Recent Cases

Notable cases since being called to the bar 

R v W (Derby Crown Court, 2023). Defendant charged with controlling and coercive behaviour and ABH (domestic related) over a period of 18 months.  Following a 4-day trial, the defendant was acquitted. 

R v F (Nottingham Crown Court, 2023). Prosecuting a defendant charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs.  Following a trial, the defendant was convicted. 

R v D (Derby Crown Court, 2023). Defendant charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs as part of a 10 handed county lines conspiracy.  Following a 13-day trial, defendant convicted by majority.  At sentence the Crown submitted that the defendant’ played a significant role within category 2 having a starting point of 8 years.  Following submissions, the defendant received 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years with community requirements.  

R v T (Stafford Crown Court, 2023). Defendant charged with witness intimidation.  The defendant had entered a guilty plea to s.20 GBH and threatening to damage property.  It was alleged that the defendant then made threats against the victim, but towards the victim’s daughter whilst at her place of work. The defendant accepted being present at the public house but denied making any threats.  Following a 3-day trial, the defendant was acquitted. 

R v R & W (Leicester Crown Court, 2024). Prosecution junior in EMSOU murder.  Defendant one was charged with murder and possession of a bladed article, and the second defendant was charged with pervert the course of justice and assist an offender.  The case involved significant bad character issues demonstrating that the deceased was violent towards a relation of the defendant.  Following a 15-day trial, defendant one was convicted of murder and possession of a bladed article resulting in a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years. The second defendant had been discharged from the trial. 

R v L (Nottingham Crown Court, 2024). Defendant charged with aggravated burglary in which identification was in issue.  Following a 4-day trial the defendant was acquitted. 

R v W (Nottingham Crown Court, 2024).  Defendant charged with burglary, going equipped for burglary, and theft of a motor vehicle.  The case involved cell site, ANPR evidence and other circumstantial evidence.  Following a successful submission of no case to answer, the defendant was acquitted. 

Notable cases as HCA

R v B (Nottingham Crown Court, 2019). Possession of a prohibited weapon (CS spray). Mitigation presented to undermine the Crown’s evidence resulting in a conditional discharge being imposed.

R v B (Nottingham Crown Court, 2021). Suspended sentence for a former soldier who was charged with causing grievous bodily harm having caused a significant brain injury to his victim. Psychiatric evidence detailing PTSD used in mitigation.

R v J (Ipswich Crown Court, 2021). Possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs, a separate matter of possession with intent to supply class B, all in breach of a suspended sentence for supply class B. Successfully argued that the Defendants role fell within the “lesser role” rather than “significant role” of the Sentencing Guidelines.

R v B (Nottingham Crown Court, 2022). Possession with intent to supply class A x4 and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Basis of plea not accepted by the Crown. At sentence, I persuaded the Judge not to pursue a Newton Hearing, and that the Crown’s “significant role” categorisation was incorrect. A suspended sentence was the resulting sentence.

R v A (Nottingham Crown Court, 2022). Arson reckless as to whether life was endangered by deliberately setting fire to his own home. Psychiatric evidence deployed to persuade the Judge to impose a suspended sentence.