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Susan Ferrier

Susan Ferrier

Susan practises in all types of cases involving serious crime, and has been a grade 4 prosecutor for many years. She is appointed to the grade 4 and rape panels for the Wales circuit in 2012. She continues regularly to appear in the most serious cases involving allegations of sexual offences, both defending and prosecuting. The cases ordinarily involve multiple allegations of rape and associated sexual offences, both historic and recent, and involve witnesses with various vulnerablities including age and/or mental incapacity. She has acted as leading junior in multi-handed cases involving numerous complainants crossing generations alleging rape, as well as in a large scale drug supply conspiracy prosecuting 12 defendants. Susan was involved in the long-running ‘Lynette White’ trial, representing a police officer facing an allegation of conspiracy together to pervert the course of justice in a murder case going back 20 years, where many complex issues arose. This was the largest trial of its kind in the UK. She also represents police officers before misconduct and police appeals tribunals. Susan was recently involved in a lengthy Trading Standards trial, and is currently instructed to prosecute by the Central Fraud Division.
Nicholas Gedge

Nicholas Gedge

Criminal law: defence and prosecution (CPS grade 4 prosecutor and member of Serious Organised Crime Panel and Attorney Generars list). General crime plus regular representation of medical professionals in criminal cases. Significant cases include: defence: Operation Jasmine (counsel for GP in 2 month trial re allegations of dishonesty and making false declarations on a cremation certificate); R v Dr O (junior counsel for GP accused of attempted rape and indecent assault); R v Or P (counsel for GP accused of serial prescription fraud); R v D (counsel for dental hygienist accused of indecently assaulting a patient); R v S (counsel for GP accused of sexually assaulting two patients) ; Operation Corolla junior defence counsel in major Class A drug conspiracy). Prosecution: Operation Washer junior defence counsel in £1m+ car ringing conspiracy); Operation Rebus (prosecution junior in major Class A drug conspiracy); Operation Texas (prosecution junior in over 60kg Manchester/South Wales heroin conspiracy). Professional discipline: representation of medical professionals in disciplinary hearings (General Medical Council, General Dental Council, General Council of Chiropractors, Health Professions Council) and also police officers in disciplinary proceedings. Significant cases include: GMC v Dr B, counsel for hospital doctor in connection with allegations of dishonesty relating to prescriptions and the taking of controlled drugs outside the jurisdiction; GMC v DrS, counsel for consultant – allegations of dishonesty re the misappropriation and misuse of medical research; GMC v Dr R & Dr R, counsel for consultant and GP re allegations of misconduct in the running of a care horne; GOC v A, counsel for dental hygienist-fitness to practice re criminal convictions; Re Sgt M, counsel for custody sergeant in disciplinary proceedings re death in custody. Inquests: regular representation of medical professionals and health trusts in inquests. Significant cases include: ReG, counsel for prison doctor in high profile five-week inquest re death of prisoner In HMP Blakenhurst; Re H, counsel for health trust re death of prisoner in HMP Stafford; ReD, counsel for prison doctor re death of prisoner In HMP Bristol; Re H, counsel for health trust re death of psychiatric patient on escorted home visit.
Alexander Greenwood

