Oliver Kelham > 3TG Barristers > London, England > Barrister Profile

Oliver Kelham

Career

Oliver defends in both crime and extradition. He has a broad defence practice across the Crown, Magistrates’, and Youth Courts. He also prosecutes in the Crown Court. He regularly accepts instruction in cases across the range of criminal offences, from charges of violence, drugs, and sexual offences to dishonesty, public order, and road traffic offences. Oliver receives both privately and publicly funded instructions.

Oliver has a particular interest in cases concerning victims of modern slavery. During pupillage Oliver spoke at 3TG’s seminar on modern slavery and has since been invited to address the Children’s Society on the topic. He regularly represents youths charged with serious offences and is adept at identifying issues surrounding possible exploitation at an early stage.

Oliver joined 3 Temple Gardens in April 2020 following successful completion of his pupillage. Whilst studying the BPTC, Oliver volunteered as a mentor for the ‘Vocalise’ programme, teaching debating and public speaking skills to inmates in various prisons. He also volunteered with the Haringey Migrant Support Centre, assisting visitors to the Centre to access legal advice.

Oliver has been described as an ‘approachable, knowledgeable, and tenacious’ advocate. He strives to ensure the best possible outcome for those he represents whilst ensuring that the legal process is clearly explained.

Notable Cases:

R v J [2020] – Successful half-time submission of no case to answer for an allegation of assault by beating, based on the interpretation of CCTV evidence.

R v S [2020] – S was sentenced to an absolute discharge for breach of his CBO, following robust submissions about the interpretation of the terms of the CBO.

R v B [2020] – B’s guilty pleas to serious charges were successfully reopened following a conclusive National Referral Mechanism decision that B was a victim of modern slavery. The Crown then withdrew the charges.

R v K [2019] – K was acquitted of attempted knifepoint robbery following a three-handed Youth Court trial.

R v W [2019] – W was sentenced to a suspended sentence for a serious and prolonged assault occasioning actual bodily harm, following a Newton Hearing.

R v S [2019] – S was acquitted of assault by beating and sexual assault after trial. The inconsistencies in the complainant’s account were carefully exposed in cross-examination.

R v N [2019] – N, a youth, was acquitted of fraud after trial. The allegation was that N had made a purchase using counterfeit currency.

Memberships

Grays Inn
Criminal Bar Association

Education

BA Hons, History (2:1) – University of Oxford, 2013-2016
Graduate Diploma in Law (Commendation) – City Law School, 2016-2017 (Awarded the 6KBW Chambers prize for Criminal Law)
Bar Professional Training Course (Very Competent) – City Law School 2017-2018
Received the Goldie Award for the BPTC from Gray’s Inn – 2017