Exchange Chambers is praised as a ‘veritable Northern powerhouse’ with an ‘array of highly-respected practitioners’. The crime team in chambers defends and prosecutes at all levels, covering the entire spectrum of serious crime, including murder, financial crime, alleged serious sexual offending and drug offences. The set is home to John Jones KC, who has a thriving practice working exclusively for the defence in serious crime, fraud, money laundering, and insider trading cases; he acted for the defendant in a gangland murder case concerning the execution-style murder of a rival drug dealer in a public street in broad daylight in Liverpool. Gordon Cole KC has a well-established and varied practice, having acted in murder and manslaughter cases, and Ben Myers KC has substantial expertise in high-value fraud and money laundering cases. The set also houses Richard Littler KC, who has significant experience in cases concerning terrorism, fraud, and organised crime – he is acting for a defendant in a drug importation case stemming from the interception of 350kg of cocaine, 90kg of heroin and 150kg of cannabis. Mark Rhind KC is strong in high-value MTIC and tax fraud cases. Imran Shafi KC also primarily defends in serious and high-profile cases regarding murder, terrorism, and drug conspiracies – he represented a woman who was acquitted on charges concerning her alleged membership of an extreme-right group planning violence using, among others, 3D-printed firearms. Turning to the set’s juniors, David Birrell was sole counsel for a defendant who played a leading role in a case concerning the supply of 180kg of Class A drugs, involving a significant amount of Encrochat evidence. James MacAdam was appointed to the circuit bench in September 2023 as was Ian Harris in October 2023.
Crime (general and fraud) in
Regional Bar
Exchange Chambers
Testimonials
‘A large clerking team with bags of experience. Head criminal clerk Nick Buckley stands out as a great networker and a real asset.’
‘Very professional and efficient. In Manchester, this is run by chambers director Nick Buckley, who is simply a legend. He cannot be praised highly enough.’
‘There are an abundance of clerks at this set, and Kate Masher and Neil Wright stand out. You only have to raise an issue with them once and it gets done.’
‘Chambers’ clerks, particularly from the Liverpool branch, are second to none. Graeme Hipkiss is incredible, honest, hard working, and dedicated to the role. Nothing is too much trouble for him.’
‘Proactive and helpful. Andy Leech in Manchester and Kate Masher in Liverpool have excellent knowledge of their team and provide good advice and assistance with regards to counsel selection.’
‘Exchange Chambers is an extremely strong and well-managed set; a veritable Northern powerhouse. They have a strength in depth which is second to none and their can-do approach runs right through the organisation.’
‘Exchange Chambers is a fantastic set as a whole. They will advise of counsel’s availability honestly which is refreshing, and if preferred counsel are not available, there are always alternate counsel available who have significant expertise.’
‘Great range of counsel across many areas and a number of excellent barristers with a good range of experience and expertise, allowing the right choice to be made for individual clients.’
Lincoln House Chambers
Lincoln House Chambers is praised as ‘a set with a deserved reputation as being the elite criminal set in the North West with real quality amongst its members’, who handle a wide variety of criminal law matters, from road traffic offences, sexual offences, violence, and drug offences, to financial crime and fraud. Simon Csoka KC has expertise in defending in organised crime, fraud, and high-profile murder cases, and Kate Blackwell KC and Mark Ford KC are also notable silks; Ford KC represented a female teacher, who was acquitted after being accused of entering into a sexual relationship with a male pupil. Rachel Cooper is often instructed on cases where clients have significant mental health needs, and she represented a defendant charged with attempted murder after the victim was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver. Richard Dawson specialises in road traffic and transport law and represents those accused of driving offences – he represented a paramedic who was prosecuted and acquitted after his ambulance was involved in a head-on collision, killing both occupants of the other vehicle, when he passed the site where the previous day he saw a child die. In 2023 Rebecca Filletti, Clare Ashcroft and David Pojur joined the team, and Katherine Pierpoint and Neil Usher were appointed to the circuit bench.
Testimonials
‘The clerking service is second to none. Andy McGuinness succeeds in providing the highest level of service.’
‘Andy McGuinness and Ty Price stand out as exceptional. They are always at hand to assist and really do strive to provide the highest levels of service. All of the clerks work extremely hard and are a pleasure to deal with.’
‘The service of Lincoln House Chambers is second to none. David Gibbons is particularly excellent, always responds, and will go out of his way to help.’