Alexander Greenwood

Alexander is a former solicitor who specialises in regulatory prosecutions, confiscation and criminal law. Often a leading junior in large cases leading both prosecution and defence teams including prosecuting regulatory offences and prosecuting and defending complex Fraud, Attempt Murder and complex confiscation proceedings. Examples include HSE fatality cases and having prosecuted the largest Trading Standards prosecution on behalf of Cornwall County Council with associated multi-million pound confiscation proceedings. Regularly prosecutes and provides advice  for regulatory bodies including the Health and Safety Executive, Illegal Money Lending Unit, The British Recorded Music Industry, the Federation Against Copyright Theft, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales. Regularly lectures and trains legal and enforcement officers on recent developments in the law and produces a regular update for those prosecuting enforcement work including at the Chartered Institue of Trading Standards Institute annual conference. Regularly appears in the Court of Appeal. Notable cases include: R v Gustavson and others (2025) EWCA Crim 493  lead authority on credit for consent in body modification and assault cases. NRW v Atlantic Recycling Limited (2024) EWCA Crim 325 determination by LCJ that Environmental Permit conditions should be given their natural meaning.  Advice upheld. R v Adams (2019) EWCA Crim 1363 lead authority on cross admissibility: R v Mundy (2018) EWCA Crim 105 guidance on the approach to prosecution appeals and application of s22 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 application for re-determination. R v Cairns and others (2013) EWCA Crim 467 lead authority on basis of pleas. R v Miller (2010) EWCA lead authority on the need to include “dwelling” in charges in respect of the three strikes rule. Pennington Inquiry (2008) Lead team on behalf of core participant into the UK’s second largest outbreak of e-coli 0157. The inquiry was the first under the Inquiries Act 2005 and the first to be ordered by the Welsh Assembly Government. Publications and other notables: Consumer and Trading Standards Law and Practice Editorial Committee (“The Pink Book”) published by Lexis Nexis (13th Edition 2025) Regular contributor to Chartered Institute of Trading Standards Journal. Advised large consumer organisation on submissions to Parliament on the Online Safety Act 2023. 2024 gave evidence on behalf of the Criminal Bar Association to Senedd Select Committee on the proposed new criminal law in respect of politicians accused of lying.
Rebecca Griffiths (née Oakley)

Rebecca Griffiths (née Oakley)

Current Appointments Disability Qualified Member, Social Entitlement Tribunal List B Specialist Regulatory Advocate, Health and Safety and Environmental Law Criminal Law Panel B, Welsh Government Level 3 Prosecutor, Crown Prosecution Service Rape Panel, Crown Prosecution Service Practice Areas General Crime, Disciplinary Law, Regulatory Law, Environmental Law and Animal Welfare. General Crime and Disciplinary Law Rebecca has extensive experience defending those charged with serious sexual, violent and other criminal offences, including representing professional clients and police officers in both criminal and internal disciplinary proceedings. She regularly prosecutes, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, the Department for Work and Pensions, many regulatory bodies and Local Authorities, the Welsh Government and the Probation Service. Rebecca is experienced in cases involving money laundering, benefit fraud and regulatory offences. Notable cases: R v Davies, Davies, King and King:Prosecuting a conspiracy to employ illegal immigrants on behalf of the Complex Casework Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service. Junior in a number of complex cases, including Operation Texas (large-scale drugs conspiracy), Operation Evasive (environmental offences) and Operation Rhino (police misconduct). Regulatory and Environmental Law and Animal Welfare Rebecca has a special interest in the field of regulatory law, providing advocacy and advice across all the major disciplines. She is experienced in representing companies and individuals facing prosecution or regulatory proceedings and in prosecuting on behalf of various Local Authorities and a number of Government Departments and statutory bodies, including: \tHer Majesty’s Revenue and Customs \tThe Department for Trade and Industry \tThe Health and Safety Executive \tThe Environment Agency \tNatural Resources Wales \tThe Food Standards Agency Rebecca understands the demands of prosecuting such cases and is sensitive to the importance of transparency, cost-effectiveness and public accountability, as well as ensuring that enforcement action complies with appropriate policies. Understanding that cases in this area require substantial collaboration within the prosecuting team, she ensures that clear advice and correspondence are provided promptly, carrying out regular reviews to ensure that cases progress effectively and that deadlines are met. Rebecca’s experience includes the following types of regulatory law: Environmental: \tWaste, including hazardous waste \tPollution \tStatutory nuisance \tVariation, Information, Suspension, Prohibition, Stop and Enforcement Notices \tEnvironmental Permits and Waste Transfer Notices \tIn preparation for the inauguration of Natural Resources Wales in April 2013, Rebecca was instructed to review several hundred pieces of primary and secondary legislation encompassing the full breadth of environmental law and to advise the Environment Agency Wales on the body’s forthcoming powers. Health and Safety: \tWork-related deaths \tPersonal liability \tWork-at-height \tTransport \tMachinery \tSmall, medium and large organisations, including the self-employed, employers, directors and partnerships \tImprovement and Prohibition Notices \tMemoranda of Understanding Trading Standards: \tTrade descriptions \tTrade marks \tUnfair trading regulations \tSafety regulations in sectors such as tobacco and cosmetics Animal Health: \tAnimal cruelty and unnecessary suffering \tFarmed animals \tProtected species Food Hygiene: \tFood standards and safety Fraud: \tSocial Security, Council Tax and Housing Benefits \tCorporate fraud \tFalse accounting \tVAT evasion \tTax fraud Proceeds of crime and confiscation Taxi and Hackney Carriage Licenes Notable cases: R v Morganite Electrical Carbon Ltd:Prosecuting a work-related death on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive. R v Nolan Recycling Ltd: Prosecuting a work-related death on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive.
Andrew Kendall

