Stephen Wood KC
Head of Chambers - Call: 1991 | Silk: 2020
Stephen Wood KC
Qualifications: LL.B.(Hons)
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Stephen Wood KC is renowned for his expertise in the prosecution and defence of cases involving homicide and organised crime.
Prior to his appointment to Silk in 2020, Stephen was widely acknowledged as being one of the foremost juniors on Circuit. He excels as a trial advocate and is a formidable cross-examiner.
Stephen possesses excellent judgment married with an acute tactical awareness for all stages of the prosecution process.
Stephen’s encyclopaedic knowledge of criminal law, the sentencing provisions and of the Criminal Procedure Rules is acknowledged by other legal professionals and the judiciary; one Judge remarking that Stephen was a “..walking talking Archbold”. Accordingly, Stephen acts in an advisory capacity pre-charge in cases involving prosecutions where there is a novel issue of law.
Stephen’s practice now encompasses all aspects of serious and organised crime and the most serious cases of sexual offending. Described by a High Court Judge as a “first rate prosecutor”, Stephen is dedicated and hard-working and instils great confidence in those who work with him.
Stephen also works with screenplay writers and directors on television and film productions depicting court scenes. He was with the director on set during filming of the Crown Court scenes in the acclaimed Channel 4 series ‘National Treasure’ and advised the writer and director of the Netflix Drama “I Came By”.
Reputation
"Stephen has a 'hands-on' style and is always willing to advise”.
"Stephen is always well prepared and approachable and has offered a high level of service ”.
"Stephen Wood KC is ‘well-prepared and courageous in court’ and ‘devastating in cross-examination’, with an established track record in prosecuting and defending in a wide range of serious criminal matters”.
"Stephen is a fearless cross-examiner and his jury speeches are perfectly pitched. He is a good operator, tactically astute. Juries love him”.
"Stephen Wood KC is a well-regarded practitioner with experience on both the prosecution and defence sides of criminal proceedings. He has experience handling serious criminal cases including murder and sexual offences. He is a Grade 4 prosecutor who appears in the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal”.
"He is a fluent advocate and has great ability at enabling juries to understand complex issues. A tactically astute silk who is great with clients”.
"He prosecutes serious cases extremely effectively in a calm, understated, and fair-minded way. He is highly organised. His cross examinations are focused, and to the point. He stands his ground with judges and is good at maintaining his case strategy. He is engaging with juries. He obviously commands the respect of those who instruct him and his opponents”.
"Stephen Wood has an extensive criminal defence practice”.
"Highly rated for serious crime defence”.
"Stephen Wood is ‘good with difficult clients’ with experience in fraud and conspiracy”.
"An excellent choice for heavy crime”.
" “Very Good with difficult clients… Well followed as a serious crime defender”.
" Always has an ace up his sleeve when defending heavy crime”.
Expertise
Stephen is instructed in an advisory capacity and for advocacy in all aspects of serious crime and including offences with novel points of law. His experience includes:
• Child sexual exploitation and trafficking;
• Serious drug offences;
• Firearm offences
• Organised crime;
• Murder and manslaughter;
• Terrorism.
Stephen prosecutes and defends at every stage of the criminal process, from pre-charge advice for prosecuting authorities and individuals and companies subject to investigation, to representation at trial and at any appeal.
Stephen is also instructed to advise upon and conduct cases before the Administrative Court and appellate courts concerning judicial review of matters relating to criminal law.
Stephen also acts as an advocacy trainer.