‘David Wright, Andy McGuinness, Dave Gibbons, and the rest of the team bend over backwards to help. They are great to deal with and always bring a positive approach to any difficulties.’
‘David Gibbons is the stand-out performer, but all the clerks are efficient and get the target result.’
‘A set with a deserved reputation as being the elite criminal set in the North West with real quality amongst its members.’
‘Lincoln House Chambers is a fantastic set of chambers with highly skilled advocates. If instructed counsel is unavailable, you will be provided with equally competent counsel.’
‘Lincoln House Chambers has a solid team of barristers with special knowledge of driving offence cases.’
7 Harrington Street
The criminal law team at 7 Harrington Street has broad-ranging expertise and its members handle a broad range of criminal cases. The set is home to Nicholas Johnson KC, who is regularly instructed on cases regarding gross negligence manslaughter, alleged gangland murders, major drug importation and distribution networks, serious sexual offences, and fraud. A notable highlight was his defence of a 14-year-old boy charged with the murder of 12-year-old Ava White, who was stabbed to death in central Liverpool. Head of chambers Richard Pratt KC prosecutes and defends, and he defended a woman who was convicted of abusing her husband in addition to subjecting him to severe controlling and coercive behaviour. Nigel Power KC is another key member of the set and he has significant expertise in murder and fraud cases.
Testimonials
‘The set is very user friendly and very approachable for solicitors, and they are understanding of the difficulties solicitors face in the modern, professional world.’
‘7 Harrington Street has added greater depth over the years and now ranks as the best in the Liverpool area.’
‘The set is very approachable and understands the difficulties of a solicitor’s practice.’
‘All the clerks are very efficient. The head clerk is excellent at making an instructing solicitor feel valued.’
‘The clerks are always keen to assist. They have a proper understanding of how a solicitor’s practice works.’
‘The clerks are very approachable and very willing to assist and engage with solicitors.’
Kenworthy's Chambers
With ‘solid strength in depth’, Kenworthy’s Chambers‘ criminal law team expertly handles multi-handed defence and prosecution cases, including drug conspiracies, fraud, serious violent offences, including murder and baby-shaking, gang-related cases, and serious sexual offences. Criminal defence specialist Barry Grennan is skilled in acting on cases regarding death by dangerous driving, firearms and multi-handed fraud cases, and historic sexual abuse claims. Patrick Cassidy is another reputable defence advocate, handling cases involving serious alleged violence, including with firearms. David Morton is regularly instructed on serious violence, murder, and organised gang cases. The set also houses Sara Haque, who defends and prosecutes and is especially skilled in serious sexual offence cases, and serious crime expert Waheed Baber.
Testimonials
‘Paul Mander and Greg Highton both provide immediate responses via email or call when needed. Both provide regular updates in cases when the courts fail to provide updates directly, and they are always on the other end of the line if needed.’
‘Very easy to deal with. Paul Mander and Gregory Highton are always happy to help.’
‘Paul Mander is very helpful and thorough.’
St John's Buildings
St John’s Buildings is praised for its ‘good strength in depth’ and ‘range of expertise’. The criminal law team at the set handles a broad variety of matters, from murder and serious sexual offences, to human and drug trafficking, child abduction, and the most serious road traffic offences. David John James, who is frequently instructed on cases involving serious violence and fraud, is representing a serving police officer accused of attempting to murder his partner. Mark Connor acts for both the defence and prosecution in cases regarding murder, death by dangerous driving, and firearms conspiracies. Other notable members of the set include Rebecca Penfold, who represented a co-defendant in a complex modern slavery and human trafficking case.
Testimonials
‘Brilliant clerks who are great at communicating listing information and clashes, and they work seamlessly. Andrew Booth is particularly helpful and Mark Heald is a brilliant head clerk.’
‘Very good clerking team. The chief criminal clerk, Mark Heald, is a consummate professional.’
‘The clerks are incredibly well organised and make the job of a solicitor easier by arranging listings.’
‘The clerks work hard to ensure the counsel of choice is available.’
‘St John’s Buildings is a brilliant set.’
‘The set as a whole is strong.’
‘St John’s buildings is a large chambers with good strength in depth and a range of expertise.’
‘A very strong set with talent at all levels.’