Andrew Kendall

Andrew is a specialist criminal barrister. He is a grade 4 CPS panel advocate, a level 2 CPS Serious Crime panel member and a member of the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences panel. Andrew has a wealth of experience in dealing with all kinds of criminal cases, including serious sexual and violent offences, offences relating the supply of controlled drugs and fraud. Andrew has appeared in numerous multi-handed and complex cases as both leading and junior counsel. Andrew has experience in working with young clients and clients suffering with various mental health issues and learning difficulties. Notable cases include: R v Zayne Farrugia [2025]: defence of a man charged with riot following his involvement in the Ely riot in 2023. This was a complex, multi-handed case. The defendant was convicted following a 5 week trial at Newport Crown Court before the Recorder of Cardiff, HHJ Lloyd-Clarke. R v JS [2025]: Successful defence of a man charged with multiple counts of rape and other sexual and violent offences. This case involved allegations made by multiple complainants. The defendant was acquitted on all counts following a 7 day trial at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court. R v Alcwyn Thomas [2025]: Operation Manicoba. Led by Michael Jones KC. Prosecution of a man charged with murder before the Recorder of Cardiff, HHJ Lloyd-Clarke. The defendant was convicted following 3 week trial at Cardiff Crown Court. R v MM [2024]: Successful defence of a man charged with multiple offences of indecency with a child. This case involved allegations of a historic nature, dating back to 1994. R v GMP [2024]: Successful defence of a young man charged with rape and multiple offences of strangulation. The complainant in the case was 15 years of age. The case involved legal argument relating to bad character and s. 41 YJCEA 1999. R v Kieran Carter and others [2024]: Operation Eranthis. Led by Christopher Rees KC. Successful prosecution of a man charged with murder before Mr Justice Nicklin. This was a complex, multi-handed case. The defendant was convicted following a 4 week trial at Cardiff Crown Court. R v RM [2023]: Operation Vemtor. Leading counsel in the successful defence of a man charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine. The defendant was acquitted following a four week trial at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.
Christopher Rees KC