Notable Cases
R v Steven Francis (2025) - Leeds Crown Court
Stephen Wood KC leading Abigail Langford were instructed by Yorkshire and Humberside CPS to prosecute Francis for the brutal murder of a woman and the rapes of a further woman. The defendant was convicted of all counts and was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum term of 28 years. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3rwprlx7e8o
R v Leon Smith (2024) - Hull Crown Court
Murder Acquittal. Following a trial that lasted approximately 4 weeks, Stephen Wood KC and his Junior Charlotte Baines of Wilberforce Chambers Hull, secured an acquittal for their client Leon Smith. Mr Smith was found not guilty of both murder and the alternative manslaughter. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/young-man-cleared-over-death-9765037
R v Jason Gowen (2024) - Preston Crown Court
Stephen Wood KC prosecuted Gowen who strangled and smothered a mother-of-two to death after already being on bail for attacking another woman. Gowen received a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years. News Coverage: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12973425/Abusive-boyfriend-28-strangled-smothered-mother-two-37-death-bail-attacking-woman-killer-faces-life-jail.html
R v Anon (2024) - Leeds Crown Court
Stephen led Abigail Langford prosecuted two teenagers for hacking to death Harley Brown, using machetes. News Coverage: https://news.sky.com/story/harley-browns-killers-sentenced-to-life-for-stabbing-him-to-death-after- chance-meeting-outside-huddersfield-shop-13033725
R v Mark Vaskouski (2024) - Hull Crown Court
Defendant convicted of murder having assaulted victim and left him in a flat which was already on fire causing death. News Coverage: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ced1p527v61o
R v Feve, Wattam and ors (2023) - Hull Crown Court
Led Clare Walsh and successfully prosecuted defendants for Murder, Manslaughter and Perverting the Course of Justice. News coverage: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/kian-feve-guilty-murdering-jack-8960407 and https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2e20rv7g22o
Rex v Moyo, Gill and Rehman (2023)- Sheffield Crown Court
Instructed by Yorkshire and Humberside Complex CPS Complex Casework Unit, this was the first case to be prosecuted in the United Kingdom involving the production of functioning sub-machine guns using a 3D printer. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-64900210
R v X (2023)- Bradford Crown Court
Defending mother for attempted murder of very young child.
R v Selmani & Senia (2023)- Sheffield Crown Court
Instructed to prosecute in the retrial for the manslaughter of Armend Xhika. Selmani was sentenced to 20 years and Senia 13 years and four months. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-67168728
R v Jabari Fanty and Others (2022)
Sheffield Crown Court, Prosecution, Obtained convictions after trial of all Defendants on all counts for murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to possess modified firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life, and conspiracy to supply controlled drugs of Class A. One of the most complex cases to be investigated by South Yorkshire Police. Instructed by Yorkshire and Humberside Complex Casework Unit. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-61986797
R v Butt (2021)- Leeds Crown Court
Prosecution: Killing using motor car as weapon
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56860006
And before the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/sadistic-leeds-murderer-loses-appeal-to-have-his-28-year-sentence-reduced-3547729
R v Taylor Meanley and Others (2021)
Prosecution: Execution of rival gang member using ‘slam gun’.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-59085628
R v Jaspal Marwaha (2021) – Leeds Crown Court
Prosecution: Advising on charge and prosecuting first prosecution of its kind involving ‘Airbow’ weapon and verdict establishing weapon was ‘firearm’ withing meaning of Firearms Act 1968
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/an-utterly-lethal-weapon-how-leeds-jurors-made-landmark-legal-ruling-on-the-deadly-airbow-3445912
R v Mottershead and Others (2021) – Sheffield Crown Court
Prosecution: Gangland shooting
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-55591197
R v X (2020)– Bradford Crown Court
Prosecution: Mother suffocating children.
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/18800526.bradford-mum-tried-strangle-poison-young-sons-given-indefinite-hospital-order/
R v Lloyd Birkby (2020) – Bradford Crown Court
Defence: Death caused by throwing mobile phone at victim.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-52215975
R v Paul Crowther (2020) – Leeds Crown Court
Defence: Killing by Defendant who heard voices commanding him.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-54077848
R v Stephen Dunford & Others (2020) – Sheffield Crown Court
Prosecution: Series of gangland related shootings, culminating in shooting of 12 year old boy.
https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/live-updates-sheffield-gangster-stephen-dunford-given-life-imprisonment-over-attempted-murder-12-year-old-boy-drive-shooting-2995445
R v Sharples (2020) – Liverpool Crown Court
Defence: Murder by mixed martial artist.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/boozed-up-nutcase-beat-vulnerable-19104180
R v Ian Watkins (2019)– Leeds Crown Court
Prosecution: Offences committed by former lead singer of The LostProphets in prison.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-49294092
R v Crossland (2019) – York Crown Court
Prosecution: Largest ever haul of IIOC in North Yorkshire and Firearms offences.
