Doughty Street Chambers Crime Team
@doughtystcrime.bsky.social
Barristers specialising in Serious & Complex Crime, Fraud, Extradition, Appeals, & International Crime.
W: https://www.doughtystreet.co.uk/criminal-law
W: https://www.doughtystreet.co.uk/criminal-law
Richard Thomas KC (instructed by Berkeley Square Solicitors), leading Philippa Eastwood and then Ashley Hendron, has been instructed in both the criminal and civil proceedings arising from the seizure of a vast amount of cryptocurrency, now worth approximately £5 billion.
Sentencing of £5 billion “crypto Queen” after world’s largest Bitcoin seizure
Richard Thomas KC (instructed by Berkeley Square Solicitors), leading
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Richard Thomas KC (instructed by Berkeley Square Solicitors), leading Philippa Eastwood and then Ashley Hendron, has been instructed in both the criminal and civil proceedings arising from the seizure of a vast amount of cryptocurrency, now worth approximately £5 billion.
Natalie Lucas has secured acquittals of her client for counts of assault by beating and public disorder. Her client, a person of good character and respected member of their community, has been acquitted of all charges following a successful appeal before the Crown Court.
Natalie Lucas secures acquittal for Palestine protester after appeal to the Crown Court
Natalie Lucas has secured acquittals for counts of assault by beating and public disorder at Wood Green Crown Court.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Natalie Lucas has secured acquittals of her client for counts of assault by beating and public disorder. Her client, a person of good character and respected member of their community, has been acquitted of all charges following a successful appeal before the Crown Court.
Louise Willocx's client, accused of swinging a large kitchen knife and a hammer around and threatening another man to slit his throat, was acquitted after one hour and a half of jury deliberation.
Louise was instructed by Rebecca Field of @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social.
Louise was instructed by Rebecca Field of @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social.
Acquittal for affray
Louise Willocx defended a man with serious mental health issues who was accused of swinging a large kitchen knife and a hamme
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Louise Willocx's client, accused of swinging a large kitchen knife and a hammer around and threatening another man to slit his throat, was acquitted after one hour and a half of jury deliberation.
Louise was instructed by Rebecca Field of @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social.
Louise was instructed by Rebecca Field of @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social.
Romanian extradition refused: years of culpable delay renders extradition oppressive and a disproportionate interference with his right to private life
In Romania v Pascariu Malcolm (@malcolmhawkes.bsky.social) was instructed by Mihaela Padure and Mihai Luchici of Forest & Co Solicitors.
In Romania v Pascariu Malcolm (@malcolmhawkes.bsky.social) was instructed by Mihaela Padure and Mihai Luchici of Forest & Co Solicitors.
Romanian extradition refused: years of culpable delay renders extradition oppressive and a disproportionate interference with his right to private life
The extradition of a Romanian man, represented by Malcolm Hawkes, to serve 3½ years imprisonment for historic offences of theft, a
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Romanian extradition refused: years of culpable delay renders extradition oppressive and a disproportionate interference with his right to private life
In Romania v Pascariu Malcolm (@malcolmhawkes.bsky.social) was instructed by Mihaela Padure and Mihai Luchici of Forest & Co Solicitors.
In Romania v Pascariu Malcolm (@malcolmhawkes.bsky.social) was instructed by Mihaela Padure and Mihai Luchici of Forest & Co Solicitors.
𝗪𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲-𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵: 𝗻𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 - In Poland v Makowska, Malcolm Hawkes (@malcolmhawkes.bsky.social) was instructed by Neil Allan of Tuckers Solicitors.
Wrongly re-certified extradition warrant discharged afresh: no basis to proceed
An extradition request for a Polish woman, represented by Malcolm Hawkes, who had successfully appealed an order for her extraditi
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 3:17 PM
𝗪𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲-𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵: 𝗻𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 - In Poland v Makowska, Malcolm Hawkes (@malcolmhawkes.bsky.social) was instructed by Neil Allan of Tuckers Solicitors.
CEO found not guilty of serious sexual assault - The defendant, a respected businessman, was charged with an offence of sexual assault alleged to have occurred at a fetish club whilst under the influence of drugs.
Emma Goodall KC was instructed by Harvey Fox of @reeds.co.uk.
Emma Goodall KC was instructed by Harvey Fox of @reeds.co.uk.
CEO found not guilty of serious sexual assault
The defendant, a respected businessman, was charged with an offence of sexual assault alleged to have occurred at a fetish club whilst under the influence of drugs.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 24, 2025 at 11:18 AM
CEO found not guilty of serious sexual assault - The defendant, a respected businessman, was charged with an offence of sexual assault alleged to have occurred at a fetish club whilst under the influence of drugs.
