Abigail Langford
Call: 2005
Abigail Langford
LL.B (Hons), Leeds University (2003)
LL.M, Newcastle University (2005)
Lincoln’s Inn
Legal Aid Supplier Number 201LJ
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Abigail is Head of the Criminal Team and undertakes both prosecution and defence work across the North Eastern Circuit. A Grade 4 prosecutor and a member of the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Panel, she is experienced in dealing with cases involving vulnerable witnesses, particularly young witnesses and defendants. Abigail has a particular specialism in dealing with the Defendants with mental illness, including conducting conferences/ hearings in a hospital setting.
Reputation
Abigail is Head of the Criminal Team and regularly presents webinars to the CPS, the Police and Solicitors.
Expertise
Crime
Abigail deals with cases involving serious sexual offending both for the prosecution and the defence. Abigail is down to earth and has a pragmatic approach to dealing with complex cases. Abigail has a particular specialism in dealing with cases with complex disclosure issues for both the prosecution and defence. Abigail also has particular expertise in advising the police at investigation stage, and is well known for her expertise in issues of disclosure. Abigail has extensive experience in offences relating to firearms.
Abigail’s practice also extends to niche areas such as Mental Health Tribunals and Parole Board hearings.
Notable Cases
R v Mohsin Hussain (2023)
Prosecution of Mohsin Hussain for causing death by dangerous driving after 7-year-old boy was killed in Bradford. Hussain received nine years and nine months imprisonment. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-67512817
R v Dale Osborne (2023)
Prosecution of nine rapes, six actual bodily harm offences, one attempted rape, one sexual assault, three threats to kill and two false imprisonments. Defendant received 22 years imprisonment. https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/news-appeals/man-jailed-multiple-rapes-bradford
R v Fanty and Others (2022)
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.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-61964013R v Taylor Meanley & ors (2021)
Drive-by shooting which led to the death of a 21 year old. Abigail’s main responsibility was dealing with the technical and phone evidence.
R v Anthony Atha (2021)
Successfully defended Anthony Atha who was tried in relation to an offence of murder. The defendant had mental health problems and he was the only defendant in the trial to be acquitted. The case was high profile.
R v Rehan Baig (2020)
Prosecuted man who admitted to having sexual intercourse with live chickens. There was video evidence.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/12969101/sick-dad-sex-familys-pet-chickens/
R v Matthew Herring [2019]
Prosecution of firearm discharge in Sheffield. Sentenced to 14 years.
R v Elizabeth Childs [2019]
Female defendant who stole £30,000 from children’s centre.
R v Ashraf Khan [2018]
Prosecuted defendant who fathered three children by his own daughter. The victim admitted to her husband on her deathbed that the father of the children was her father. Received a 4 year and a half year sentence.
R v R [2019]
Defence of a mentally impaired defendant in relation to serious sexual offending against young members of his family . The case involved consideration of both psychiatric and psychological expert evidence.
Clerks
Clare Walsh
Call: 2009
Clare Walsh
M.A. (Hons) Classics, University of Cambridge (2007, Upper Second Class)
Graduate Diploma in Law, BPP Law School, Leeds (2008)
Bar Vocational Course, BPP Law School, Leeds (2009, Very Competent)
Legal Aid Supplier Number 245TY
Clare is a member of the Criminal Bar Association.
In 2022, Clare was appointed as Deputy District Judge (Magistrates Courts)
Grade 3 Prosecutor
RASSO Panel
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Clare Walsh (née Benson) first joined Broadway House Chambers in 2009 as a pupil to Sophie Drake, now HHJ Sophie McKone. She accepted tenancy in 2010 and has remained at Broadway House Chambers ever since.
Clare practices predominantly in criminal law and is a regular feature in the Crown Courts of Yorkshire. She also has significant experience in regulatory matters, as well as mental health and prison law.
In addition to her busy practice, Clare now sits as a Deputy District Judge in the Magistrates’ Courts.
Clare is on the RASSO panel and is a Grade 3 prosecutor.
Reputation
In May 2017, Clare wrote an article entitled “The impact of the Ched Evans case on the law surrounding a Complainant’s sexual history” which can be found on the Broadway House website.
In July 2020 Clare gave a presentation on Cross-Admissibility at the Broadway House Annual Prosecution Seminar.
Expertise
Crime
Clare prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court in all areas of crime. She regularly deals with cases involving violence and is often instructed in matters involving young and vulnerable witnesses. Clare’s experience in the Crown Court ranges all the way from cases involving assault occasioning actual bodily harm, robbery, benefit fraud and indecent image offences, to s.18 wounding with intent, aggravated burglary and armed robbery, the supply of drugs, possession of firearms, high value fraud and serious sexual offences.
Clare has recent experience as Led Junior for both the Prosecution and the Defence.
Clare is on the RASSO panel and is a Grade 3 prosecutor.
Clare is also often instructed for the Defence as lone Junior in matters of serious sexual offences.
Sports Law
Clare joined the Sports Law Team as a consequence of her experience in disciplinary and regulatory proceedings in other professional fields. She also has a keen interest in Anti-Doping.
Clare’s experience as a criminal advocate has meant she has developed a particular interest in how the media treat those involved in sport who are accused of crimes and how this affects their careers.
Regulation + Judicial Review
In addition to her busy criminal law practice Clare has experience of representing lay clients and Local Authorities in taxi licensing matters and in environmental law cases. She has significant experience representing clients in Mental Health Act tribunals. Clare also practices in prison law and has appeared in Disciplinary and Parole Board hearings. Clare has also appeared before the Nursing and Midwifery Council on behalf of registrants in both interim and full hearings.
Notable Cases
COURT OF APPEAL (Criminal Division)
R v Iqbal (Rashid) [2022] – Clare represented this Appellant convicted of historical sexual offences. The appeal centred on the way the sentencing Judge had dealt with the issue of totality. The Court of Appeal agreed with her submissions in this regard and reduced the overall sentence from 12 to 10 years.
R v Craggs (Patrick John) [2018] EWCA Crim 1117 - Clare represented this Defendant, charged with Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving and multiple Hanoi burglaries. The case involved issues surrounding fitness to plead, credit for plea and ultimately, when it came to sentence, matters of totality. There were sensitive matters to raise in mitigation. Following sentencing in the Crown Court, Clare took the case to the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), where she successfully persuaded the Court that the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive, resulting in the total period of imprisonment being reduced from 12 years 2 months to 7 years 2 months.
CROWN COURT
R v Feve, Wattam and ors (2023) Led junior 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
R v W (2021) Clare was led Junior for the Defence in this trial for Murder.
R v C (2021) Clare represented a young woman who pleaded guilty on the day of trial to a matter of Assisting an Offender, where her co-accused stood convicted of Attempt Murder and ultimately received a sentence exceeding 15 years. Clares client was made subject of a Suspended Sentence Order.
R v C (2021) Clare was led Junior for the Prosecution in this trial involving historical serious sexual offences against multiple victims. There were issues involving loss of historical ABE interviews and accounts, as well as hearsay and cross-admissibility. The case resulted in convictions on all Counts and the Defendant receiving a sentence of over 28 years’ imprisonment.
R v W (2018) Clare represented the Defendant in this complex POCA matter in which the benefit figure exceeded £4,000,000 and in which it was alleged there were hidden assets. Ultimately the available amount was agreed at just over £85,000, which was half what the Prosecution had originally applied for.
