MoodyBarrister
@moodybarrister.bsky.social
Criminal barrister and former Secretary of the Criminal Bar Association. Crime fighter. Bad coffee expert. The Daily Mail calls me: “Barrister holding a poster”. All views my own and not of Chambers.
Absolute scenes! Back to back champions. This @Lionesses team is incredible. The whole team should be so proud. Although for Michelle Agyemang to go from ball girl to young player of the tournament in 4 years is something else. Amazing. #itsstayinghome #Euro2025
July 27, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Absolute scenes! Back to back champions. This @Lionesses team is incredible. The whole team should be so proud. Although for Michelle Agyemang to go from ball girl to young player of the tournament in 4 years is something else. Amazing. #itsstayinghome #Euro2025
Emotions always run high, but as always the excellent @davidallengreen.bsky.social sets out the true position. Thank you. Please read if you are interested in this case.
The 31-month sentence for Lucy Connolly for a tweet has been the subject of fierce media coverage.
Here I set out a balanced explanation of this sentence and how, had she not followed good legal advice, the sentence could have been even heavier.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
Here I set out a balanced explanation of this sentence and how, had she not followed good legal advice, the sentence could have been even heavier.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
May 24, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Emotions always run high, but as always the excellent @davidallengreen.bsky.social sets out the true position. Thank you. Please read if you are interested in this case.
Top Tip Time! If someone has to come out and explain why your speech was NOT like that of a famous 1930s fascist, then your speech was like that. Terrible to see Labour slipping further down this path to appease Reform. Let’s get back to being Labour.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Starmer’s migration speech ‘completely different’ to Enoch Powell’s, says Yvette Cooper
Home secretary says PM talked about strength in diversity, after criticism from MPs over ‘island of strangers’ rhetoric
www.theguardian.com
May 14, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Top Tip Time! If someone has to come out and explain why your speech was NOT like that of a famous 1930s fascist, then your speech was like that. Terrible to see Labour slipping further down this path to appease Reform. Let’s get back to being Labour.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
I’m not @therestpolitics.bsky.social , and I may be wrong, but it seems to me that if @teamlabouruk.bsky.social focused more on bringing back those Labour voters that have stopped voting, rather than trying to win over voters from other parties, we would be in a much stronger position.
a gif from gifrun.com shows three men in historical costumes and the words if it were only so simple
ALT: a gif from gifrun.com shows three men in historical costumes and the words if it were only so simple
media.tenor.com
May 2, 2025 at 10:47 AM
I’m not @therestpolitics.bsky.social , and I may be wrong, but it seems to me that if @teamlabouruk.bsky.social focused more on bringing back those Labour voters that have stopped voting, rather than trying to win over voters from other parties, we would be in a much stronger position.
Another legal thriller written by a barrister? Yes please! Especially one written by the fabulous @barristersecret.bsky.social. Can’t wait for this one. Especially as I finished all my @tonykentwrites.bsky.social
WELL HELLO THERE you coy little beauties.
Proof copies of The Cut Throat Trial, my first foray into fiction, are now out in the world, ahead of the real thing being published on 28 August 2025.
Freaking terrifying.
Anyone interested in pre-ordering can find links to booksellers here bio.to/7zNmPU
Proof copies of The Cut Throat Trial, my first foray into fiction, are now out in the world, ahead of the real thing being published on 28 August 2025.
Freaking terrifying.
Anyone interested in pre-ordering can find links to booksellers here bio.to/7zNmPU
March 31, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Another legal thriller written by a barrister? Yes please! Especially one written by the fabulous @barristersecret.bsky.social. Can’t wait for this one. Especially as I finished all my @tonykentwrites.bsky.social
Reposted by MoodyBarrister
The rather boring fact is that, whether or not you agree that courts (unrepresentative of society) would benefit from more information about offenders from underrepresented groups before passing sentence, both Mahmood and Jenrick had the opportunity to take part in the consultation. And they didn’t.
