News & Events: Criminal
When is a zombie knife a zombie knife?
The 2019 Offensive Weapons Act made it an offence, for the first time, to simply possess certain offensive weapons in private[1]. Acknowledged as an increase in interference in the private lives of the public, yet deemed necessary to tackle violent crime, the legislation was limited to certain types of offensive weapon. Included on that list […]
Siân Beaven secures suspended sentence in dangerous driving case
Siân, instructed by Emily Alexander of Roach Pittis solicitors, acted for a vulnerable defendant who pleaded guilty on an acceptable basis to an offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The defendant, who was elderly and previously of good character, misapplied the pedals of his automatic car which had been left in reverse at […]
SPA v LCpl R
R was accused of one count of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault, and five counts of battery. The allegations were said to take place in the context of an unhappy and cross-continental marriage, across a period of approximately fourteen months. The case involved complex issues of jurisdiction, specific disclosure, […]
Shona Love, Alex McHugh and Annabel Hazlitt to join Pump Court Chambers
Pump Court Chambers is delighted to announce that Shona Love, Alex McHugh and Annabel Hazlitt have all accepted offers of tenancy and will join chambers in October, following the successful completion of their respective pupillages. Shona Love accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers’ practice. Before coming to the Bar, Shona spent several years as […]
Christopher Pix joins Pump Court Chambers
Pump Court Chambers is delighted to announce that Christopher PIx has joined Chambers as a tenant. Christopher Pix is a criminal law specialist who is instructed in a full range of criminal cases, both alone and as a led junior. He undertakes both defence and prosecution work. His work spans a wide range of 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 […]