18 St John Street Chambers
The criminal law team at 18 St John Street Chambers is ‘very well-regarded with many individuals who are well known for their ability and expertise in criminal law’. Its members defend and prosecute in a range of serious, high-profile, and complex cases, from murder and serious sexual offences, to terrorism and fraud. The set is home to Michael Brady KC, who regularly defends and prosecutes in murder cases, and he was instructed to prosecute in a case where five men were charged with the murder of a man they did not know, believing he had drugs or money to steal. Rachel Faux has significant expertise in cases concerning violence, drugs, dishonesty, and sexual assaults, in addition to cases involving serious injuries to, and death of, children - she prosecuted a woman who was found guilty of the murder of a 13-month-old child she was seeking to adopt.
Testimonials
‘The clerks room is very efficient and accommodating. Particular praise goes to senior criminal clerk James Hotchin, who has a can do attitude and is always striving to provide the best service.’
‘James Hotchin is a stand-out clerk. He makes sure the job is done and anticipates potential listing issues and resolves them before they escalate. He is intuitive and extremely helpful.’
‘The clerks are very helpful. James Hotchin is always very helpful and will suggest suitable counsel to provide cover.’
‘James Hotchin is the best clerk in Manchester who sorts everything out for solicitors and barristers.’
‘The Clerks are extremely proactive in getting cases moved for counsels’ availability and they assist solicitors significantly in communicating with listing officers.’
‘The criminal department is very well regarded with many individuals who are well known for their ability and expertise in crime.’
‘Chambers is highly regarded in Manchester, and they offer training to solicitors which is always a plus.’
’18 St John Street has recruited consistently and is strong from the most junior to the most senior.’
23 Essex Street
23 Essex Street is praised as ‘a great set with strength in depth and a go-to set for crime’, and its members prosecute and defend on significant cases, including those involving serious sexual offences and murder. Hugh McKee has strengths in cases regarding road traffic, as well as conspiracies to rob and to supply drugs. Of recent note, McKee prosecuted in the case of Operation Porcupine, a conspiracy to supply class A drugs from Liverpool to Blackpool. The set is also home to Daniel Lister, who has a well-established criminal practice, and he defended in a case concerning alleged attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Bob Sastry appears in complex cases, including large-scale drug cases.
Testimonials
‘Sean Hulston and Kevin Ambridge are exceptional clerks. If you contact them you can be assured that they will take all of the stress away from you having to find an advocate to deal with a case, as they will arrange cover for the case.’
‘Wayne King is excellent, as is Adam Chapman.’
‘Wayne King and Adam Chapman are first class. Always available and willing to go the extra mile for you.’
‘There is a depth of experience and professionalism within the clerks’ room at 23 Essex Street, with Chambers Director, Wayne King, being note-worthy.’
‘They have very good communication between chambers, solicitors, clients, experts, and other parties.’
’23 Essex Street has a number of very good advocates and offers strength in depth. It also has a number of junior advocates who are very quickly proving themselves to be very competent.’
’23 Essex Street is an excellent set with a good range of counsel.’
‘A great set with strength in depth and a go-to set for crime.’
9 St John Street
9 St John Street ‘is an excellent set of chambers in the criminal field’ and some of its members have more niche expertise in areas such as cash seizures, anti-social behaviour orders and sexual harm prevention orders. Jaime Hamilton KC both prosecutes and defends, and his practice includes representing police officers in criminal proceedings. Geoff Whelan handles a wide range of serious criminal cases including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to supply, rape and other serious sexual offences, and fraud – in addition to his defence practice, he prosecuted an 80-year-old defendant who was convicted of rape and other serious sexual offences over a 30-year period against six victims. Helen Longworth is skilled in handling serious fraud, money laundering, serious sexual offences, and gang-related drug trafficking cases, and Vanessa Thomson is another notable name in the set with expertise in serious sexual offence cases.
Testimonials
‘The service provided by 9 St John Street and the clerks is always of an extremely high quality. Chris Swann, the senior criminal clerk, deserves a special mention. He is always willing to go over and above to assist both counsel and their instructing solicitors.’
‘The clerks are always a phone call away and go above and beyond to provide an excellent service. Chris Swann in particular is fantastic.’
‘The service in the clerks room is second to none and they are always there when you require their services; no task is too small for them. They are always welcoming and happy to assist you.’