March 7, 2025 at 7:59 AM
The rather boring fact is that, whether or not you agree that courts (unrepresentative of society) would benefit from more information about offenders from underrepresented groups before passing sentence, both Mahmood and Jenrick had the opportunity to take part in the consultation. And they didn’t.
Reposted by MoodyBarrister
Another push to everyone that needs to complete the @thecriminalbar.bsky.social survey. It will take about 15 minutes but is absolutely vital moving forward. Please do fill it in if you haven’t already done so. And if you have, thank you so much!
February 26, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Another push to everyone that needs to complete the @thecriminalbar.bsky.social survey. It will take about 15 minutes but is absolutely vital moving forward. Please do fill it in if you haven’t already done so. And if you have, thank you so much!
Another push to everyone that needs to complete the @thecriminalbar.bsky.social survey. It will take about 15 minutes but is absolutely vital moving forward. Please do fill it in if you haven’t already done so. And if you have, thank you so much!
February 26, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Another push to everyone that needs to complete the @thecriminalbar.bsky.social survey. It will take about 15 minutes but is absolutely vital moving forward. Please do fill it in if you haven’t already done so. And if you have, thank you so much!
If anyone is yet to complete the National Survey from @thecriminalbar.bsky.social then please do. Facts and figures are vital when sitting down with people to try and affect change in the system. It will take about 20 minutes. The link is in your Monday message. Thanks to everyone that has done it!
a cartoon of spongebob with the words quick survey written below him
ALT: a cartoon of spongebob with the words quick survey written below him
media.tenor.com
February 19, 2025 at 9:09 AM
If anyone is yet to complete the National Survey from @thecriminalbar.bsky.social then please do. Facts and figures are vital when sitting down with people to try and affect change in the system. It will take about 20 minutes. The link is in your Monday message. Thanks to everyone that has done it!
Barristers, Judges, everyone with a simple understanding of the justice system would warn of this. Really could just say, Juryless trails not the answer. There, end of. This tired conversation is not the answer to the chronic issues in the system. @thecriminalbar.bsky.social
February 8, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Barristers, Judges, everyone with a simple understanding of the justice system would warn of this. Really could just say, Juryless trails not the answer. There, end of. This tired conversation is not the answer to the chronic issues in the system. @thecriminalbar.bsky.social
Was a pleasure today to meet with @robertjenrickmp.bsky.social to discuss the crisis in the justice system. Lack of sitting days, impact on all those involved, and funding were all talked about. We will fight the fight and try to get a fair result for the criminal bar. @thecriminalbar.bsky.social
January 15, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Was a pleasure today to meet with @robertjenrickmp.bsky.social to discuss the crisis in the justice system. Lack of sitting days, impact on all those involved, and funding were all talked about. We will fight the fight and try to get a fair result for the criminal bar. @thecriminalbar.bsky.social
Many years ago when I was turning my hand to acting, I was told that I was like a young Tony Slattery. I am not sure it was meant as a compliment. I certainly took it as a great compliment. Brilliant comedian.
Comedian and actor Tony Slattery dies aged 65 www.bbc.com/news/article...
Comedian and actor Tony Slattery dies aged 65 www.bbc.com/news/article...
Tony Slattery: Comedian and actor dies aged 65
He was known for his quick-witted improvisations on shows like Channel 4's Whose Line Is It Anyway.
www.bbc.com
January 14, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Many years ago when I was turning my hand to acting, I was told that I was like a young Tony Slattery. I am not sure it was meant as a compliment. I certainly took it as a great compliment. Brilliant comedian.
Comedian and actor Tony Slattery dies aged 65 www.bbc.com/news/article...
Comedian and actor Tony Slattery dies aged 65 www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by MoodyBarrister
We are delighted to have joined #Bluesky
Follow along for legal updates, content and news from the members of 42BR Barristers.
#SocialMedia #LegalCommunity #Barristers #Chambers
Follow along for legal updates, content and news from the members of 42BR Barristers.
#SocialMedia #LegalCommunity #Barristers #Chambers
January 8, 2025 at 4:47 PM
We are delighted to have joined #Bluesky
Follow along for legal updates, content and news from the members of 42BR Barristers.
