashing members of the public with Stanley knife blades on buses and in a pub. The case involved novel points of law and required careful presentation as the incidents were split across five dates over a two-year period in locations around the country.
The Defendant will be sentenced in Spring 2024.
Kate Blumgart and Charles Drinnan were instructed for the prosecution by the CPS Crown Court North-East Unit.
20th DECEMBER 2023: DEATH BY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONVICTION AND SENTENCE
Jenny Burgess secures conviction of Defendant for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving. The defendant was convicted by a jury following a 9-day trial at Southwark Crown Court and sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment.
The victim was a family man in his 50s who was crossing the road outside Earls Court tube station in the early hours of 1st January 2021 when he was hit by a Zipcar driven by the defendant and which was travelling at almost twice the speed limit. The Zipcar had been dishonestly hired by the defendant using his co-defendant’s account and there was evidence that the defendant had been drinking before the collision.
The defendant failed to stop or seek assistance at the scene. He subsequently called his co-defendant admitting that he had “done a hit and run”.
The co-defendant had been previously sentenced to 1 year’ imprisonment after admitting perverting the course of justice after he had lied to the police and to Zipcar about the vehicle being stolen.
Jenny Burgess was instructed by Miranda Jollie of CPS Homicide.
https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/muhammed-gure-hit-run-dad-28323283
20th DECEMBER 2023: COMPANY FINED £100,000 FOR BREACH OF HEALTH & SAFETY REGULATIONS
Charles Drinnan successfully represented the Health and Safety Executive in a Prosecution against a marine contractor for breaching working at height regulations. The company, who had contracts to repair Royal Navy warships and vessels, acted in a way that could have resulted in serious injury or death of two workers who removed equipment on a vessel’s deck in breach of Regulation 4(1) of the Work At Height Regulations 2005.
The company, which had a turnover of £18.5 million in 2022, was fined £100,000 plus costs.
Charles Drinnan was instructed by Nathan Cook of the Health and Safety Executive
13th DECEMBER 2023: TEACHER BANNED FOR LIFE FROM TEACHING FOR SEXUALLY MOTIVATED RELATIONSHIP WITH A CHILD AND DISHONESTY
Charles Drinnan, instructed by Kingsley Napley LLP, successfully represented the Teaching Regulation Agency in a case before a Professional Conduct Panel.
The case concerned allegations of unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the professional into disrepute. The teacher developed an inappropriate relationship with a child, sending inappropriate messages, including a topless photograph and heart emojis, gifts and money. The teacher then deleted evidence of the relationship, which the Panel found to be dishonest.
The teacher had denied his conduct was sexually motivated or dishonest, but the Panel found that the teacher’s actions were sexually motivated and that he had behaved dishonestly throughout the investigation.
The teacher was prohibited from teaching indefinitely. In view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved, the teacher is not entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach.
30th NOVEMBER 2023: MOTHER AND HER BOYFRIEND CONVICTED OF MURDER OF 18-MONTH-OLD BOY
Jack Benham and Sian Hedges were both convicted today of the murder of her son, following a 9-week trial at Maidstone Crown Court. Alfie Phillips died on 28th November 2020 following a sustained assault during which he suffered serious injuries including fractures to both his arms, one leg and multiple ribs. He also had multiple bruises to his face, head and body. Injuries to his mouth revealed an attempt to smother him. The defendants will be sentenced on 19th December 2023.
Jennifer Knight KC and William Goss were instructed for the prosecution by the CPS South East Complex Casework Unit.
6th NOVEMBER 2023: SENTENCE UPHELD IN £20 MILLION DARK WEB CONSPIRACY
The Court of Appeal today published judgment in the case of Christopher Kirkby v Rex [2023] EWCA Crim 1293 in which John Ojakovoh successfully responded to an appeal against sentence by one of five defendants involved in a conspiracy to supply counterfeit Xanax tablets (active ingredient Alprazolam, a controlled drug of class C), with a street value of more than £20 million. All five had previously been sentenced after a four-day Newton hearing, prosecuted by John Ojakovoh and Dominic Hockley, to determine the factual basis for sentencing after the five defendants had pleaded guilty. The Appellant’s grounds of appeal asserted that his sentence was manifestly excessive because of disparity with co-defendants’ sentences, and failure to account for totality, but the Court agreed with John Ojakovoh that totality principles had been correctly applied, and that differences in the roles, level of culpability, and aggravating and mitigating features, fully justified the Appellant’s sentence of 9 years 6 months.