R v H & B (2017) Clare prosecuted this case in which a firearm was discharged in a busy nightclub, causing injury to a bystander. One of the Defendants, H, took the matter to trial. The case involved consideration of a large amount of CCTV, all of which had to be presented to a jury. Furthermore, following sentencing, Clare advised the Crown as to the unduly lenient sentencing of H. Based on this advice, the case was taken up by Treasury Counsel who successfully presented the matter before the Court of Appeal.
Clerks
Abdul Latif Shakoor
Call: 2010
Abdul Latif Shakoor
LL.B (Hons), Law, University of Leeds (2008)
LL.M, Human Rights Law, University of Nottingham (2009 – Distinction)
Bar Vocational Course, BPP Law School (2010 – Outstanding)
Sir Thomas More Bursary (2009)
Lincoln’s Inn
Criminal Bar Association
North Eastern Circuit
Legal Aid Supplier Number 02CDV
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Abdul Shakoor joined Broadway House Chambers in September 2012 following the completion of his Criminal Law pupillage under the supervision of Giles Bridge. Since then, Abdul has developed a practice prosecuting and defending across a broad range of criminal offences in the Crown Court. He has also appeared successfully in the Court of Appeal on several occasions.
Reputation
Expertise
Abdul Shakoor has been practising at the Bar since 2012 and has a strong practice both prosecuting and defending. His practice encompasses the full range of criminal law, including serious violence, firearms, sexual offences and drug trafficking. In particular, he has a strong practice involving multi-handed drug conspiracies.
He is adept at conducting paperless trials and presenting cases to the jury digitally. He is also experienced in sensitive cases involving young and vulnerable witnesses.
Notable Cases
Operation M (November 2021)
Defence at trial in a multi-handed conspiracy to supply class A drugs in the Lancashire area.
Operation E 3 (June 2021)
Prosecution at trial in relation to supply of 6kg of cocaine involving multiple defendants.
Operation S (May 2021)
Defence at trial in a multi-handed conspiracy to supply class A drugs in the Accrington area.
Operation P (January 2020)
Led Junior. Defence at trial of youth charged with Assisting an Offender in the Denholme Murder Case.
Operation H (July 2019)
Defence in a large scale violent disorder in Halifax involving rival gangs.
Operation T (March 2019)
Defence at trial in a multi-handed conspiracy to burgle and steal. After a successful legal argument to exclude fingerprint evidence, the prosecution dropped the case before half time against Abdul’s client.
Operation D (January 2019 & February 2018)
Defence at trial and re-trial in a multi-handed case involving a historical sex grooming gang targeting vulnerable girls in care.
Operation P (December 2017)
Defence at trial in a large scale benefit fraud involving 37 defendants alleged to have submitted false claims for tax credits and housing and council tax benefits.
Clerks
Laura McBride
Call: 2012
Laura McBride
Deputy Head of the Criminal Law Team
LL.B (Hons), University of Newcastle (2010)
Bar Professional Training Course (2012)
Middle Temple
Legal Aid Supplier Number 02DNO
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Laura is the Deputy Head of the Criminal Team at Broadway House Chambers. Laura accepts instructions in all areas of criminal law as well as cases involving matrimonial assets and private children disputes.
L M McBride LTD trading as Laura McBride
Reputation
- Assistant Legal Advisor BBC National Treasure (2016)
- Disclosure seminars: CPS, South Yorkshire Police, Broadway House Chambers annual conference
Expertise
Crime
Laura is the Deputy Head of the Criminal team at Broadway House Chambers.
Laura is a sought-after trial advocate. Her attention to detail and in-depth understanding of disclosure in criminal cases are second to none. She is a persuasive jury advocate and her reputation means that she is often instructed in serious, complex and high-profile cases, for example, the Rotherham child sexual abuse trials and prosecutions relating to the Hillsborough disaster.
Laura has experience dealing with young and highly vulnerable witnesses and defendants. She has a wide range of experience and has been instructed in cases involving offences of murder, attempt murder, serious sexual offences, human trafficking and fraud.
Her outstanding ability is reflected in her level of experience and success.
L M McBride LTD trading as Laura McBride
Family
Laura accepts instructions to advise and represent clients in matrimonial finance and private family law proceedings from pre-issue to final hearings.
Notable Cases
R v K & ors (2022)
Laura is currently prosecuting a multi-handed robbery alone. Defendants accused of partaking in several robberies over the course of a matter of months.
R v Selby (2022)
Prosecution counsel - The defendant was convicted of aggravated burglary following trial.
R v K (February 2022)
Laura represented the defendant, an NHS employee, who was acquitted of all charges following trial.
R v Hussain & ors (Oct 2021)
Junior in a Rotherham historical child grooming case. Led by Jayne Beckett.
R v D 2020 (Defence)
Defendant was charged with Rape and was acquitted following trial. Use of unused material including telephone logs and medical evidence that had been disclosed in order to discredit witness. Use of vulnerable witness protocols including section 28 procedure.
R v H 2020 (Prosecution)
Prosecuted defendant who was charged with child cruelty against his 2 year old stepson. H was convicted after trial and the case involved use of medical evidence demonstrating causation of injuries
R v B (2020)
Defendant originally charged with attempted murder but was instead charged with Robbery and a Section 18. Defended and led by Rodney Ferm.
Operation Kavaic 1/2 (Sept 2018/July 2019)
Part of operation Stovewood. First operation led by Michelle Colborne KC and second operation led by Ann Cotcher KC. Laura was the disclosure Junior. High profile Rotherham CSE grooming Case.
https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/news/view,breaking-child-abuse-gang-jailed-for-a-total-of-101-years_29495.htm
R v Mohammed Nisar Khan & ors (2019)
Disclosure junior in high profile Bradford murder. As a result of the work undertaken, Laura received two awards from the Police.
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/17610266.mohammed-nisar-meggy-khan-tony-grant-salman-ismail-sentenced-bradford-moor-murder-trial/
Operation Thunder – January 2017
Prosecution Junior led by Sophie Drake (Now HHJ McKone). This case formed part of the investigation into Child Sexual Exploitation in the Rotherham area: click here
Operation Clover 2 – September 2016
Prosecution Disclosure Junior in a high profile multi-handed trial regarding Child Sexual Exploitation in the Rotherham area in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s: click here
R v Hussain and Others [2016]
Disclosure junior in the high profile Rotherham abuse trial.
R v Halligan [2016]
Prosecuted a sentence in a s18 wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. The defendant was deemed dangerous and received an extended custodial sentence.
R v Baron [2016]
Represented a man who pleaded guilty to converting criminal property in a multi-handed fraud trial.
R v Madden [2016]
Represented a man who pleaded guilty to possession of a high number of indecent images.
R v Egan [2015]
Successfully prosecuted a trial of sexual assault on a female and assault.
R v H [2015]
Laura secured a conviction in a racially aggravated public order offence involving the use of an intermediary.
R v P [2015]
Laura successfully defended a private ambulance driver charged with driving through a red light. The case was dismissed.
R v D [2015]
Laura prosecuted a serving Police Officer who was convicted both at the Magistrates’ Court and following an Appeal, a case reported by the National press.
Clerks
Christopher Styles
Call: 2015
Christopher Styles
University of Oxford
Graduate Diploma in Law (Distinction)
Bar Professional Training Course (Outstanding)
Legal Aid Supplier Number o2EQY
Deputy District Judge
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Christopher joined Broadway House Chambers in September 2015. He is a busy junior practitioner, specialising in the field of public family law.