#SocialMedia #LegalCommunity #Barristers #Chambers
Follow along for legal updates, content and news from the members of 42BR Barristers.
#SocialMedia #LegalCommunity #Barristers #Chambers
Reposted by MoodyBarrister
I first learnt of grooming gangs from @theTimes in Jan 2011
I became chief prosecutor May 2011
I authorised charging Rochdale grooming gang June 2011
After convictions (May 2012) Starmer put me in charge of national response
Far Right thugs attacked my home
1000s of rapists were brought to justice
I became chief prosecutor May 2011
I authorised charging Rochdale grooming gang June 2011
After convictions (May 2012) Starmer put me in charge of national response
Far Right thugs attacked my home
1000s of rapists were brought to justice
January 6, 2025 at 10:50 PM
I first learnt of grooming gangs from @theTimes in Jan 2011
I became chief prosecutor May 2011
I authorised charging Rochdale grooming gang June 2011
After convictions (May 2012) Starmer put me in charge of national response
Far Right thugs attacked my home
1000s of rapists were brought to justice
I became chief prosecutor May 2011
I authorised charging Rochdale grooming gang June 2011
After convictions (May 2012) Starmer put me in charge of national response
Far Right thugs attacked my home
1000s of rapists were brought to justice
Is this wall in the room with you now?
Suella Braverman tells LBC that Italy have "built a wall" on the "land border between Italy and Turkey" and insists that "I've been to see it"
January 2, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Is this wall in the room with you now?
Happy New Year to everyone. We will continue to fight the good fight in 2025, but for now let’s party!
a man with curly hair is saying `` let 's party '' while sitting in a park .
ALT: a man with curly hair is saying `` let 's party '' while sitting in a park .
media.tenor.com
December 31, 2024 at 11:25 PM
Happy New Year to everyone. We will continue to fight the good fight in 2025, but for now let’s party!
Watching @bbc strictly and Chris MCausland. The fact that you forget he is blind is such a credit to the professionals and the whole show. Then you remember he is blind. And it blows your mind all over again. What a winner. #Strictly
December 14, 2024 at 9:11 PM
Watching @bbc strictly and Chris MCausland. The fact that you forget he is blind is such a credit to the professionals and the whole show. Then you remember he is blind. And it blows your mind all over again. What a winner. #Strictly
The problem: Not enough barristers and Judges to try and hear cases. Cases adjourned. Backlog.
Not a problem: Court rooms.
Solution: Move cases to new Court with new name. To be tried by barristers. And heard by Judges.
When you see it written down the obvious flaw in this new plan is clear!
Not a problem: Court rooms.
Solution: Move cases to new Court with new name. To be tried by barristers. And heard by Judges.
When you see it written down the obvious flaw in this new plan is clear!
December 12, 2024 at 5:22 PM
The problem: Not enough barristers and Judges to try and hear cases. Cases adjourned. Backlog.
Not a problem: Court rooms.
Solution: Move cases to new Court with new name. To be tried by barristers. And heard by Judges.
When you see it written down the obvious flaw in this new plan is clear!
Not a problem: Court rooms.
Solution: Move cases to new Court with new name. To be tried by barristers. And heard by Judges.
When you see it written down the obvious flaw in this new plan is clear!
Crisis in the Courts. @theguardian.com have really embraced this. A series of excellent pieces from Emily Dugan highlight some of the issues. And not just saying that as I am quoted! 🤣 @thecriminalbar.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/law/2024/dec...
www.theguardian.com/law/2024/dec...
Rape trials collapse as victims abandon cases amid long court delays
Courts logjam in England and Wales contributes to doubling in five years of victims pulling out of prosecutions
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2024 at 5:43 PM
Crisis in the Courts. @theguardian.com have really embraced this. A series of excellent pieces from Emily Dugan highlight some of the issues. And not just saying that as I am quoted! 🤣 @thecriminalbar.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/law/2024/dec...
www.theguardian.com/law/2024/dec...