https://www.itv.com/news/2019-03-11/pensioner-jailed-over-one-of-largest-hauls-of-indecent-images-found-in-england
R v John Taylor (2018) – Leeds Crown Court
Prosecution: Cold case review of serious sexual offences committed by Defendant already serving life for murder.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-45990773
R v Neil Taggart – Leeds Crown Court
Defence of former Lord Mayor of Leeds
https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2017-07-04/disgraced-former-lord-mayor-jailed-for-sex-offences
Clerks
Michelle Colborne KC
Call: 1993 | Silk: 2010
Michelle Colborne KC
LL.B (Hons), University of Wales
North Eastern Circuit
Gray’s Inn
Contact
T: 01274 722 560
Michelle was called to the Bar in 1993 and took Silk in 2010. Michelle is one of the leading criminal practitioners on the North Eastern Circuit for the prosecution and defence and has particular specialisms in homicide, baby death and serious sexual offences.
Michelle has a particular interest in representing vulnerable defendants and those charged with offences committed whilst mentally ill.
Reputation
Michelle presents seminars and has spoken at conferences about Child Sexual Exploitation including a presentation on behalf of Victim Support Northern Ireland to the Irish Judiciary Bar and Probation based on Vulnerable Witnesses and Empowerment.
Michelle is an advocacy trainer for the North Eastern Circuit.
Other notable seminars include the psychology of the criminal mind and the issue of consent.
Michelle is involved in providing guidance and advice on the issues of consent and protection issues to sports clubs seeking to support young players and staff.
Michelle is also an open water swimming coach and established ‘Take the Plunge’, where she hosts open water swimming and mindfulness sessions. She works with Mental Health Swims and hosts monthly swims in the Yorkshire Dales.
Expertise
Crime
Michelle is renowned for her work in the Rotherham Child Sexual Abuse trials; the Prosecution of Alexander Smith (Gangland Murder); the Murder Acquittal of Trevor Isles; Prosecuting one of the First Forced Marriage cases taking place abroad (Bangladesh) under S121 of the Antisocial Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014; Prosecution of Frank Cochran for sexual assault and coercive or controlling behaviour and the recent defence of Keegan Barnes (Murder Acquittal and conviction for Manslaughter).
Notable Cases
R v A Sheikh and ors (2024, Leeds Crown Court)
Defence - causing or allowing a vulnerable adult to suffer serious physical harm. A Court of Appeal judgement was handed down and convictions against the Sheikhs were overturned. Complex legal issues.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/huddersfield-family-jailed-after-wife-30880298
R v M (2024, Bradford Crown Court)
Defence - defendant was acquitted of the murder of his brother, having admitted killing him during a fight. He was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpq9l358172o.amp
R v Smalley and Leaning (2024, Hull Crown Court)
Successful prosecution of two defendants convicted of murder and manslaughter. Leading Laura McBride
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c99xn88pgp2o.amp
R v Ibbitson (2023, Leeds Crown Court)
The prosecution of Ibbitson, leading Abdul Shakoor, for sadistic murder of Jennifer Andrews. Ibbitson was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 29 years.