Legal 500- Leading Junior (2024): ‘Even in the most difficult and complex cases Christopher’s advocacy is calm under pressure- he is an outstanding and persuasive advocate. He has an uncanny ability to think outside the box and find a way forward.’
Legal 500- Leading Junior (2023): ‘Christopher’s strength is his fierce intelligence, and his ability to persuade the tribunal by using that intelligence eloquently and with considered force. Talented…an absolute star in the making.’
Legal 500- Rising Star (2022): ‘He has a meticulous eye for detail, prepares diligently and provides clear, compelling advocacy- one to watch.’
Reputation
Expertise
Christopher is an established family law practitioner, specialising in the representation of parents and children in public law proceedings. He is routinely instructed in cases of gravity- including those involving inflicted injury, sexual abuse, homicide, honour-based violence, cruelty and systematic neglect.
Christopher is an experienced trial advocate and can be relied on to forcefully advocate for clients both in writing and in court. He has a reputation for rigour, with a busy paper practice advising on complex matters of jurisdiction and safeguarding.Christopher understands the unique character of the family jurisdiction. He is trusted by solicitors to advise with both sensitivity and tact.
Notable Cases
Re B: Representation of a child in wardship proceedings in the context of an alleged honour-based killing. Successful jurisdictional argument for child to be permitted to return home.
Re C: Representation of a parent at an eleven-day finding of fact encompassing the cross-examination of a seven year old child. Client exonerated and rehabilitation ordered.
Re B: Representation of a young woman accused of forcibly branding a baby with a cigarette. Client exonerated following a six-day trial.
Re L: Representation of a deaf mother with profound cognitive limitations making allegations of child abuse. Allegations upheld at a nine-day trial.
Re R: Two-week trial representing a parent accused of shaking an eight month old baby. Medical evidence challenged and no identification findings made.
Re F: Representation of grandparents opposing a plan of adoption. Kinship assessment successfully challenged, with the court making findings of exaggeration and distortion against the allocated social worker.
Re S: Representation of a child following threats from a reality TV star to sell case details to News International. Global reporting injunctions imposed.
Re U: Representation of a Ukrainian resident in a High Court dispute regarding welfare, the ongoing conflict and jurisdiction. Interim return to Kiev directed.
Re M: Representation of a father accused of murdering his partner, where the subject child acts as witness for the prosecution. Psychological evidence challenged and placement with family sanctioned.
Re Y [2023] EWHC 2040: Representation of a child in complex High Court relinquishment proceedings - https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2023/2040.html
Clerks
Syam Soni
Call: 2015
Syam Soni
Honourable Society of Lincolns Inn
Criminal Bar Association (CBA)
Society of Asian Lawyers
Mentor at Queer Lawyers of Tomorrow
Amicus ALJ
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
A dedicated criminal defence specialist with a nationwide practice, Syam has developed a reputation for consistently delivering excellence for clients across the spectrum of criminal allegations. From conspiracy to murder to burglary, Syam is fearless in his representation of all clients.
Syam has represented those accused of some of the most serious offences, as well as leading business professionals, CEOs and even nobility.
Syam had a successful career in the banking industry prior to the Bar. He also volunteered on Death Row in Houston, Texas, following which he studied Astronomy and Philosophy in Boston, MA.
Syam is multilingual- fluent in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi- and authorised to accept instructions from members of the public.
Reputation
Syam has provided training to solicitors, local authorities and universities on a range of legal matters including:
- advocacy/case presentation
- the rules of evidence (bad character, hearsay etc.)
- the disclosure regime and best practices
Syam is part of the South-Eastern Circuit (SEC) delegation due to visit Gainesville, Florida, in 2022 to assist with the training of US lawyers.
Expertise
Syam is experienced both as a led junior and junior alone and is regularly instructed in complex and heavyweight cases including:
- conspiracy to murder
- serious violence (offences up to and including attempted murder)
- rape and serious sexual offences
- serious firearms allegations
- multi-million pound drugs supply conspiracies
Notable Cases
Operation M (Birmingham CC, ongoing): prosecuted by KC in case concerning drugs supply conspiracy worth hundreds of thousands of Pounds
Operation D (Teesside CC, ongoing): representing defendant accused of large-scale fraud targeting vulnerable customers
York CC,2023: represented at retrial a man accused of raping his former partner. Syam succeeded in making targeted and focused submissions as well as robustly challenging the fairness of the prosecution. The jury acquitted within an hour.
Operation S (Central Criminal Court, 2022): led junior in conspiracy to murder, possession of firearms with intent to endanger life, possession of Class A drugs etc. Cross-examined the leading Prosecution EncroChat expert
Operation M (Manchester CC, 2022): defended man charged with multi-million Pound drugs importation conspiracy involving EncroChat
R v G (Leeds CC, ongoing): defending man accused of serious sexual offences against a child
R v C (Basildon CC, 2021): represented defendant charged with possessing indecent and extreme images. Avoided Newton Hearing and secured community order where custody otherwise inevitable
R v B (Kingston CC, 2021): s.18- defended woman with complex mental health difficulties accused of throwing boiling water in the face of a care worker
R v S (Isleworth CC, 2021): acquittal in serious violent disorder (later affray) involving 25 people armed with swords in a residential neighbourhood
R v M (Snaresbrook CC, 2021): secured suspended sentence for PWITS Class A where the expectation was that D would receive a sentence of immediate custody of significant length
Clerks
Lydia Pearce
Call: 2017
Lydia Pearce
Bradford University BA Hons
ULaw York GDL
BPP Leeds BPTC
Middle Temple Harmsworth Scholar GDL
Middle Temple Harmsworth Scholar BPTC
Blackstones Entrance Exhibition Award
Legal Aid Supplier Number 02FXD
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Lydia Pearce has been a tenant of Broadway House Chambers since completing pupillage in 2018 and now works exclusively in Criminal Law.
With previous experience in family and civil law, Lydia is able to appreciate the ways in which these other areas of law can impact criminal cases.
Before coming to the Bar Lydia worked for West Yorkshire Police as a Detention Officer whilst studying law part time over 6 years. Before pupillage Lydia was seconded to work with the National Police Chiefs’ Council on the pre-charge bail provisions of the Policing and Crime Act 2017. Lydia’s arguments were successfully used to make changes to the bill prior to royal assent. Lydia’s guidance document to implementation was disseminated to UK police forces and used by BBC reports on the impact of pre-charge bail.
Reputation
Client Feedback:
‘Lydia has made an outstanding entrance to the bar with a seemingly unparalleled zeal and dynamism. Lydia commands a solid presence in court and has strong, dependable advocacy skills. A down to earth approach coupled with meticulous attention to detail almost certainly assure Lydia a very illustrious future. I would certainly tip Lydia as a star who will rise very quickly.’
‘Lydia has excellent client care skills. Lydia is a diligent barrister who is skilled at empathising and reassuring vulnerable clients whilst remaining dedicated to achieving a fair and just outcome.’
‘Both myself and the social work team were very happy with Lydia’s representation. It was clear Lydia was fully prepared and on top of the brief. I am sure we will work together again’
‘I was very impressed with Lydia's grasp of the case, at short notice, and the way Lydia dealt with the hearing, for which both I and my client are grateful.’