John Ojakovoh was instructed by CPS Serious Economic Organised Crime and International Directorate, and Tammy Mears of the CPS.
3rd NOVEMBER 2023: PROLIFIC CONVICTED PAEDOPHILE RECEIVES ANOTHER SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT
Having pleaded guilty in August to multiple counts relating to sexual abuse of boys aged 6-11 living in Vietnam, spanning a ten-year period (see 2HB News dated 8th August 2023), the defendant, Behn, today received an extended sentence of 17 years’ imprisonment. Mark Gadsden appeared at the Sentencing Hearing on behalf of the Crown.
A co-defendant, Thorogood, will be sentenced for his involvement later this month.
The NCA investigation of the organised paedophile network continues in a number of countries across Europe and includes suspects based in the UK.
Mark (and Tom Nicholson & Edward Franklin who appeared for the Crown at the plea hearing) was instructed by the CPS Serious Economic, Organised Crime and International Directorate (SEOCID).
3rd NOVEMBER 2023: ORGANISED CRIME GROUP SENTENCED
Five members of an organised crime group were sentenced last week at Isleworth Crown Court to a total of more than 80 years’ imprisonment for their part in a drugs conspiracy prosecuted by John Ojakovoh and Edward Franklin. The case involved the importation of more than 300 kilos of cocaine and heroin, with a street value of more than £50 million. The lorry driver who on five occasions brought most of the drugs into the UK via Harwich port received 16 years, having previously been convicted at trial. Four other members of the OCG, including its head, who had all previously pleaded guilty, received sentences ranging from 21 years to 10 years 1 month. The Court set a timetable for confiscation proceedings.
John Ojakovoh and Edward Franklin prosecuted the case for the CPS Serious Economic Organised Crime and International Directorate. The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command.
20th OCTOBER 2023: TWO HARCOURT BUILDINGS AND ITS MEMBERS RANKED IN 2024 CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS
We are delighted to announce that 2 Harcourt Buildings and 8 members individually have been ranked in the Crime and Financial Crime categories within the 2024 edition of Chambers and Partners UK.
Crime – 2 Harcourt Buildings - Band 4 London (Bar)
‘2 Harcourt Buildings is a recognised set for general crime with members of chambers prosecuting and defending the full range of criminal cases. Barristers at the set frequently take instruction in serious proceedings, many of them involving homicide, terrorism, sexual offences, drugs and child abuse. Recent examples of work include R. v. Howe & others, a complex case concerning the kidnap, imprisonment and rape of a young woman.
Client Service:
"The clerks go above and beyond to assist at all hours of the day in any way they can.”’
Individually Ranked Barristers London (Bar):
CRIME
James Dawes KC “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." [Band 5]
Paul Cavin KC "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." [Band 5]
Jennifer Knight KC "She's very thoroughly prepared, she knows her brief and she has an effective style." [Band 5]
Catherine Donnelly "Effective, determined, highly capable and good company to boot." [Band 4]
Dominic Hockley "Gritty, determined and clever, Dominic cross-examines very well." [Band 4]
Christopher Stimpson "Very good at sexual offences cases, he prepares his brief from both sides and is someone whose judgement you can trust." [Band 5]
FINANCIAL CRIME
Jane Osborne KC “Jane is an excellent KC.”
"She is good with the client and a great person to work with." [Band 4]
Individually Ranked Barristers North Eastern (Bar):
CRIME
Julian Jones "Julian Jones is thorough, clever and strategic in court and a powerful advocate." [Band 3]
We would like to thank those who took the time to act as referees for this process.
6th OCTOBER 2023: NEW MEMBERS OF CHAMBERS
2 Harcourt Buildings is delighted to announce that following the successful completion of pupillage, both Simran Ghotra and Joe Weeks have accepted our offers of tenancy in chambers. We are thrilled for them and have no doubt they will quickly build on their already successful practices.
4th OCTOBER 2023: CASE OPENED FOR THE PROSECUTION
Jennifer Knight KC, leading William Goss, has today opened the case for the prosecution at Maidstone Crown Court: a mother and her boyfriend are accused of murdering her 18-month-old son, Alfie Phillips, in a caravan in Kent during lockdown in 2020. Alfie died with a “myriad of bruises” and traces of cocaine in his body. The trial continues.