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/obsessed-leeds-killer-rawden-ibbitson-27001199
R v Arif Choudhury (2023, Bradford Crown Court)
Prosecution of Choudhury, leading Peter Hampton (now HHJ Hampton, for serious rape case. Choudhury had previously evaded trial with grooming gang by fleeing to Bangladesh. Defendant received 8 years imprisonment.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/sick-monster-raped-girl-passed-27672717
R v Rehman (2023, Leeds Crown Court)
Defence Counsel in the UK's first prosecution relating to the manufacture of functioning sub-machine guns using a 3D printer. Michelle Colborne KC and Laura McBride defended Majeeb Rehman who was convicted of conspiracy to transfer a prohibited firearm but was cleared of possessing ammunition without a certificate
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leeds-64900210
R v John Woodliff (2022, Leeds Crown Court)
Michelle led Laura McBride in the successful defence of John Woodliff who had been charged fraud alongside former MP Jared O'Mara. Woodliff was found not guilty.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/feb/08/jared-o-mara-former-labour-mp-found-guilty-expenses-fraud
Keegan Barnes (2022, Teesside Crown Court)
Michelle defended Keegan Barnes in an allegation of murder. The jury acquitted the defendant of murder and convicted her of manslaughter by a majority https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/live-killer-keegan-barnes-sentenced-23449684
R v Barbara Coombes (2018, Manchester Crown Square)
Michelle prosecuted Barbara Coombes for the manslaughter of her father 15 years prior to the discovery of the body.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-44794426
R v Hussain & Others (2016, Rotherham Grooming Trial)
Michelle led Peter Hampton and Laura McBride in the prosecution of six people, including three brothers and their uncle who were convicted of the "systematic" sexual abuse of teenage girls in Rotherham.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35651366
R v H (2012, Bradford Crown Court)
This case was the successful defence of a transgender individual who was subject to allegations of historic and recent sexual abuse. The Defendant and witnesses had special educational needs and intermediaries were required throughout the trial. In addition the case involved careful, sensitive cross-examination of a child who was a self-elect mute.
R v Lindo (2011, Bradford Crown Court)
Michelle Colborne QC (leading Nigel Hamilton) acted as leading counsel for the prosecution where the major issue was loss of control. The Defendant had brutally killed his partner, the mother of his children, storing her body in a suitcase for 2 months whilst assuming her identity via Facebook and telephone contact. The Defendant was convicted of murder.
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/crime/teacher-declines-take-stand-body-suitcase-murder-trial-1921542
COURT OF APPEAL R v Carey and others [2006] EWCA Crim 17
This appeal is the leading case in Unlawful Act Manslaughter. Michelle represented a teenage Defendant in the Crown Court and before the Court of Appeal charged with manslaughter of another teenage girl who had an undiagnosed heart defect. The case limits the use by the Prosecution of the offence of affray as the “unlawful and dangerous act” in manslaughter cases.
https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Crim/2006/17.html
Clerks
Nikki Saxton KC
Call: 1992 | Silk: 2024
Nikki Saxton KC
CIArb
Family Financial Arbitration
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Nikki Saxton KC is one of only 3 specialist financial remedy silks outside London and the only silk on the North Eastern Circuit but receives instructions from solicitors nationally and deals with high net worth and high profile clients.
She has over 20 years’ experience specialising in the field of matrimonial finance and Schedule 1 claims and is unphased by large and involved financial remedy claims with complex trust and business structures and nuptial agreements.
Nikki’s aim is always to achieve a settlement for her clients but is prepared to fight and is known for her ability to “cross examine to devastating effect.”
Nikki is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and available to undertake financial arbitration and private FDRs.
Nikki regularly lectures to the Judicial College, Resolution and at the FLBA national conference.
Reputation
Expertise
Financial Remedy
Nikki undertakes financial remedy work for high net worth individuals and is regularly involved in high court cases where the assets exceed £10m and has acted as in cases of substantial value and complexity. Nicola has been involved in a number of high net worth high court matters, typically listed from 3 – 9 days and involving assets of £5m – £25m. Her cases involve family businesses and privately owned companies. She has experience of both foreign and domestic trusts.
NCDR
Nikki is a qualified arbitrator and is a member of CIArb.
Nikki has a holistic and commercial approach to litigation and, in addition to her advocacy in court she has concluded negotiated settlements with assets up to £450m and regularly represents clients at joint settlement meetings, private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings and Arbitrations.
Notable Cases
Goodman v Walker [ 2024] EWFC 212B
Re A (Schedule1; Overspend, costs clawback) [2022] EWFC 21
L v L [2021] EWFC B83
MF v SF (Financial Remedy: Financial Conduct) [2016] 2 FLR 622
FS v PS [2015] EWhc 2797
Clerks