Emma Goodall KC was instructed by Harvey Fox of @reeds.co.uk.
Emma Goodall KC was instructed by Harvey Fox of @reeds.co.uk.
Jacob Bindman leading Jessie Smith, instructed by Rhona Friedman (Managing Director, Commons CIC) secured acquittals on counts of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering at Southwark Crown Court.
Jacob Bindman and Jessie Smith secure acquittals in multi-handed boiler room fraud
Jacob Bindman leading Jessie Smith, instructed by
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 21, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Jacob Bindman leading Jessie Smith, instructed by Rhona Friedman (Managing Director, Commons CIC) secured acquittals on counts of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering at Southwark Crown Court.
Court of Appeal quashes sentence allowing for immediate release.
Sean Summerfield was instructed by Rebecca Field of @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/court-a...
Sean Summerfield was instructed by Rebecca Field of @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/court-a...
Court of Appeal quashes sentence allowing for immediate release
Sean represented LF, who appealed a sentence of 27 months for causing GBH, imposed at Inner London Crown Court in August 2025. The appellant had thrown a single punch that broke
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 17, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Court of Appeal quashes sentence allowing for immediate release.
Sean Summerfield was instructed by Rebecca Field of @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/court-a...
Sean Summerfield was instructed by Rebecca Field of @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/court-a...
On 14 October 2025, Mr Justice MacDonald allowed an application for judicial review of the decision of District Judge Leong sending his client’s extradition case to the Secretary of State. MacDonald J accepted the submission that the judgment was “written in water” owing to procedural unfairness.
Graeme Hall secures quashing of judgment “written in water”
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 15, 2025 at 9:08 AM
On 14 October 2025, Mr Justice MacDonald allowed an application for judicial review of the decision of District Judge Leong sending his client’s extradition case to the Secretary of State. MacDonald J accepted the submission that the judgment was “written in water” owing to procedural unfairness.
Violet Smart successfully represented GM who had been convicted of breach of a restraining order.
Violet was instructed by Rosie Worster of Commons Law.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/success...
Violet was instructed by Rosie Worster of Commons Law.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/success...
Successful appeal against conviction
Violet Smart successfully represented GM who had been convicted of breach of a restraining order.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Violet Smart successfully represented GM who had been convicted of breach of a restraining order.
Violet was instructed by Rosie Worster of Commons Law.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/success...
Violet was instructed by Rosie Worster of Commons Law.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/success...
Farrhat Arshad KC secures multiple acquittals.
Farrhat was instructed by Martin Rackstraw of Russell Cooke solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/farrhat...
Farrhat was instructed by Martin Rackstraw of Russell Cooke solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/farrhat...
Farrhat Arshad KC secures multiple acquittals
Following a four week trial at the Gloucester Crown Court, Farrhat Arshad KC’s client was acquitted of three counts of rap
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Farrhat Arshad KC secures multiple acquittals.
Farrhat was instructed by Martin Rackstraw of Russell Cooke solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/farrhat...
Farrhat was instructed by Martin Rackstraw of Russell Cooke solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/farrhat...
The September 2025 Criminal Appeals Bulletin is now live!
This issue covers summaries and commentary on appeals against conviction and appeals against sentence.
Read in full here: www.doughtystreet.co.uk/sites/defaul...
This issue covers summaries and commentary on appeals against conviction and appeals against sentence.
Read in full here: www.doughtystreet.co.uk/sites/defaul...
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 2:32 PM
The September 2025 Criminal Appeals Bulletin is now live!
This issue covers summaries and commentary on appeals against conviction and appeals against sentence.
Read in full here: www.doughtystreet.co.uk/sites/defaul...
This issue covers summaries and commentary on appeals against conviction and appeals against sentence.
Read in full here: www.doughtystreet.co.uk/sites/defaul...
Following a retrial at Southwark Crown Court, a defendant investigated for 6 years by the FCA has been acquitted by a jury.
Kate O’Raghallaigh and Graeme Hall were instructed by Kiran Mehta, consultant at Lartey’s Solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/acquitt...
Kate O’Raghallaigh and Graeme Hall were instructed by Kiran Mehta, consultant at Lartey’s Solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/acquitt...
Acquittal in prosecution by FCA of boiler room fraud
Following a retrial at Southwark Crown Court, a defendant investigated for 6 years by the FCA has been acquitted by a jury.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Following a retrial at Southwark Crown Court, a defendant investigated for 6 years by the FCA has been acquitted by a jury.