Reposted by MoodyBarrister
Just watched SkyNews with commentary from Mary Prior KC.
Wow. Hadn’t realised so much across the UK criminal justice system was so broken. All those individuals & the institutions that support the system need urgent support … wow.
Wow. Hadn’t realised so much across the UK criminal justice system was so broken. All those individuals & the institutions that support the system need urgent support … wow.
Trials being pushed to 2028. Defendants, complainants and witnesses left in limbo. A “Wild West” state of affairs in criminal justice. Great piece from @skynewsrss.bsky.social with comment from @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Chair Mary Prior KC.
news.sky.com/story/inside...
news.sky.com/story/inside...
Inside the UK's 'wild west' court system where people may have to wait until 2028 for justice to take place
A Sky News team found crumbling buildings, lawyers almost in open revolt and a judge prepared to speak out at Leicester Crown court.
news.sky.com
December 4, 2024 at 1:59 PM
Just watched SkyNews with commentary from Mary Prior KC.
Wow. Hadn’t realised so much across the UK criminal justice system was so broken. All those individuals & the institutions that support the system need urgent support … wow.
Wow. Hadn’t realised so much across the UK criminal justice system was so broken. All those individuals & the institutions that support the system need urgent support … wow.
Trials being pushed to 2028. Defendants, complainants and witnesses left in limbo. A “Wild West” state of affairs in criminal justice. Great piece from @skynewsrss.bsky.social with comment from @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Chair Mary Prior KC.
news.sky.com/story/inside...
news.sky.com/story/inside...
Inside the UK's 'wild west' court system where people may have to wait until 2028 for justice to take place
A Sky News team found crumbling buildings, lawyers almost in open revolt and a judge prepared to speak out at Leicester Crown court.
news.sky.com
December 4, 2024 at 9:16 AM
Trials being pushed to 2028. Defendants, complainants and witnesses left in limbo. A “Wild West” state of affairs in criminal justice. Great piece from @skynewsrss.bsky.social with comment from @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Chair Mary Prior KC.
news.sky.com/story/inside...
news.sky.com/story/inside...
This is just another sound bite. People will not elect to the Crown Court without a jury. So more cases in the Magistrates. Leading to more appeals as there is an automatic appeal route. Leading to more cases in the Crown Court. FUND THE SYSTEM! @thecriminalbar.bsky.social
December 2, 2024 at 8:14 AM
This is just another sound bite. People will not elect to the Crown Court without a jury. So more cases in the Magistrates. Leading to more appeals as there is an automatic appeal route. Leading to more cases in the Crown Court. FUND THE SYSTEM! @thecriminalbar.bsky.social
Reposted by MoodyBarrister
Well I guess it's time to finally christen this new account
November 30, 2024 at 6:28 PM
Well I guess it's time to finally christen this new account
Huge thanks to all those who spoke @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Winter conference today. And to all those from the education committee who organised. To @innertemple.org.uk for hosting. And, of course, to all of you for coming. A great day. Well done all.
a group of people are sitting in a theatre clapping their hands .
ALT: a group of people are sitting in a theatre clapping their hands .
media.tenor.com
November 30, 2024 at 5:56 PM
Huge thanks to all those who spoke @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Winter conference today. And to all those from the education committee who organised. To @innertemple.org.uk for hosting. And, of course, to all of you for coming. A great day. Well done all.
It’s Saturday, it’s nearly 8am. It’s time for @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Winter conference. We hope to see as many of you there as we can. Do come and say hi. Breakfast will be served so get down as fast as you can! It will be a great day @innertemple.org.uk
a man is walking down a dirt road with trees in the background
ALT: a man is walking down a dirt road with trees in the background
media.tenor.com
November 30, 2024 at 7:44 AM
It’s Saturday, it’s nearly 8am. It’s time for @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Winter conference. We hope to see as many of you there as we can. Do come and say hi. Breakfast will be served so get down as fast as you can! It will be a great day @innertemple.org.uk