News & Events: Criminal
Mark Ruffell and Stephanie Painter prosecute a drug gang who were jailed for smuggling £64m of cocaine into UK on a speedboat
The drugs gang that smuggled £64m worth of cocaine into the UK on a speedboat has been jailed for a combined 92 years. Seven men planned to bring 889kg of the drug into Hampshire on a rigid-hulled inflatable boat in July 2024. Winchester Crown Court heard that all seven men had admitted conspiracy to import cocaine. The […]
Hester Calder secures SSO for a client charged with PWITS
Hester Calder, instructed by Mishma Muambe of Andrew Storch Solicitors, represented a client for sentencing, having been charged with PWITS Class A. The Judge was clear that his intention was to sentence him to immediate custody, considering a starting point of 4 years 6 months. However, after lengthy submissions, Ms Calder successfully obtained a SSO […]
The Legal 500 2026
We are delighted to announce that Pump Court’s members have obtained 82 individual rankings in the Legal 500 2026, including 21 new rankings and 12 promotions this year across our key practice areas and regions. Members of Chambers are ranked in the following areas: Crime (London and Western Circuit), Ecclesiastical Law, Employment (London and Western […]
Ed Wylde successfully defends man accused of historical sexual offences
Ed Wylde, instructed by Footner & Ewing, represented a man accused of historical sexual offences – all counts relating to the same complainant, and alleged to have taken place in the 1980s. The complainant was a friend of the defendant’s homosexual partner at the time; the trial required sensitive handling of all witnesses, and particularly […]
Hester Calder secures convictions in Winchester Crown Court trial
Hester Calder won her trial in Winchester Crown Court, after securing a conviction on 3 counts of fraud, burglary, and taking a vehicle without consent. For further information about Hester’s practice or to instruct her, please contact Tony George, Senior Criminal Clerk, or another member of the clerking team at clerks@pumpcourtchambers.com or 020 7353 0711.
Emily Lanham secures an acquittal in firearms case
Emily Lanham represented a man charged with possession of a firearm without a certificate. The Defendant had been arrested after refusing to leave his property on the day of eviction. He was found to be in possession of several weapons including a 19th Century antique Enfield Musket. He claimed that he did not know this […]
Thomas Wilkins prosecutes man for GBH
Vinny Morgan was sentenced to 13 years and 6 months in prison for grievous bodily harm with intent, conspiracy to commit affray, and possession of an offensive weapon, after he pinned a member of the public against a wall in a stolen Range Rover, leading to the victim’s leg being amputated. Thomas Wilkins, prosecuting, told […]
Sarah Jones KC to be appointed Leader of the Western Circuit
We are incredibly proud to announce that Sarah Jones KC will become Leader of the Western Circuit, with effect from 1st October 2025. Sarah Jones KC is a very busy and highly sought-after silk, instructed for both the Crown and the Defence. She is Head of Pump Court’s Criminal Team. Sarah commented: “I am so […]
Timothy Akers publishes an article in the June edition of the counsel magazine – A rallying cry for RASSO counsel
Timothy Akers has published an article in the June edition of the counsel magazine – A rallying cry for RASSO counsel This article is a clarion call to all RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) counsel/potential RASSO counsel. Discussing the current climate in the CJS, Undertaking RASSO work, the CPS RASSO list, and more. For the […]
Pupil Barrister, Edward Armitage, secures convictions in his first Crown Court trial
Pupil Barrister, Edward Armitage, secures convictions for a defendant charged with intentional strangulation and criminal damage, in his first Crown Court trial. The brief facts of the case are these: An argument developed between the victim and defendant on the night of 18th November 2023. Matters escalated, and the defendant was accused of attempting to […]
Christopher Pix prosecutes 39 year old woman, convicted by a jury of causing serious injury by dangerous driving
Christopher Pix prosecuted a 39 year old woman who was convicted by a jury of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. This followed a five-day trial at Portsmouth Crown Court. The Crown’s case was that the woman drove her car at her estranged husband, who was standing in front of the car. He suffered multiple injuries, including […]
Alvaro Loxton persuades Southampton Magistrates’ Court to impose short disqualification instead of licence revocation for speeding
Alvaro Loxton, a pupil in chambers, successfully persuades Southampton Magistrates’ Court to disqualify for 28 days rather than revoke the license of a young driver for speeding. The client was charged under Section 89(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for speeding at 60mph in a 30mph zone. The client was at danger of […]