Expertise
Criminal
Lydia appears in the Crown Court to both defend and prosecute in a range of matters including assault, sexual offences, weapons, dishonesty matters and drugs. She is known for thorough preparation and being able to respond quickly to changing instructions.
Defence
Lydia has been briefed on a range of criminal defence cases and is particularly skilled in working with vulnerable or juvenile clients.Lydia defends cases from Magistrates' Court to Crown Court maintaining involvement (where possible) across the lifetime of matters including PTPHs, preliminary hearings including S28 pre-recorded evidence and trials. Lydia works closely with instructing solicitors and is happy to have conferences in advance of hearings to ensure readiness. Lydia is equally happy to take last minute instructions where required.
Prosecution
Lydia is instructed in a range of prosecution cases and regularly works for the CPS, Probation Service, SIA and local authorities.Lydia prosecutes cases from Magistrates' Court to Crown Court maintaining involvement (where possible) across the lifetime of matters including PTPHs, preliminary hearings including S28 pre-recorded evidence and trials. Lydia will regularly draft documents and advise on matters outside of court hearings.
Notable Cases
Defence
R v GT (2024): Instructed as Junior Counsel for the defence, led by Abigail Langford. Ms Pearce is instructed as junior counsel in a case of child sexual offences. The indictment has 27 counts covering offending over 20+ years and 5 complainants. In the trial it is anticipated that Counsel will play an active role including cross examination of witnesses, disclosure requests and any applications which may arise.
R v X (2023): Reduction of sentence on appeal to the Court of Appeal, sentence was reduced from 12 months immediate custody to 6 months suspended.
R v X (2023): Securing a not guilty verdict for client accused of producing of methamphetamine due to a successful submission to dismiss the case.
R v O (2023): Defendant pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, drug driving, failing to attend court bail and being in breach of a suspended sentence order. Prior to these offences the defendant had received a suspended sentence order (24m suspended for 24M) in July 2020 for possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin. Following mitigation advanced by Ms Pearce, the defendant was sentenced to a community order and the suspended sentence was not activated.
R v M (2023): Ms Pearce was instructed to represent defendant who was charged with Handling Stolen Goods value £10,000+. Lydia carefully researched the defence, collated a bundle of defence evidence and secured agreed facts which undermined the prosecution case. The defendant was acquitted by the jury in less than an hour. .
R v X: Acquittal for a juvenile client on a count of burglary dwelling prior to the client attending court by making successful submissions under S78 of PACE and the overriding objective.
R v X: Mitigated a sentence for a drink driver who provided a sample 3 times over the legal limit after having stopped the car on a moving motorway during a rainstorm, very nearly causing a pile up. Sentenced to community order and driving ban.
Prosecution
R v S & B(2023): Ms Pearce prosecuted 2 separate matters arising from the same incident, a fight. B was charged with S18 assault. The jury convicted him in less than 2 hours and he was sentenced to 5 years immediate custody.
R v D (2023): Defendant pleaded not guilty in the supply of class A drugs. In his evidence he claimed not to be the person on incriminating video footage, relying on his prominent left hand tattoo which was not on his left hand in the video. By inspection of the logo on his top in the video, Ms Pearce was able to prove that the video had been inverted and that the hand in the video was his non-tattooed right hand. He was convicted by the jury.
Lydia was instructed by Leeds City Council in their first ever prosecution of a landlord under Section 1(2) of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. She successfully secured a conviction and a custodial sentence against the defendant.
Prosecuted an appeal against sentence on behalf of Bradford City Council under animal welfare law, the appellant appealed his original sentence of 20 weeks immediate custody, but this was upheld by the Crown Court.
Instructed to prosecute on behalf of Bradford Council under public health legislation a property landlord for waste left in the curtilage of his rental property, the defendant was blind and therefore unable to check if the waste had been collected or not, he was also unrepresented at trial. Lydia worked with the Council sanitation workers, Council legal officers, a trusted and accredited waste removal company and the defendant collaboratively to solve the public health issue and not pursue the matter through the courts.
Clerks
Keith Allen
Call: 2017 (Solicitor 2004)
Keith Allen
Deputy District Judge
Mental Health Tribunal Judge
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Keith was called to the Bar in 2017 having qualified as a solicitor in 2004 and then a solicitor advocate in 2011. Keith has appeared on behalf of defendants at the Crown Court since 2011 and since being called to the Bar accepts instructions as either prosecution or defence advocate.
Reputation
Expertise
Crime
Keith has experience in dealing with cases where significant parts of the evidence are recovered from computer equipment or the internet using forensic techniques.
Keith is also experienced in dealing with defendants with mental health difficulties where assistance is required to properly communicate with clients or where disposals such as section 37/41 are being considered under the Mental Health Act.
Keith has successfully represented clients at the Court of Criminal Appeal and before the Administrative Court.
Notable Cases
Crime
CW-v-DVSA
Administrative Court – Acted as an advocate for the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency on an appeal by Case Stated in which the appellant was arguing that the continuing professional competence provisions were ultra vires and should be struck out. DVSA was successful in defending the claim
R-v-TH
Bradford CC – Acted for the defendant alleged to have stolen over £75,000 in cash from a gentleman that she cared for. The defendant was acquitted after trial.
R-v-DB
Leeds CC – Defence advocate for the lead singer of Black Lace. His confiscation order was agreed at a £1 available amount.
R-v-M
Leeds CC – Defence advocate for a man accused of making indecent images of children. Initially, the allegation was that there were over 3000 indecent images, but following defence submissions, this was reduced to around 800. At trial, Keith acted in defence of the accused who was found not guilty.
R-v-N
Leeds CC – Defended a man charged with armed robbery. A case in which the section 28 protocol applied Keith secured an acquittal after trial despite claims the man was identified as being present by eyewitnesses and forensic evidence.
R-V-P
Hull CC- Advocate for a male accused of several sexual offences against a young child. The defendant was ruled not fit to stand trial, and a finding of fact hearing took place. The jury failed to deliver a verdict on one of the four counts alleged and the defendant was sentenced to a section 37/41 hospital order.
R-v-W
Leeds CC – Acting as an advocate for a man accused of making over 150 indecent images of children. The case was listed for trial, but following representations made to the Crown by Keith the Crown reviewed the case and offered no evidence. The evidence in the case included admissions by the defendant that he had used chat rooms to contact persons over the age of 16. At early hearings, the Court had tried to claim that the defendant did not have a defence to the charge at law.
R-v-K
Leeds CC – Defence of a man accused of Section 18 assault by kicking. Despite accounts from independent witnesses and CCTV of the defendant demonstrating air kicks shortly after the incident Keith secured an acquittal after trial for the defendant who required an interpreter throughout proceedings.
Magistrates’ Court
R-v-BR
Harrogate MC – Acted for a man accused of multiple offences of criminal damage. The alleged tyre slasher was identified from CCTV by one of the victims. During the trial, Keith made several submissions to the Court on the admissibility of evidence and was ultimately able to argue that it would be unsafe for the Court to rely upon the content of the CCTV and the identifications made as a result of it. In part, these arguments were based on significant failings of the police investigation. The case attracted considerable press interest in nearly all national newspapers.
R-v-JM
Leeds MC – Acted in defence of a lady accused of neglect of her son. Following submissions made by Keith, the case was dismissed by the Court after the prosecution closed its case. Keith was instructed on this case after another firm of solicitors advised the defendant, incorrectly, to merely accept the allegation.