Kate O’Raghallaigh and Graeme Hall were instructed by Kiran Mehta, consultant at Lartey’s Solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/acquitt...
Kate O’Raghallaigh and Graeme Hall were instructed by Kiran Mehta, consultant at Lartey’s Solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/acquitt...
The Administrative Court quashes Judge’s extradition decision - Anna Maj, and Gonul Guney, Director of GSG Law Solicitors, instructed Abigail post-decision to advise on the merits of applying for permission to appeal.
Admin. Court quashes Judge’s extradition decision
The Respondent today withdrew its opposition to P’s application to set aside as wrong a district judge’s decision to order extradition. P was the subject of a valid c
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 12:16 PM
The Administrative Court quashes Judge’s extradition decision - Anna Maj, and Gonul Guney, Director of GSG Law Solicitors, instructed Abigail post-decision to advise on the merits of applying for permission to appeal.
Jessie Smith and Henry Blaxland KC secure acquittal on a count of murder following a 10-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court.
Counsel were instructed by Ali Has of Morgan Has Solicitor.
Counsel were instructed by Ali Has of Morgan Has Solicitor.
Jessie Smith and Henry Blaxland KC secure murder acquittal
Jessie Smith and Henry Blaxland KC secure acquittal on a count of murder following a 10-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
September 18, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Jessie Smith and Henry Blaxland KC secure acquittal on a count of murder following a 10-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court.
Counsel were instructed by Ali Has of Morgan Has Solicitor.
Counsel were instructed by Ali Has of Morgan Has Solicitor.
The High Court upheld a judicial review by a vulnerable autistic man accused of cyber crime, establishing new defence rights within the Extradition Act 2003 in a victory for natural justice.
Guy Mitchell and Francesca Cociani at @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social instruct Ben Cooper KC & Amelia Nice.
Guy Mitchell and Francesca Cociani at @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social instruct Ben Cooper KC & Amelia Nice.
Competing extradition requests: Justice Minister’s decision quashed - natural justice prevails
The High Court upheld a judicial review by a vulnerable autistic man accused of cyber crime, establishing new defence rights within the Extradition Act 2003 in a
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
September 18, 2025 at 1:50 PM
The High Court upheld a judicial review by a vulnerable autistic man accused of cyber crime, establishing new defence rights within the Extradition Act 2003 in a victory for natural justice.
Guy Mitchell and Francesca Cociani at @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social instruct Ben Cooper KC & Amelia Nice.
Guy Mitchell and Francesca Cociani at @hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social instruct Ben Cooper KC & Amelia Nice.
Woman taken off Children’s Barred List - Omran Belhadi, instructed by Ghazi Abbas of Knightsbridge Solicitors, represented AB, a woman placed on the Children’s Barred List. This prevented her from working with children and vulnerable adults.
Woman taken off Children’s Barred List
Omran Belhadi, instructed by Ghazi Abbas of Knightsbridge Solicitors,
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
September 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Woman taken off Children’s Barred List - Omran Belhadi, instructed by Ghazi Abbas of Knightsbridge Solicitors, represented AB, a woman placed on the Children’s Barred List. This prevented her from working with children and vulnerable adults.
Bomb hoaxes: Custody suspended - Gonul Guney, Director of GSG Law Solicitors, and Anna Maj, instructed Abigail Bright.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/bomb-ho...
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/bomb-ho...
Bomb hoaxes: Custody suspended
O called Police to say he had bombs in his home. He said he planned to set them off. O said he was ready to carry out a terrorist attack if anyone approached him.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
September 15, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Bomb hoaxes: Custody suspended - Gonul Guney, Director of GSG Law Solicitors, and Anna Maj, instructed Abigail Bright.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/bomb-ho...
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/bomb-ho...
Acquitted: Intentional strangulation & other counts.
Samayra Ashraf at ITN Solicitors instructed Abigail to defend LJ at trial.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/acquitt...
Samayra Ashraf at ITN Solicitors instructed Abigail to defend LJ at trial.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/acquitt...
Acquitted: Intentional strangulation & other counts
LJ and the Complainant have a child together.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
September 8, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Acquitted: Intentional strangulation & other counts.
Samayra Ashraf at ITN Solicitors instructed Abigail to defend LJ at trial.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/acquitt...
Samayra Ashraf at ITN Solicitors instructed Abigail to defend LJ at trial.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/acquitt...
Following a 10 day trial at Harrow Crown Court sitting at Hendon Magistrates, Tunde’s client was acquitted of multiple counts of rape.
Tunde Okewale was instructed by Kate Nichol at @gtstewart.bsky.social.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/tunde-o...