Deans Court Chambers
Deans Court Chambers‘ criminal law team undertakes both defence and prosecution work, from minor offences to organised crime, the latter of which is within the expertise of head of chambers Michael Hayton KC – he defended in a high-profile eleven-defendant conspiracy to murder trial, in the context of a dispute between the M40 and RTD gangs, involving issues of the use of drill music lyrics as evidence. Joseph Hart is skilled in acting for the defence in significant financial crime cases, such as money laundering, in addition to acting in sexual offence cases and offences of violence, including murder. Virginia Hayton predominantly defends cases of historic sexual offences. Peter Horgan is now a circuit judge.
Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers houses Nina Grahame KC, who has significant expertise in representing defendants with complex mental health needs and handling defences of insanity, loss of control, and diminished responsibility – in addition, she also defended in a multi-defendant conspiracy to murder case in Manchester, featuring complex issues of social media evidence, including drill music. Pete Weatherby KC is another name of note with a large criminal defence practice.
Work highlights
Exchange Chambers
Testimonials
‘A large clerking team with bags of experience. Head criminal clerk Nick Buckley stands out as a great networker and a real asset.’
‘Very professional and efficient. In Manchester, this is run by chambers director Nick Buckley, who is simply a legend. He cannot be praised highly enough.’
‘There are an abundance of clerks at this set, and Kate Masher and Neil Wright stand out. You only have to raise an issue with them once and it gets done.’
‘Chambers’ clerks, particularly from the Liverpool branch, are second to none. Graeme Hipkiss is incredible, honest, hard working, and dedicated to the role. Nothing is too much trouble for him.’
‘Proactive and helpful. Andy Leech in Manchester and Kate Masher in Liverpool have excellent knowledge of their team and provide good advice and assistance with regards to counsel selection.’
‘Exchange Chambers is an extremely strong and well-managed set; a veritable Northern powerhouse. They have a strength in depth which is second to none and their can-do approach runs right through the organisation.’
‘Exchange Chambers is a fantastic set as a whole. They will advise of counsel’s availability honestly which is refreshing, and if preferred counsel are not available, there are always alternate counsel available who have significant expertise.’
‘Great range of counsel across many areas and a number of excellent barristers with a good range of experience and expertise, allowing the right choice to be made for individual clients.’
Lincoln House Chambers
Lincoln House Chambers is praised as ‘a set with a deserved reputation as being the elite criminal set in the North West with real quality amongst its members’, who handle a wide variety of criminal law matters, from road traffic offences, sexual offences, violence, and drug offences, to financial crime and fraud. Simon Csoka KC has expertise in defending in organised crime, fraud, and high-profile murder cases, and Kate Blackwell KC and Mark Ford KC are also notable silks; Ford KC represented a female teacher, who was acquitted after being accused of entering into a sexual relationship with a male pupil. Rachel Cooper is often instructed on cases where clients have significant mental health needs, and she represented a defendant charged with attempted murder after the victim was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver. Richard Dawson specialises in road traffic and transport law and represents those accused of driving offences – he represented a paramedic who was prosecuted and acquitted after his ambulance was involved in a head-on collision, killing both occupants of the other vehicle, when he passed the site where the previous day he saw a child die. In 2023 Rebecca Filletti, Clare Ashcroft and David Pojur joined the team, and Katherine Pierpoint and Neil Usher were appointed to the circuit bench.
Testimonials
‘The clerking service is second to none. Andy McGuinness succeeds in providing the highest level of service.’
‘Andy McGuinness and Ty Price stand out as exceptional. They are always at hand to assist and really do strive to provide the highest levels of service. All of the clerks work extremely hard and are a pleasure to deal with.’
‘The service of Lincoln House Chambers is second to none. David Gibbons is particularly excellent, always responds, and will go out of his way to help.’
‘David Wright, Andy McGuinness, Dave Gibbons, and the rest of the team bend over backwards to help. They are great to deal with and always bring a positive approach to any difficulties.’
‘David Gibbons is the stand-out performer, but all the clerks are efficient and get the target result.’
‘A set with a deserved reputation as being the elite criminal set in the North West with real quality amongst its members.’
‘Lincoln House Chambers is a fantastic set of chambers with highly skilled advocates. If instructed counsel is unavailable, you will be provided with equally competent counsel.’
‘Lincoln House Chambers has a solid team of barristers with special knowledge of driving offence cases.’
