Rebecca Fairbairn

Rebecca is a true specialist in terms of rape and serious sexual offences, acting on behalf of the prosecution and defence. She is a grade 4 RASSO prosecutor and is instructed in cases of the most sensitivity and complexity. Rebecca is proficient in assimilating evidence and, if called upon, is able to direct and advise on investigation strategy.

Rebecca has considerable experience in cases involving defendants and complainants who are very young, those with vulnerabilities and learning delay and fitness to plead issues. She is often instructed in cases involving complex medico-legal issues, such as “sexsomnia” and false memory syndrome.

Dealing with those who are vulnerable is an essential part of being a specialist advocate in this field. Rebecca is down to earth and approachable but firm when needed.  She is routinely making and resisting complex legal arguments both in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal.

Prosecution

• 2023 R v B- successful prosecution, campaign of rape 2 complainants sentenced to 25 years extended.
• 2023 R v S- successful prosecution of rape and assault.  Sadistic features.  Sentenced to 25 years extended.
• 2023 R v M- succesful prosecution rape under 13.
• 2022 R v H- successful prosecution of historic campaign of rape.
• 2021 R v B – successful prosecution of rape and sexual abuse on two complainants sentenced to 25 years extended.
• 2021 R v B – successful prosecution of rape where alleged to have been suffering with parasomnia – sentenced to 12 ½ years.
• 2021 R v MC – successful prosecution of campaign of sexual abuse on family member sentenced to 17 years.
• 2021 R v H & R – successful prosecution of historic sexual abuse on two complainants by former married couple.
• 2020 R v M – sole counsel instructed in case involving the recording of at least 150 rapes under 13. Advised on undue leniency and sentenced increased to life with a minimum term of 25 years on a plea.
• 2020 R v G – successful prosecution rape of masseuse at gunpoint- defended by QC.

Defence

• 2023- SPA v R- Leading Ed Wylde, acquitted rape and assault.
• 2023 – R v N- assault by penetration.  Successful submission at half-time.
• 2023 R v H- acquitted rape and sexual assault.
• 2023 R v F- multi-handed rape.  Acquitted.
• 2021 R v H – man accused of historic allegations of rape against two complainants
• 2021 R v XXX – child accused of rape in the Youth Court. Acquitted.
• 2019 R v B – young man with autism and learning difficulties accused of raping his 6-year-old cousin, found unfit and not to have done the act.
• 2016 R v Q – Before Griffith-Williams J-stepfather accused of campaign of rape under 13 on his stepdaughter. Acquitted.
• R v C – campaign of rape

Rebecca also prosecutes and defends in cases of serious violence and murder, most recently attempted murder. She has prosecuted and defended in fatal driving cases, including one requiring highly technical reconstruction evidence.

s.18 stabbing.

• 2021 R v R – s.18 stabbing.
• 2020 R v G – attempted murder.
• 2020 R v W – multi handed s.18.
• 2019 R v P – death by careless.

Defence

• 2021 R v F – arson with intent.
• 2020 R v L – 18-year-old acquitted s.18 stabbing.
• 2018 R v B – 18-year-old accused s.18 stabbing.
• 2018 R v C – death by careless.
• 2013 R v W & ors – body in suitcase murder, led by Oba Nsugbe QC.
• 2011 R v Henderson – young woman accused of murder of mother, led by Henry Grunwald QC.
• 2010 R v Crago – 14-year-old acquitted murder, led by Richard Kovalevsky QC.