R-v-SW
Harrogate MC – Acted as defence solicitor for a man accused of assaulting his daughter. Keith made representations to the Crown that they should drop the case. However, the Crown reviewed the case and indicated that they would proceed despite the representations. Following cross-examination of the complainant, it was accepted that the complainant was the aggressor. Keith made submissions of no case to answer, and a not guilty verdict returned without any evidence called on behalf of the defence.
R-v-D
Leeds YC – Keith appeared before the Youth Court and argued successfully that the prosecution should be halted as an abuse of process on the basis of delay and manipulation by the CPS of the charging decision.
R- v-TM
Central Criminal Court – Provided advice and representation at the police station through to trial to Thomas Mair the man convicted of the killing of Jo Cox MP. Acted as defence solicitor throughout the trial which was allocated to the terrorism lists at the Central Criminal Court.
Clerks
Paul Canfield
Call: 2019
Paul Canfield
Master of Laws, University of Law, Birmingham (2017-2018)
Bar Professional Training Course, University of Law, Birmingham (2017-2018): VC
Graduate Diploma in Law, University of Law, London (2015-2017): Commendation
Master of Science, Security and Risk Management, University of Leicester (2014)
Legal Aid Number: 02HCX
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 01274 722560
Paul is a Grade 2 prosecutor and practices in crime.
He appears regularly in the Crown Court for both the prosecution and defence.
Reputation
Expertise
Criminal
Crime Paul completed his pupillage with the Crown Prosecution Service in 2019, where he spent a period of secondment with the Attorney General’s Office reviewing unduly lenient sentences. Prior to that, he worked as a police officer for over a decade specialising in operations.In the past, Paul led research into the police response to gang-related violence and future security threats as part of his Master’s degree. The findings were later published by Springer Publishing. Paul also attended Harvard Law School where he studied the principles of negotiation, and the University of St Andrews where he undertook studies in terrorism theories and practice.
During his time studying for the Bar Professional Training Course at the University of Law he received awards that culminated in the highest mark in Plea in Mitigation and the Master of Laws prize for the pro bono element of his studies. Paul also volunteered with the Personal Support Unit at the Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre.
Paul’s prior involvement in police operations, coupled with his experience with the Crown Prosecution Service, not only make him an effective prosecutor but ensures that when defending he is able to bring an invaluable insight into the prosecution case. In addition, he has acquired the critical analytical skills required to effectively evaluate complex disclosure and procedure.
Notable Cases
R v K (2024) - Paul represented a client accused of a number of offences including rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, strangulation and coercive and controlling behaviour within a marital relationship. Preparing for trial involved an expert being instructed to review the client’s phone once it had been released by the police in order to undermine the credibility of the allegations. The client was acquitted on all nine counts.
R v R and R (2024): Secured acquittals for the second defendant following a trial that involved an allegation of administering cannabis or spice in order to rape the complainant.
R v B (2023): Paul represented a client accused of Witness Intimidation and other matters. Following a successful Application to Exclude the pre-recorded evidence of one witness under S78 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, and cross-examination of the remaining witness, after a half-time finding by the judge his lay client was acquitted of all allegations.
R v M (2023): Instructed by Mr Chowdhury from Highgate Solicitors, Paul represented a client who faced a seven count indictment covering historic sexual offences, which included three counts of rape, Paul was able to secure acquittals on four of the seven counts. Two acquittals were secured following a successful half-time submission that followed careful cross-examination of the complainant. The submission of no case to answer covered the relevant law at the time and the presumptions based on the age of the defendant when the allegations took place. Also, doli incapax was a live issue and properly placed before the court as a subsidiary argument which avoided the indictment being amended.
R v B (2023) - Paul successfully secures acquittals after trial for his client who faced two historic allegations of Engaging in Sexual Activity in the Presence of a Child.
R v N and P (2023): Paul secured convictions for producing cannabis after a five day trial involving two defendants. Both defendants were found in a cannabis farm with an estimated value of cannabis of up to £475,000.
R v I (2023): Paul successfully secured an acquittal for his client accused of rape following a half-time submission.
R v B (2023): Paul, having been instructed by Michelle Wood of Blackwells Solicitors secured an acquittal on 3 January 2023 for a 80 year old client that had been accused of strangling his neighbour after several inconsistencies with the prosecution’s case were highlighted.
R v N (2022): While represting a client accused of burglary, Paul raised several issues with potential breaches of Code D of PACE and that the enhanced images provided by the Prosecution further supported the defence expert’s findings, that his client hadn’t committed the offence. The Prosecution offered no evidence on day 2 of the trial.
R v M (2022): Client accused of Threatening Another with a Bladed Article where three witnesses had alleged that the client had threatened another person with a knife — Instructed by Alex White of Alastair Bateman Solicitors. Paul and those that instructed him were able to establish and follow lines of enquiry that the police had neglected to pursue, including further witnesses and CCTV evidence that hadn’t been seized. Once this undermining evidence was provided to the Crown no evidence was offered after review.
R v H (2022) : Successfully opposed a pre-trial hearsay application under section 116(2)(a) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, resulting in the Crown offering no evidence on a single count of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm against the client’s ex-partner. The relevant circumstances of how the hearsay evidence had been adduced affected the fairness of the trial.
R v B (2022) : Successfully opposed a pre-trial hearsay application under section 116(2)(a) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 by the Crown to adduce several pieces of hearsay evidence including disclosures, made to third-parties, captured on police Body Worn Cameras and within 999 calls. This resulted in the Crown offering no evidence on six counts alleging Assault and Making Threats to Kill against the client.
R v M (2022): A defendant had been charged with driving offences along with possession of a bladed article. Through robust cross-examination of the arresting officer and the use of expert evidence, Paul secured acquittals on the driving offences for the client.
R v Ajmal (2022): On an appeal against sentence of 29 weeks’ immediate imprisonment for Possession of a Bladed Article and multiple counts of drugs’ possession, Paul demonstrated to the appeal court that the sentence had been manifestly excessive. It was reduced to a 12-month Community Order with requirements.
R v Geddes (2021): Paul secured a conviction for Wounding with Intent against a defendant. This required numerous disclosure requests having to be addressed during the trial process after the defendant decided to represent himself. https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/crime/rastrick-thug-jailed-for-10-years-after-causing-life-threatening-injuries-to-woman-trapped-in-debt-3367321
R v Butt (2021): Prosecution junior (led by Stephen Wood QC) prosecuted the defendant for Murder and two matters of Attempted Wounding with Intent. The case involved numerous witnesses who all saw the events unfold as the defendant used a motor car to run over his victim. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56860006
R v Gedge (2021): Conviction secured against a defendant who threatened to kill his uncle as he robbed him at knifepoint in his own home. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/violent-criminal-locked-up-for-ten-years-for-knifepoint-robbery-of-his-uncle-at-his-home-in-leeds-3453435
Clerks
Nicola Hoskins
Call: 2019 (Solicitor 2004)
Nicola Hoskins
North Eastern Circuit
Law Society of England and Wales
CPS Grade 3
Nottingham Law School – LL.B (Hons) 2.1
Guildhall University, London – Legal Practice Course, commendation
Admitted as a solicitor February 2004
BPP – Bar Transfer Test
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600
Nicola qualified as a solicitor in 2004, acting as a regulatory prosecutor in matters including planning, licensing, Trading Standards, Environmental Health and food safety. She went on to advise banks and others on regulatory and compliance issues. Her current practice includes these matters, as well general crime for both prosecution and defence. She also accepts instructions in civil matters. She is described as having a reassuring presence together with a personable and practical approach.