7 Harrington Street
The criminal law team at 7 Harrington Street has broad-ranging expertise and its members handle a broad range of criminal cases. The set is home to Nicholas Johnson KC, who is regularly instructed on cases regarding gross negligence manslaughter, alleged gangland murders, major drug importation and distribution networks, serious sexual offences, and fraud. A notable highlight was his defence of a 14-year-old boy charged with the murder of 12-year-old Ava White, who was stabbed to death in central Liverpool. Head of chambers Richard Pratt KC prosecutes and defends, and he defended a woman who was convicted of abusing her husband in addition to subjecting him to severe controlling and coercive behaviour. Nigel Power KC is another key member of the set and he has significant expertise in murder and fraud cases.
Testimonials
‘The set is very user friendly and very approachable for solicitors, and they are understanding of the difficulties solicitors face in the modern, professional world.’
‘7 Harrington Street has added greater depth over the years and now ranks as the best in the Liverpool area.’
‘The set is very approachable and understands the difficulties of a solicitor’s practice.’
‘All the clerks are very efficient. The head clerk is excellent at making an instructing solicitor feel valued.’
‘The clerks are always keen to assist. They have a proper understanding of how a solicitor’s practice works.’
‘The clerks are very approachable and very willing to assist and engage with solicitors.’
Kenworthy's Chambers
With ‘solid strength in depth’, Kenworthy’s Chambers‘ criminal law team expertly handles multi-handed defence and prosecution cases, including drug conspiracies, fraud, serious violent offences, including murder and baby-shaking, gang-related cases, and serious sexual offences. Criminal defence specialist Barry Grennan is skilled in acting on cases regarding death by dangerous driving, firearms and multi-handed fraud cases, and historic sexual abuse claims. Patrick Cassidy is another reputable defence advocate, handling cases involving serious alleged violence, including with firearms. David Morton is regularly instructed on serious violence, murder, and organised gang cases. The set also houses Sara Haque, who defends and prosecutes and is especially skilled in serious sexual offence cases, and serious crime expert Waheed Baber.
Testimonials
‘Paul Mander and Greg Highton both provide immediate responses via email or call when needed. Both provide regular updates in cases when the courts fail to provide updates directly, and they are always on the other end of the line if needed.’
‘Very easy to deal with. Paul Mander and Gregory Highton are always happy to help.’
‘Paul Mander is very helpful and thorough.’
St John's Buildings
St John’s Buildings is praised for its ‘good strength in depth’ and ‘range of expertise’. The criminal law team at the set handles a broad variety of matters, from murder and serious sexual offences, to human and drug trafficking, child abduction, and the most serious road traffic offences. David John James, who is frequently instructed on cases involving serious violence and fraud, is representing a serving police officer accused of attempting to murder his partner. Mark Connor acts for both the defence and prosecution in cases regarding murder, death by dangerous driving, and firearms conspiracies. Other notable members of the set include Rebecca Penfold, who represented a co-defendant in a complex modern slavery and human trafficking case.
Testimonials
‘Brilliant clerks who are great at communicating listing information and clashes, and they work seamlessly. Andrew Booth is particularly helpful and Mark Heald is a brilliant head clerk.’
‘Very good clerking team. The chief criminal clerk, Mark Heald, is a consummate professional.’
‘The clerks are incredibly well organised and make the job of a solicitor easier by arranging listings.’
‘The clerks work hard to ensure the counsel of choice is available.’
‘St John’s Buildings is a brilliant set.’
‘The set as a whole is strong.’
‘St John’s buildings is a large chambers with good strength in depth and a range of expertise.’
‘A very strong set with talent at all levels.’
18 St John Street Chambers
The criminal law team at 18 St John Street Chambers is ‘very well-regarded with many individuals who are well known for their ability and expertise in criminal law’. Its members defend and prosecute in a range of serious, high-profile, and complex cases, from murder and serious sexual offences, to terrorism and fraud. The set is home to Michael Brady KC, who regularly defends and prosecutes in murder cases, and he was instructed to prosecute in a case where five men were charged with the murder of a man they did not know, believing he had drugs or money to steal. Rachel Faux has significant expertise in cases concerning violence, drugs, dishonesty, and sexual assaults, in addition to cases involving serious injuries to, and death of, children - she prosecuted a woman who was found guilty of the murder of a 13-month-old child she was seeking to adopt.
Testimonials
‘The clerks room is very efficient and accommodating. Particular praise goes to senior criminal clerk James Hotchin, who has a can do attitude and is always striving to provide the best service.’