Christopher Rees KC

Chris is Head of Chambers and a founder member of Apex Chambers. He has been a practising barrister in Cardiff since 1997 and was appointed as King's Counsel in 2023. Christopher is a founder member of Apex Chambers and practises in the areas of fraud, regulatory work, professional discipline and crime. He is a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor and a panel advocate for the Welsh Assembly government. He has been instructed in some of the most high profile criminal cases on the Wales Circuit and beyond. Christopher has extensive experience in acting in serious and complex crime and in particular very-high-cost cases. He has prosecuted and defended as leading junior and junior counsel in MTIC frauds, fuel laundering frauds, banking frauds, major drugs supply/importation, homicide offences, serious sexual offences and offences against the person. Christopher has been instructed in Criminal Cases Review Commission cases and successfully overturned historic wrongful convictions at the Court of Appeal. A further area of specialisation is police disciplinary work with a particular expertise in Police Appeals Tribunals. Christopher has represented officers from many different forces (South Wales, Avon and Somerset, Dyfed Powys, Wiltshire. Christopher has acted on behalf of Police Officers and South Wales Police in a number of ‘death in custody’ inquests in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. Other Regulatory work includes acting and advising in trademark and copyright cases, VAT Tribunals and sports discipline. Christopher is able to receive instructions directly. Recent notable cases include: R v Edgar Francis [2013] successful defence of an 83 year old man charged with serious historic sexual offences allegedly committed during the 1970’s. R v Rumana Begum [2013] large scale money laundering trial involving the proceeds of internet fraud. R v Richards and Hope [2012] High profile 6 month murder case involving the contract killing of a young man in Cardiff. R v Rees [2011] VAT evasion case involving the importation of over 6 million counterfeit cigarettes. R v Phillip Packer [2010] EWCA Crim 2491. I was Junior Counsel at trial and appeared in the successful appeal against the murder tariff in the Court of Appeal. This was the murder of a young girl in Brldgend by her former partner. R v Pinnell [2010] EWCA 2848 [2011] Crim l.R 253 leading authority on the use of extended sentences. R v Ashman and others [2010] (Operation Ukraine) Leading Junior in VHCC MTIC fraud involving the Importation of motor vehicles from Europe. R v Thomas [2010] serious and complex trial about an international child pornography ring involving computer experts from around the world. R v Wahid and others [2010] (Operation Atlanta) Large scale conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. R v Ali and others [2010] (Operation Rebus) Large scale conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. R v Bannister [2010) 2 All ER 841 guideline authority on the use of ‘special driving skills’ of Police Officers in dangerous driving cases. Other notable cases: R v Ali Jalali and others[2009) Leading Junior in VHCC nationwide banking fraud. R v Singh and others [2009] Serious sexual abuse case involving multiple family members. R v Craig Johnson and others(Operation Emersed) [2007] EWCA 2837 £138m VAT fraud. One of the largest VAT frauds in the history of the UK. The trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court lasted nine months with full jury protection. R v Strain and Kelly[2006) Defence Counsel in hydro-carbons (fuel laundering) fraud involving extensive money laundering amongst the Northern Ireland criminal fraternity. R v James Alexander [2005] 2 Cr.App.R(S) Counsel in guideline Court of Appeal authority on the sentencing of racially aggravated offences. R v Nikolai and others[2004] Junior Counsel in high profile fraud case arising out of the collapse of First Vehicle Contracts a nationwide car leasing company. R v Jeffrey Ghaffour [2003] Junior Counsel in the high profile murder case involving the death of Lynette White. The case was the culmination of an investigation which spanned many years and included the notorious wrongful conviction of the ‘Cardiff Three’. R v Thompson and others [2003] (Operation Corolla). Leading Junior in a high profile Class A drugs supply conspiracy involving members of ‘Yardie’ Jamaican gangs. Christopher has been a speaker at a number of seminars on various topics relevant to areas of his practise. He has conducted training for lawyers and investigating officers for numerous Welsh Local Authorities and the Environment Agency. Christopher has a particular interest in civil liberties.
Lee Reynolds

Lee Reynolds

Lee was called to the Bar in 2002. He specialises in regulatory criminal law and Fraud. He particularly specialises in MTIC frauds and has appeared in cases such as Operation Bridging and Forbear (£180m MTIC fraud). He represents local authorities across England and Wales prosecuting serious cases of fraud, intellectual property abuse, animal welfare, health and safety and a variety of other area prosecuted by local counclls. He is Panel counsel for the Health and Safety Executive and has prosecuted for the Serious and Organised Crime Office, Illegal Money Lending Unit, Scambusters and the Welsh Assembly Government. He is frequently involved in advising individuals and companies on ‘due diligence’ systems, and has experience advising local authorities on case management, preparation and prosecution. Regular areas of work include the 1994 Trade Marks Act, prosecuting one of Wales’s largest cases concerning conspiracy to sell counterfeit merchandise; the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008; food and food safety, including the prosecution of large supermarkets on behalf of numerous local authorities for food safety, food labelling, pricing and other consumer protection offences. Lee has developed a specialism in matters under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, including money laundering, and regularly lectures to local authorities and solicitors concerning the same. He is also experienced in civil recovery cases.
John Ryan