Reputation
Expertise
Grade 3 Crown Prosecutor, Road Traffic matters, prosecution and defence, probation breaches
Regulatory
Licensing, planning, financial regulation, public law
Civil
Housing contractual disputes, secured and unsecured recoveries
Notable Cases
R v H (2023) - Client facing a custodial term of around five years for child sexual offences; the court was persuaded to depart from the sentencing guidelines and imposed a community order instead.
R –v- G (2023) - Secured an acquittal for a taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting a young female passenger.
EA –v- A (2023) - Secured a suspended sentence for sustained breaches of environmental regulations, together with a much reduced contribution to the prosecution’s costs.
R - v – G and others (2023) – successful application to dismiss in respect of client charged with affray at a football match.
R -v- S – (2023) – obtained a suspended sentence in a case of discharging a firearm in public.
R -v- H and N (2022) – successful prosecution of two individuals for inflicting grievous bodily harm where the issue was identification.
R -v S (2022) – acquittal of client on a rape charge within 30 minutes of jury retiring.
R -v- S (2022) - acquittal of client on a charge of taking a car without consent following a successful exclusion application under s78 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
R -v- L - prosecution for obstruction of bailiff in the course of his duty and common assault; also assault of two police officers who came to assist the bailiff. Defendant acquitted of all charges when it was proved that the bailiff did not comply with his codes of practice, and accordingly the police officers were not acting in accordance with PACE.
R -v- F – prosecution for incurring 6 speeding offences in 10 days, total 18 points. Court was successfully persuaded that the sentencing guidelines could be set aside and a short discretionary disqualification was imposed instead of points, which meant she avoided ‘totting up’ and any points at all.
H Ltd -v- P – order for sale obtained following a charging order with no payment.
Clerks
Fen Greatley-Hirsch
Call: 2018
Fen Greatley-Hirsch
LLM Legal Practice (Barristers) – BPP Law School
Adv. LLM Public International Law – Leiden University
LLB Law with French Law – University of Warwick
ADM-ODR International Qualified Civil Commercial Mediator
Baron Dr ver Heyden de Lancey Prize (Middle Temple)
The Queen Mother Scholarship (Middle Temple)
White Rose (WRoCAH) Doctoral Scholarship (Arts and Humanities Research Council)
Contact
T: 0113 246 2600
Fen joined Chambers in December 2020 after completing a common law pupillage under the supervision of Giles Bridge and Paul Smith.
He accepts instructions in family and criminal cases and is available for consultation in conference or written advice.
Fen’s practice is shaped by his experiences in academia and working in client-facing roles with a several national and international charitable organisations, including Citizens Advice Bureau, the Free Representation Unit, and Nightline.
This work put him in regular contact with individuals from all walks of life and particularly vulnerable populations, young people, persons with disabilities and mental health conditions, and non-native English speakers. As a result, Fen understands and responds to a wide range of client needs. He approaches all matters with the utmost commitment to client care and is often praised for taking the time to ensure clients’ questions and concerns are addressed and that they feel fully represented.
Fen’s academic research focuses on issues of mental and legal capacity in criminal law using vulnerability theory. He has served on the editorial board of academic journals, worked as a research assistant for an NGO conducting strategic human rights litigation, and delivered papers at academic conferences around the world. As such, he is is able to build and present complex information and arguments in a clear and accessible way.
Reputation
Expertise
FAMILY
Fen accepts instructions in private and public Children Act proceedings at all stages, from first hearings to final hearings. A well-rounded practice sees him represent parents, Local Authorities and intervenors alike.
He has a real strength in client care and is often commended for ensuring his clients fully understand the developments in and prospects of their case and leave hearings feeling heard and fully represented.
Fen has gained particular expertise in contested and fact-finding hearings, assisted by a keen eye for detail and a forensic approach honed through criminal practice.
He regularly deals with cases involving allegations of a very serious nature – such as domestic violence, non-accidental injuries, and sexual harm – and does so with sensitivity and tact.
Fen has considerable experience representing vulnerable clients, including young persons, persons with disabilities, those with mental health issues, and those who do not speak English. He welcomes instructions in cases involving non-traditional families and those with international or intercultural elements.
CRIME
Fen both prosecutes and defends at all stages – pre-trial, trial, sentence, and appeal.
He regularly appears in courts across the North Eastern and Northern Circuits in relation to the following types of offences:
- Assaults (up to and including s18);
- Road traffic;
- Public order (affrays);
- Dishonesty (handling stolen goods; burglary; robbery);
- Drugs offences (possession with intent to supply; production);
- Sexual offences (sexual assault; indecent images)
Fen is a member of the CPS General Crime Panel at Grade 2.
For the last couple of years he has been building his Crown Court trial practice and welcomes defence instructions.
He has completed the vulnerable witness training and, particularly given his experience dealing with similar matters in the family courts, is well-equipped to defend in rape, sexual assault and other such sensitive matters.
More generally, Fen’s background in academia has equipped him with the ability to quickly process and familiarise himself with large volumes of documents, as well as to make complex information accessible to a lay audience. It has also given him the research skills to locate useful case law that sometimes makes all the difference.
He has been praised by solicitors, benches and clients themselves for his skilled and sensitive witness handling and an ability to resonate with juries.
Fen builds rapports with clients easily, which quickly allows him to elicit the information needed both to build the strongest case and to address the opposing one effectively.
He has a keen eye for detail and in evidential hearings is particularly adept at witness handling, cross-examining with a forensic approach honed through criminal practice.
Fen has considerable experience representing vulnerable clients, including young persons, persons with disabilities, those with mental health issues, and those who do not speak English.
Notable Cases
R v Shaw - Leeds Crown Court (Prosecution 2023)
Prosecuted 'professional burglar' who was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/career-criminal-rammed-police-car-as-he-drove-professional-burglary-team-around-leeds-4422603
R v Ndokajwas - Bradford Crown Court (Prosecution 2023)
Prosecuted man after cannabis farm worth £670k found. Marsel Ndokajwas was sentenced to two years imprisonment for the production of cannabis. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-67571625
R v X - Youth Court (Defence 2023)
Fen defended in the Youth Court in a serious sexual assault trial.The trial involved child witnesses and implementing the s28 procedure. Fen made a successful submission of no case to answer, which prevented the need for the defendant to give evidence. https://www.broadwayhouse.co.uk/news/fen-greatley-hirsch-youth-court-2023
R v X - Leeds Crown Court (Defence 2023)
Fen Greatley-Hirsch Secures Suspended Sentence for his Client in a Serious Three-handed Affray. https://www.broadwayhouse.co.uk/news/fen-greatley-hirsch-secures-suspended-sentence
Clerks
Ella Embleton
Call: 2019
Ella Embleton
BPP Manchester, BPTC, Very Competent (2019)
BPP Manchester, Legal Practice LLM, Distinction (2019)
Law LLB, 1:1, University of Manchester (2018)
Ann Goddard Scholar
Criminal Bar Association
Grade 2 Prosecutor
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Ella accepted tenancy at Broadway House Chambers after successfully completing her pupillage in January 2022 under the supervision of Clare Walsh.