4th OCTOBER 2023: TWO HARCOURT BUILDINGS AND ITS MEMBERS RANKED IN 2023 LEGAL 500
We are delighted to announce that 2 Harcourt Buildings and 10 of its members (across 2 practice categories) have been ranked within the 2023 Legal 500 publication.
LONDON BAR – CRIME – TIER 4
2 Harcourt Buildings, with ‘a broad range of quality advocates‘, is gaining a reputation for being ‘a prominent defence practice‘ as well as an established prosecution set.
‘Keith Poynter is really good and very straightforward to deal with. Gary Wright is a really nice guy and a very helpful clerk. They’re both really safe pairs of hands.’
‘Keith Poynter is a top clerk and a natural leader. He is extremely responsive, always available and great at sorting diary issues. He is widely respected by solicitors, counsel and other clerks. He is ably assisted by Gary Wright who complements his proactive approach.’
‘2 Harcourt Chambers has now developed into a set with a prominent defence practice. Historically, they have had a reputation as being a prosecution set but are now conducting complex and high-profile defence work.’
‘A premier league set in every respect.’
‘2 Harcourt Buildings is an outstanding chambers. It has a national reputation for conducting the most serious prosecutions, and is a ‘go-to’ set for two counsel cases. At the junior end it is arguably the most experienced and able set of criminal juniors at the Bar.’
‘A fine chambers with a broad range of quality advocates. A top set.’
‘A set whose clerks are always happy to assist where they can. Both senior and junior members are popular and sought-after.’
INDIVIDUALS
CRIME
James Dawes KC - (Tier 4)
Jennifer Knight KC (Tier 4)
Jane Osborne KC ‘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 balances defence and prosecution work, primarily prosecuting homicides, including those involving young people alleged to have connections to gangs. (Tier 4)
Catherine Donnelly Catherine is well-known for handling high-profile homicide and serious sexual offences cases. (Tier 2)
Tom Nicholson 'Tom is a good lawyer. He is hard-working and a pleasure to work with.' (Tier 2)
Sam Barker ‘Sam is an excellent lawyer and a naturally gifted advocate.’ (Tier 4)
Edward Franklin ‘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.’ (Tier 4)
Jenny Burgess ‘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.’ (Tier 4)
FRAUD CRIME
Jane Osborne KC ‘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.’ (Tier 4)
Dominic Hockley ‘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.’ (Tier 3)
John Ojakovoh ‘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.’ (Tier 4)
3rd OCTOBER 2023: ACQUITTAL SECURED
Following a trial at Southwark Crown Court, Catherine Donnelly, as a Leading Junior, secured the acquittal of her client on allegations of fraud. The charges centred on a multi-million pound fraud said to have been committed against Barclays Bank over a two year period.
She was instructed by Mohsin Ariff at Lloyds PR Solicitors.
3rd OCTOBER 2023: WELCOME TO OUR NEW PUPILS
Chambers would like to welcome Alice Hewitt and Nicole Shaw who have each started their First Six Pupillages with us today. Edward Franklin and Paul Casey are their Pupil Supervisors and we wish them both the best of luck!
25th SEPTEMBER 2023: CONVICTIONS SECURED IN MULTI-COMPLAINANT INCESTUOUS CHILD ABUSE CASE
Following a three-week trial at Luton Crown Court, William Goss secured convictions on all 17 counts against man who, over the course of approximately 7 years, groomed, raped, and sexually and physically assaulted his elder daughter, and sexually assaulted another younger daughter. He was also convicted of the premeditated rape of his elder daughter’s school friend in a field during the COVID lockdown. Sentencing will take place in November.
William was instructed as Junior Counsel for the Crown by CPS Thames & Chiltern RASSO.
11th SEPTEMBER 2023: WELCOME
We are pleased to welcome Jade Lancaster, a lawyer from New Zealand, who will be spending three weeks being hosted by chambers and gaining some experience of the English courts and justice system. Jade is a Junior Crown Prosecutor at Raymond Donnelly & Co. in Christchurch, currently visiting England on the Pegasus scholarship scheme. We hope she finds her time here interesting and enjoyable.
To view archived news from August 2023 and earlier please click here.