Tunde Okewale was instructed by Kate Nichol at @gtstewart.bsky.social.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/tunde-o...
Tunde Okewale secures acquittal for client in 10 day trial at Harrow Crown Court
Following a 10 day trial at Harrow Crown Court sitting at Hendon Magistrates, Tunde’s client was acquitted of multiple counts of rape.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
September 5, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Following a 10 day trial at Harrow Crown Court sitting at Hendon Magistrates, Tunde’s client was acquitted of multiple counts of rape.
Tunde Okewale was instructed by Kate Nichol at @gtstewart.bsky.social.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/tunde-o...
Tunde Okewale was instructed by Kate Nichol at @gtstewart.bsky.social.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/tunde-o...
Hospital Order with Restrictions imposed for Manslaughter (Diminished Responsibility)
Benjamin Newton KC and Jessie Smith, instructed by Sevim Tonbul of Morgan Has Solicitors, represented GT who had killed his partner in 2024.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/hospita...
Benjamin Newton KC and Jessie Smith, instructed by Sevim Tonbul of Morgan Has Solicitors, represented GT who had killed his partner in 2024.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/hospita...
Hospital Order with Restrictions imposed for Manslaughter (Diminished Responsibility)
Benjamin Newton KC and Jessie Smith, instructed by
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
September 2, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Hospital Order with Restrictions imposed for Manslaughter (Diminished Responsibility)
Benjamin Newton KC and Jessie Smith, instructed by Sevim Tonbul of Morgan Has Solicitors, represented GT who had killed his partner in 2024.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/hospita...
Benjamin Newton KC and Jessie Smith, instructed by Sevim Tonbul of Morgan Has Solicitors, represented GT who had killed his partner in 2024.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/hospita...
Sarah Elliott KC Secures Acquittal for Critical Care Doctor in Rape Trial.
Sarah was instructed by Adam Weston of Clyde and Co solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/sarah-e...
Sarah was instructed by Adam Weston of Clyde and Co solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/sarah-e...
Sarah Elliott KC Secures Acquittal for Critical Care Doctor in Rape Trial
Sarah Elliott KC has successfully defended a Critical Care Unit doctor after a six day trial for an allegation of rape.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
August 21, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Sarah Elliott KC Secures Acquittal for Critical Care Doctor in Rape Trial.
Sarah was instructed by Adam Weston of Clyde and Co solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/sarah-e...
Sarah was instructed by Adam Weston of Clyde and Co solicitors.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/sarah-e...
Sean Summerfield and Samayra Ashraf (ITN Solicitors) successfully defend 63-year-old man accused of rape.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/sean-su...
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/sean-su...
Sean Summerfield and Samayra Ashraf (ITN Solicitors) successfully defend 63-year-old man accused of rape
It was alleged that the defendant had groomed the younger man over the course of 2 years. The defendant was acquitted in under 2 hours by a jury at Manchester Crown Court following a 2-week trial.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
August 8, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Sean Summerfield and Samayra Ashraf (ITN Solicitors) successfully defend 63-year-old man accused of rape.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/sean-su...
www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/sean-su...
Violet Smart, led by Nick James of 33 Chancery Lane chambers, represented PA, a woman of good character charged with fraudulent trading. Following a three-month trial at St Alban’s Crown Court, she was acquitted by the jury.
Violet and Nick were instructed by Tricia O'Sullivan of Sperrin Law.
Violet and Nick were instructed by Tricia O'Sullivan of Sperrin Law.
Violet Smart’s client acquitted in multi-million pound fraud following 12-week trial
Violet Smart, led by Nick James of 33 Chancery Lane chambers, represented PA, a woman of good character charged with fraudulent
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
August 6, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Violet Smart, led by Nick James of 33 Chancery Lane chambers, represented PA, a woman of good character charged with fraudulent trading. Following a three-month trial at St Alban’s Crown Court, she was acquitted by the jury.
Violet and Nick were instructed by Tricia O'Sullivan of Sperrin Law.
Violet and Nick were instructed by Tricia O'Sullivan of Sperrin Law.
Laura Stockdale’s client found not guilty of supply of wholesale quantities of cocaine - Laura was instructed by Stephanie Theivendrarajah at Bark & Co Solicitors.
Laura Stockdale’s client found not guilty of supply of wholesale quantities of cocaine
Laura Stockdale’s client EM stood trial with two other defendants for being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs at Lewes Crown Court.
www.doughtystreet.co.uk
August 6, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Laura Stockdale’s client found not guilty of supply of wholesale quantities of cocaine - Laura was instructed by Stephanie Theivendrarajah at Bark & Co Solicitors.