During pupillage Ella has prosecuted and defended a range of cases in both the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court, developing a busy criminal practice. She has successfully prosecuted and defended in Magistrates’ Trials concerning sexual offences, offences against the person, and driving offences. Ella has prosecuted and defended appeals in the Crown Court. During her first six, Ella assisted in disclosure work in multi handed operations.
Reputation
Expertise
Criminal
Ella prosecutes and defends in a range of cases in both the Magistrates and Crown Court. She has successfully prosecuted and defended in Magistrates trials concerning sexual offences, offences against the person, and driving offences. Ella has prosecuted and defended appeals in the Crown Court.Ella has been instructed by local councils in relation to matters concerning trading standards and is building up a regulatory practice. Prior to commencing pupillage Ella worked as a paralegal at the General Medical Council, drafting allegations for tribunal hearings and facilitating expert reports. As such Ella has experience and knowledge of medical regulatory law.
During her studies, Ella was involved in various pro-bono work including the Personal Support Unit at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre and the University of Manchester Legal Advice Centre, as such Ella has experience in handling vulnerable clients including victims of domestic violence.
Notable Cases
R v Naqui (2023)
Prosecution of a 3rd strike burglar who received 6 years’ imprisonment.https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/23954118.bradford-burglar-cruelly-lied-man-dementia/?ref=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
R v F (2023)
Ella acted as junior defence counsel to Rodney Ferm for a client charged with several offences of blackmail and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. The Crown originally stated that it was 12 kilograms of cocaine, however after lengthy negotiations it was agreed that 5 kilograms would be a suitable basis on which the Defendant pleaded guilty.
As part of this case, Ella considered a significant volume of EncroChat material.
R v V (2023)
Ella recently defended a client charged with Production of Cannabis. On the day of trial, Ella managed to persuade the Crown to offer no evidence in respect of her client due to the lack of evidence that he was involved in the production.
R v K (2023)
Ella represented an ex-West Yorkshire Police Detention Officer charged with two offences of impersonating a police officer and a racially aggravated public order offence. After a two day trial, the Magistrates returned not-guilty verdicts to all charges.
R v S (2023)
Ella successfully prosecuted a burglary trial at Leeds Crown Court in which expert evidence relating to glass fragments was adduced and challenged.
R v S (2023)
Defence Counsel in a driving whilst disqualified / driving whilst using mobile phone / failing to stop case. The issue was identification. Ella succeeded in a half time submission of ’no case to answer’.
R v S (2023)
Ella secured suspended sentence for client charged with perverting the course of justice https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/23330487.teen-crashed-seat-ibiza-fled-scene-reported-stolen/
R v D (2022)
Ella secured a conviction in a 3-day robbery trial whereby the issue was ID. The case involved legal arguments concerning the admissibility of evidence.
R v M (2022)
Ella successfully prosecuted M for offences of ABH and strangulation after an all-day trial in the magistrates court. The Defendant was committed to the Crown Court for sentence whereby he received 18 months’ imprisonment and was made subject to a 10-year restraining order.
R v P (2022)
Ella secured an acquittal for her Defendant charged with Assault ABH after a trial involving three witnesses.
R v B (2022)
Ella successfully defended at trial her client charged with ABH.
R v T (2022)
Ella secured an acquittal after trial for her client charged with two counts of assault by beating. The case involved complex legal arguments considering res gestae and the admissibility of evidence.
R v K (2022)
Secured a suspended sentence order for client charged with dangerous driving who caused an estimated £120,000 worth of damage to a property in Stockport
R v B (2022)
Secured acquittal for client charged with child abduction https://www.broadwayhouse.co.uk/news/ella-embleton-successful-defence-abduction
R v Porter (2021)
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/horse-carrots-restraining-order-nelson-b1960884.html - Ella acted on behalf of the Crown.
Clerks
Lauren Smith
Call: 2019
Lauren Smith
University of York – LLB – First Class Honours [2015]
University of York – LLM in Legal and Political Theory – Distinction [2017]
BPP Leeds – BPTC (Part-time) – Outstanding [2017-2019]
University of York – York Masters Opportunity Scholarship [2017]
Middle Temple – Harmsworth Scholarship [2017]
Blackstone Entrance Exhibition [2017]
Certificate of Honour [2019]
BPP – Criminal Litigation Prize (for highest mark on Criminal Litigation module) [2019]
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Lauren completed her pupillage at Broadway House Chambers under the supervision of Peter Hampton (now HHJ Hampton). Lauren started tenancy on 1st September 2022.
Lauren has experience of cases involving driving offences, sexual offences, offences against the person, theft offences and drug offences. She has appeared before criminal courts up to and including the Court of Appeal.
Lauren is a Grade 2 Prosecutor.
Reputation
Prior to commencing pupillage, Lauren worked as a paralegal in the regulatory department at Capsticks Solicitors. On behalf of Social Work England, Lauren assisted with drafting applications to the High Court for Interim Order Extensions and investigating fitness to practise concerns by interviewing witnesses. Lauren was also responsible for preparing cases for final and interim hearings, for example by identifying material for disclosure. As such, Lauren has experience and knowledge of professional discipline, and is keen to develop a practice in regulatory law.
Lauren also has an interest in public and administrative law, and would welcome instructions in judicial review matters.
Whilst studying for the BPTC, Lauren undertook pro-bono work for the Criminal Appeals Project, AMICUS ALJ and Support Through Court at Leeds Combined Court Centre. Consequently, Lauren has experience of working alongside litigants in person and vulnerable clients, such as those with mental health difficulties or victims of domestic violence.
Lauren is a Grade 2 Prosecutor.
Notable Cases
R v X [2023] Bradford Magistrates Court: Lauren secured acquittal for client charged with causing death by careless driving.
W v R [2023] Court of Appeal: Defence of W, who had pleaded guilty to an offence of stalking causing fear of violence. Lauren advised that the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive. She then successfully appeared before the Court of Appeal, who substituted the sentence of 27 months' imprisonment for one of 16 months. This meant the appellant had served his sentence and was immediately released.
R v B [2023] Leeds Youth Court: Currently instructed to defend B, a 14-year-old, who is charged with various offences including robbery, ABH and assaulting emergency workers. He is assisted by an intermediary.
R v L [2023] Carlisle Crown Court: Defending a Vietnamese asylum seeker who faced a count of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. Drugs valued at £130,000.
R v P [2023] York Crown Court: Defence of P at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon. Lauren secured a suspended sentence order.
R v P [2023] Bradford Crown Court: Defence of P at sentence, who had been convicted of possession with intent to supply class B drugs after trial. Lauren secured a suspended sentence order.
R v M [2022] Bradford Crown Court: Defending one of the first defendants to be sentenced in Bradford for the new offence of intentional non-fatal strangulation.
R v L [2023] Bradford Crown Court: Defending L, who had pleaded guilty on the day of trial to s.20 GBH, having struck V to the back of the head with a hammer. Lauren secured a suspended sentence order.
R v W [2023] Bradford Crown Court: Prosecution of a defendant who is due to stand trial for numerous offences committed in the domestic context. The case involves two child witnesses who are eligible for s.28 cross-examination.
R v C [2022] Leeds Magistrates' Court: Prosecution of a defendant charged with ABH in the domestic context. The complainant had retracted their support for the prosecution and did not attend trial. Lauren made a successful res gestae application to rely on the complainant's initial account. The defendant was convicted.
