News & Events: Criminal
Richard Tutt secures life sentence in murder trial
Richard Tutt was junior Prosecution Counsel in this murder trial at the Crown Court in Winchester before HHJ Morris, which resulted in a unanimous conviction for murder and a sentence of life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years’ imprisonment. The trial was covered in the press, including the BBC [the BBC article incorrectly […]
Mark Dubbery, Catherine Ellis and Adam Gadd appointed as Recorders
Pump Court Chambers is very pleased to announce that Mark Dubbery, Catherine Ellis and Adam Gadd have been appointed as Recorders, with effect from Tuesday 30th May 2023. The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Right Honourable The Lord Burnett of Maldon, has deployed Mark, Catherine and Adam to the South Eastern Circuit […]
James Newton-Price KC and Tim Akers achieve suspended sentence in attempted murder
In a tragic case before Winchester Crown Court, 80-year old Elizabeth Butler had been charged with the attempted mercy killing of her profoundly disabled 60-year old son. Mrs Butler’s son suffered from cerebral palsy, significant contractures in his spine, legs hands and arms and severe learning difficulties. He was bedbound and did not have the […]
Shona Love successfully defends in a Newton Hearing
On her first day on her feet, Shona successfully defended in R v H, a Newton Hearing for an Assault by Beating offence which took place in South London earlier this year. The District Judge determined the factual basis in favour of the defendant, concluding he had only kicked the complainant once to the legs, […]
Pump Court Chambers welcomes members of Stour to create southern super set
A major, multi-practice chambers reaching across London, Kent, Hampshire and Wiltshire, has emerged after Pump Court Chambers welcomed the members of Stour Chambers in Canterbury. The former members of Stour Chambers will be joining Pump Court Chambers from 3 April 2023, creating a combined membership of 120 barristers and 24 members of staff spread across […]
Should those convicted of serious offences be compelled to face their victim’s family?
The current Justice Secretary Dominic Raab thinks so. The recent, tragic murders of Sabina Nessa and Zara Aleena have prompted Mr Raab to consider new legislation which will see those convicted of serious offences compelled to attend court and face the families of those they have harmed. Both convicted murderers Jordan McSweeney and Koci Selamaj […]
Research Demonstrates Juries Convict In 58% Of Rape Cases, On Average
Over the period 2007 to 2021, the jury conviction rate for all rape charges stood at an average of 58%, with a high of 75% in 2021, according to new research published in the Criminal Law Review[1]. In 2007, the jury conviction rate was 55%. This research was commissioned by senior judiciary following public concerns […]
The Not-so-Beautiful Game
In February 2023, BBC Radio 5 Live released the results of a questionnaire canvassing the experiences of 927 grassroots referees. The statistics make for grim reading, although will come as little surprise to anyone who has played Sunday league football. Amongst the most notable figures are the following: 375 of respondents had received abuse pertaining […]
Siân Beaven secures conviction and custodial sentence in dangerous dogs case
Siân was instructed by CPS Wessex in the trial before Salisbury Crown Court. The Defendant was convicted after trial of an offence of being an owner/person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury. The case concerned the Defendant’s Belgian Malinois dog, biting the leg of the victim who, at the time, […]
Charles Gabb and Mark Ruffell secure conviction of Hampshire organised crime gang
Charles Gabb and Mark Ruffell prosecuted 18 members of an organised gang, who were sentenced to a combined 33 years and 8 months in prison for their part in the conspiracy to sell cannabis and Class-A drugs. Between April 2019 and December 2020, the gang imported drugs from Europe, Canada and the US, which were […]
Richard Tutt successfully acts for Defendant in Isle of Wight murder trial
Richard Tutt, led by Ignatius Hughes KC, represented Piers Brazier who was found not guilty of murdering Scott Cooper at a flat in Ryde in January 2021. The original trial was held in June and July 2022, but that jury could not reach a verdict. The trial is the first murder case to be heard […]
How much mitigation should be afforded to a gambling addiction when sentencing for dishonesty?
By Mark Ruffell This was the question that the Court had to consider when sentencing Martin Sargeant for fraud. He had stolen £5.2 million from the Church of England over 11 years when working as an administrator. He had worked hard, and had a good reputation, but this had hidden his dishonesty which had commenced […]