John Ryan

John is a specialist criminal barrister with 28 years' experience.  He is an excellent tactician and a robust, charismatic, and persuasive jury advocate. His commitment to clients has consistently produced excellent results.  He is respected for his thorough preparation and meticulous approach to cases. He has extensive experience of criminal cases ranging from homicide, rape (including significant experience of defending and prosecuting historic sex allegations), kidnapping, blackmail, drugs conspiracies, to fraud and money laundering offences. His practice is evenly balanced between defence and prosecution, and John has been a Grade 4 prosecutor since 2008, and is a rape panel advocate on the Wales and Western Circuits. ​John has been instructed in an extensive number of rape cases, many involving historic complaints and children. Other cases have included kidnapping and rape, gang rape, male rape, indecent assaults on adults and children, bestiality, and indecent images of children.   He has also undertaken a vast number of cases involving serious violence, including: murder, attempted murder, serious GBH, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and large scale violent disorder.   Drug offences have included conspiracies to import and to supply Class A and B drugs involving undercover and anonymous witnesses, and John has defended in numerous cases following police operations involving organised crime groups, and recently in a case concerning over 150 kg of diamorphine and cocaine.
Hashim Salmman

Hashim Salmman

Extensive experience defending sophisticated and serious organised crime (including: Operations Carina; Oberon; Lilac Mars; Jackdaw II; Toucan; Solon; Pataca; Frank; Dino I and II; Anoint; Oyster; Red Dragon; Usk and Dodge). Regularly instructed to defend cases of the utmost gravity and public importance and cases that involve substantial, novel and complex issues of law and fact (including: homicide, serious violence, complex fraud, historic sexual offences, organised crime group drug trafficking and money laundering). Experienced in defending substantial and complex serious organised crime as leading junior (including: R v LJ and Others; R v PR and Others; Operation Tredegar and Operation Cassie). Operation Cassie concerned a complex nationwide fraud involving a company with a turnover of over £9 million and terabytes volume of data. Proceedings required specialist consideration of regulatory law and a novel point of law in relation to abuse of process. Further notable cases include: R v S and S (murder for gain, involving young defendants and complex scientific forensic evidence); R v G & L (murder involving complex medical, toxicology and blood expert evidence); R v M and F (murder for gain involving a planned stabbing and complex joint enterprise issues); R v H (murder involving complex mental health issues surrounding diminished responsibility); Operation Fimbry; and R v L and Others (serious organised crime involving conspiracy to supply an UZI machine gun and ammunition. Court persuaded to disapply a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment).
Ruth Smith

Ruth Smith

Ruth is a specialist criminal advocate and member of the Criminal Bar Association. She has prosecuted for CPS and DWP in all manner of cases and of the most seriousness. She has defended cases of the utmost gravity including murders, rapes and robberies, grave sexual offences involving children, the full range of drug offences and various types of fraud and dishonesty, including POCA’s. She has been involved in many high profile cases including representing a defendant who used the internet to try and incite Riots in Cardiff during the time that riots were prevalent across the country (R v Jamie Counsell). Recently, Ruth was yet again a junior in a murder case. This was a three-handed armed robbery of a crack dealer. There were two trials, the latter resulting in a partial acquittal and hung Jury in relation to the murder. She specialises in cases involving vulnerable persons, both child (recently as young as four years of age) and adult and is well known for her skill in dealing with such witnesses. She made the national news with her success at the Court of Appeal recently, when she obtained the release of a mother who had been imprisoned for smacking a young child. This cases sparked media debate in relation to parental chastisement. She appeared on behalf of the Criminal Case Review Commission in R v Oliver, at the Court of Appeal, a case involving substantial mental health issues, where a sentence of life imprisonment was quashed and a hospital order substituted.
Clare Wilks

Clare Wilks

Clare Wilks is a level 4 CPS panel advocate and is on the panel of rape and serious sexual offences. She deals with serious and historic sexual offences involving multiple Defendants and complainants. She has extensive experience in dealing with cases concerning young and / or vulnerable witnesses and the use of special measures, in particular intermediaries for witnesses and Defendants. Clare also receives instructions for violent offences and drug conspiracies. She has experience of high value Proceeds of Crime cases and is often instructed in cases that attract significant media attention. A further area of specialisation is police disciplinary work. Clare has represented police officers from different forces including South Wales, Gwent, Avon and Somerset, Dyfed Powys and Wiltshire). She has also represented officers before the Crown Court and the Coroner's Court.