R v B, C and H [2023] Sheffield Crown Court: Prosecution of a multi-handed robbery trial with 3 defendants.
R v B [2023] Leeds Crown Court:Prosecution of a defendant charged with burglary. The case involved presentation of expert evidence (fingerprint, blood and cell site). The defendant was convicted.
R v B [2023] Bradford Crown Court: Defending B at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to two knifepoint robberies, with relevant previous convictions. The sentencing guidelines gave a starting point of 5 years and suggested consecutive sentences were appropriate. Following mitigation, the Judge imposed two concurrent sentences of 4 years.
R v W [2023] Harrogate Magistrates' Court: Defending W at sentence, who had been convicted of an offence of domestic burglary after trial. The sentencing guidelines gave a starting point of 6 months imprisonment, but Lauren persuaded the Bench to impose a 12-month community order.
R v W [2023] Nottingham Crown Court: Defence of W at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to numerous offences including robbery, arson and dangerous driving. The defendant had relevant previous convictions. The sentencing guidelines gave a starting point of 13 years. Following mitigation, a total sentence of 10 years, 6 months was imposed.
R v W [2023] Leeds Youth Court: Defended W, a 14-year-old, who pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, two counts of possessing an imitation firearm, possession of a bladed article and handling stolen goods. The prosecution asked for W to be committed to sentence to the Crown Court. Following mitigation, the Magistrates declined to commit the offence and imposed a Youth Rehabilitation Order.
Clerks
Verity Barnes
Call: 2021
Verity Barnes
University of Law (Leeds), BPC, Outstanding (2021)
University of Law (Leeds), Legal Practice LLM, Distinction (2021)
Leeds Beckett University, Law LLB, First Class with Honours (2020)
Inner Temple Exhibition Scholar (2020)
Grade 1 Prosecutor
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 / 0113 246 2600
Verity has a criminal practice and accepts instructions in this area.
Verity commenced pupillage at Broadway House Chambers in October 2022 under the supervision of Abigail Langford.
During pupillage, Verity has observed a range of cases in the Crown Court involving sexual offences, offences against the person, drug offences and terrorism.
During her first six, Verity assisted in a prosecution case involving historic sexual offences and domestic abuse against multiple complainants. She was responsible for reviewing ABEs, amending indictments, preparing schedules of text messages to be presented to the jury and liaising with the officers in the case.
During her second six, Verity has both prosecuted and defended a wide variety of trials in the Magistrates’ Court. She also regularly appears in the Crown Court including prosecuting and defending appeals.
Verity is a Grade 1 Prosecutor.
Reputation
Expertise
Prior to commencing pupillage, Verity worked as a family paralegal. She assisted with drafting applications, statements and legal argument in a wide range of private child disputes, matrimonial finance and divorce proceedings. She also assisted in relation to unmarried couples’ separation and particularly the provisions of TOLATA. In this role, Verity clerked on a number of hearings and also undertook advocacy for clients of the firm in Non-Molestation and Occupation Order applications. As such, she also has experience and knowledge in family and child law.
Whilst studying for her Law LLB and during her Bar Course, Verity undertook pro-bono work for her university’s Legal Advice Clinic. Consequently, she has experience dealing with litigants-in-person, vulnerable clients and particularly victims of domestic violence.
Notable Cases
R v Thackray (2024): Defence for client charged with possesion of indecent images. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24089951.paedophile-snared-decoys-posing-young-girls/
Clerks
Safaraz Ahad
Second Six Pupil - Call: 2020
Safaraz Ahad
BPP (Leeds), Legal Practice LLM, Distinction (2019)
Leeds Beckett University, Law LLB (2017)
Middle Temple
Grade 1 prosecutor
Contact
E: clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Safaraz has a criminal practice and accepts instructions in this area. Safaraz started second six on 4th March 2024.
Safaraz commenced pupillage at Broadway House Chambers in September 2023 under the supervision of Camile Morland.
During pupillage, Safaraz observed a range of cases in the Crown Court involving murder, sexual offences, offences against the person, burglary, drug offences, perverting the cause of justice and explosive substances.
Safaraz is a Grade 1 prosecutor.
Expertise
Safaraz accepts instructions for both defence and prosecution.
Whilst studying for the BPTC, Safaraz undertook pro-bono work for the BPP Legal Advice Clinic, providing legal advice surrounding housing issues. Accordingly, Safaraz had experience working with vulnerable clients, such as those with financial difficulties.
Prior to commencing pupillage, Safaraz worked as a County Court Advocate on the Northern Circuit. He appeared in a number of small claims as well as various interim hearings, such as landlord and tenant, mortgage possessions, infant approval hearings, charging orders, bankruptcy, attachment of earnings, insolvency proceedings, and injunctions. As such, Safaraz has gained extensive experience appearing in trials, and dealing with lay clients. He is keen to use the skills gained to assist him in his criminal practice.
Clerks
Jamie Hill KC
Door Tenant - Call: 1984 | Silk: 2006
Jamie Hill KC (Door Tenant)
Recorder: 2002
Inner Temple
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
With his extensive experience in all aspects of criminal law Jamie is the Silk of choice for many defence solicitors when seeking leading counsel for clients charged with serious offences, including murder, manslaughter, sexual abuse, kidnap, rape and fraud.
Reputation
Jamie Hill KC is noted for his 'ability to hold his nerve and provide strong leadership in distressing cases. He handles high-profile and serious criminal matters, such as manslaughter, rape and drugs cases. He acts for both the defence and the prosecution' (Chambers & Partners, 2022)
Expertise
Crime
He has particular expertise in medical and scientific issues, with recent experience of non-accidental head injuries in babies, and involvement in a leading case in the interpretation of LCN DNA evidence.
He also has considerable experience in employment and regulatory matters, particularly involving issues of Discrimination, Health and Safety issues. He has regularly represented the Police Federation over the last 25 years both as a Q.C. and Junior in relation to Police Disciplinary Hearings and Inquests. He has also advised several high ranking officers in relation to employment matters.
In addition Jamie has also advised a group of BME officers in Cleveland regarding discrimination claims which were settled as well as local hotel chain in relation to a serious fire safety case.
Wide experience of prosecuting and defending. Also has considerable experience of Police Disciplinary work and civil actions against the Police.
Notable Cases
R -v- F (Large scale drug dealing and rape to enforce drug debts, major issues of PII and role of informers)
R -v- Reed (Gangland killing – case based on LCN DNA interpretation)
R -v- Harrobin (Prosecution of historic sexual abuse)
R -v- Curtis & Others (Murder involving teenage knife crime)
R -v- Hodgson (Murder – 6 week missing body case. Appeal pending re prosecution use of forensic linguist to interpret text messages)
R -v- Jewell (Baby shaking murder reduced to manslaughter)
R -v- Vinter (Prosecution of murder – whole life order)
Clerks
Frances Hertzog
Door Tenant - Call: 2001
Frances Hertzog (Door Tenant)
Manchester Metropolitan University
Bar Vocational Course
University of Liverpool LLB (Hons)
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Frances is a member of Broadway House Chambers’ Criminal Team. She is very experienced in all areas of criminal practise, particularly fraud, white collar crime and matters under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Expertise
Criminal
Frances very experienced in all areas of criminal practise, particularly fraud, white collar crime and matters under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Clerks