Witness - Issue 409 - A free weekly collection of criminal law links - for practitioners, law students, and to anyone with an interest in the criminal justice system of England and Wales.

Curated by Sam Willis, a barrister at 5 King's Bench Walk.

witnessemail.co.uk/issues/410#s...

Ben Holt prosecuted eight men accused of the murder of a man in West London. The trial started in February and on 15 July, the jury convicted six of the defendants of murder.

Ben was led by Alan Gardner KC of 23 Essex Street and instructed by CPS Homicide Unit.

The latest edition of The Appeal Brief, the 5KBW Criminal Appeals Unit newsletter is now live.

www.5kbw.co.uk/2025/07/15/t...

Harry O’Sullivan was led junior for the Crown in two linked trials concerning conspiracies to supply cocaine on a large scale in between 2021 and 2023.
All six defendants have now been convicted and sentencing is awaited.
Instructed by Nikki Miller of CPS East of England.

Olivia Haggar prosecuted a couple for the decades long neglect of their adult son who lacked capacity.
Following a nine-day trial at Reading Crown Court, both defendants were unanimously convicted.
Olivia Haggar was instructed by CPS Thames and Chiltern.

Following a 6-week trial at Inner London CC, a woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years for murder. The jury found Ms Rowe guilty of murder and Mr Holder guilty of perverting the course of justice.
Charlotte Newell KC and William Davis instructed by CPS Homicide.

After a 5 week trial at Reading Crown Court, a defendant accused of blackmail, forcing an individual to perform forced labour and kidnapping, was acquitted of all charges.

Gordon Carse was instructed by Carson Kaye Solicitors.

Rupert Kent represented a former Britain’s Got Talent finalist charged with offences including two counts of rape.

After a 12 day trial at Southwark Crown Court, during which the complainants were extensively cross-examined, the defendant was acquitted on all charges.

Instructed by Bark&Co.

Everyone at 5KBW would like to wish James Conroy, Lily Malone & Elena Colato all the best as they commence their 2nd six of pupillage.

They are undertaking their pupillages in Criminal Law and are able to accept instructions. Please contact clerks@5kbw.co.uk for further details.

Bartholomew O’Toole represented a man accused of 9 counts of rape and other serious sexual offences by his niece.

Following a 2-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court, the defendant was found not guilty by unanimous verdicts.

Bartholomew was instructed by Duncan Lewis Solicitors.

5KBW Welcomes New Tenants Aamina Khalid, Claire Mainwaring & Harriet Palfreman

We are delighted to announce that Aamina Khalid, Claire Mainwaring & Harriet Palfreman have all accepted an invitation to join chambers, following the successful completion of their pupillages.

A free weekly collection of criminal law links - for practitioners, law students, and to anyone with an interest in the criminal justice system of England and Wales.

Curated by Sam Willis, a barrister at 5 King's Bench Walk.

witnessemail.co.uk/issues/391#s...

An incredibly high standard at today's first round pupillage interviews. A long but uplifting day for the interviewing panels.

17 will be going through to the next round in April. Well done to all. The future of the Criminal Bar is in safe hands.

5 Kings Bench Walk is delighted to announce that yesterday, James Brown was formally appointed King's Counsel.

James Brown was sworn in during a ceremony before the Lord Chancellor at Westminster Hall.

All of us at 5KBW wish him the very best.

Two men have been convicted at Truro Crown Court for attempting to smuggle over a tonne of cocaine into the UK using a fishing boat.

Frederick Hookway was instructed for the prosecution by the SEOCID and International Directorate unit of the CPS.

www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/100m-co...