‘James Hotchin is a stand-out clerk. He makes sure the job is done and anticipates potential listing issues and resolves them before they escalate. He is intuitive and extremely helpful.’
‘The clerks are very helpful. James Hotchin is always very helpful and will suggest suitable counsel to provide cover.’
‘James Hotchin is the best clerk in Manchester who sorts everything out for solicitors and barristers.’
‘The Clerks are extremely proactive in getting cases moved for counsels’ availability and they assist solicitors significantly in communicating with listing officers.’
‘The criminal department is very well regarded with many individuals who are well known for their ability and expertise in crime.’
‘Chambers is highly regarded in Manchester, and they offer training to solicitors which is always a plus.’
’18 St John Street has recruited consistently and is strong from the most junior to the most senior.’
23 Essex Street
23 Essex Street is praised as ‘a great set with strength in depth and a go-to set for crime’, and its members prosecute and defend on significant cases, including those involving serious sexual offences and murder. Hugh McKee has strengths in cases regarding road traffic, as well as conspiracies to rob and to supply drugs. Of recent note, McKee prosecuted in the case of Operation Porcupine, a conspiracy to supply class A drugs from Liverpool to Blackpool. The set is also home to Daniel Lister, who has a well-established criminal practice, and he defended in a case concerning alleged attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Bob Sastry appears in complex cases, including large-scale drug cases.
Testimonials
‘Sean Hulston and Kevin Ambridge are exceptional clerks. If you contact them you can be assured that they will take all of the stress away from you having to find an advocate to deal with a case, as they will arrange cover for the case.’
‘Wayne King is excellent, as is Adam Chapman.’
‘Wayne King and Adam Chapman are first class. Always available and willing to go the extra mile for you.’
‘There is a depth of experience and professionalism within the clerks’ room at 23 Essex Street, with Chambers Director, Wayne King, being note-worthy.’
‘They have very good communication between chambers, solicitors, clients, experts, and other parties.’
’23 Essex Street has a number of very good advocates and offers strength in depth. It also has a number of junior advocates who are very quickly proving themselves to be very competent.’
’23 Essex Street is an excellent set with a good range of counsel.’
‘A great set with strength in depth and a go-to set for crime.’
9 St John Street
9 St John Street ‘is an excellent set of chambers in the criminal field’ and some of its members have more niche expertise in areas such as cash seizures, anti-social behaviour orders and sexual harm prevention orders. Jaime Hamilton KC both prosecutes and defends, and his practice includes representing police officers in criminal proceedings. Geoff Whelan handles a wide range of serious criminal cases including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to supply, rape and other serious sexual offences, and fraud – in addition to his defence practice, he prosecuted an 80-year-old defendant who was convicted of rape and other serious sexual offences over a 30-year period against six victims. Helen Longworth is skilled in handling serious fraud, money laundering, serious sexual offences, and gang-related drug trafficking cases, and Vanessa Thomson is another notable name in the set with expertise in serious sexual offence cases.
Testimonials
‘The service provided by 9 St John Street and the clerks is always of an extremely high quality. Chris Swann, the senior criminal clerk, deserves a special mention. He is always willing to go over and above to assist both counsel and their instructing solicitors.’
‘The clerks are always a phone call away and go above and beyond to provide an excellent service. Chris Swann in particular is fantastic.’
‘The service in the clerks room is second to none and they are always there when you require their services; no task is too small for them. They are always welcoming and happy to assist you.’
Deans Court Chambers
Deans Court Chambers‘ criminal law team undertakes both defence and prosecution work, from minor offences to organised crime, the latter of which is within the expertise of head of chambers Michael Hayton KC – he defended in a high-profile eleven-defendant conspiracy to murder trial, in the context of a dispute between the M40 and RTD gangs, involving issues of the use of drill music lyrics as evidence. Joseph Hart is skilled in acting for the defence in significant financial crime cases, such as money laundering, in addition to acting in sexual offence cases and offences of violence, including murder. Virginia Hayton predominantly defends cases of historic sexual offences. Peter Horgan is now a circuit judge.
Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers houses Nina Grahame KC, who has significant expertise in representing defendants with complex mental health needs and handling defences of insanity, loss of control, and diminished responsibility – in addition, she also defended in a multi-defendant conspiracy to murder case in Manchester, featuring complex issues of social media evidence, including drill music. Pete Weatherby KC is another name of note with a large criminal defence practice.