Overview
Sarah practises in all areas of criminal defence. She has developed a busy Crown Court practice, spanning a wide range of offences including murder, drugs, dishonesty, violence and sexual offences.
Here is what some of those who have worked with Sarah have to say about her:
Additional information
Education
- BPP Law School - BPTC - Outstanding.
- University of Leeds - Law with Australian Legal Studies (LLB) – 2:1.
Awards
- BPP Law School Leeds Advanced Criminal Litigation award.
- BPP Law School Leeds Outstanding Contribution to Pro Bono award.
Criminal Defence
Sarah is a specialist criminal defence practitioner who accepts instructions across the spectrum of criminal offences, as a led junior and junior alone. Sarah has developed a busy Crown Court practice where she has been praised for her calm manner and persuasive advocacy.
Sarah has been instructed in cases defending in a wide range of criminal offences including murder, rape and large-scale drug supply offences. She has experience in dealing with complex expert evidence, including cell-site evidence and DNA evidence.
Sarah has completed the Just for Kids Law Youth Justice Course and the Vulnerable Witness Training. She is experienced in representing vulnerable defendants in the adult and youth courts, as well as defending in cases which involve the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses. Sarah has experience in dealing with cases where defendants have been exploited and successfully argued a defence under s45 of the Modern Slavery Act.
Sarah accepts instructions in the Magistrates’ Court on a privately funded basis, particularly in respect of driving matters and has successfully defended a number of individuals in such matters.
“Sarah was thoroughly prepared for the case and in court was very impressive. Her professionalism apart, Sarah was also very friendly and approachable.”
Feedback from a lay client where, following legal arguments, the prosecution offered no evidence on the day of trial.
Professional Memberships
- Criminal Bar Association
- Inner Temple
- Women in Criminal Law
- Young Legal Aid Lawyers
Cases of Note
CRIME - DEFENCE
R v M (2024) Southwark Crown Court
Instructed as junior alone to represent M, charged with attempted murder. The defendant had complex mental health issues. Sarah called expert psychiatric evidence and successfully persuaded the jury that the defendant did not intend to kill the victim.
R v C (2024) Croydon Crown Court
Instructed as junior alone to represent C who was unanimously acquitted of all six counts including supplying class A drugs, that he faced following a trial at Croydon Crown Court. The Defendant accepted possession of over 5kg of MDMA, cocaine and ketamine but successfully ran a modern slavery defence.
R v C (2024) Basildon Crown Court
Instructed as junior alone to represent C who was charged with modern slavery offences and armed kidnap of a child. C was unanimously acquitted of all charges in less than one hour.
R v A (2024) Winchester Crown Court
Instructed as junior alone to represent A who was charged with drug supply offences. Successfully ran a defence of duress.
R v P (2023) Kingston Crown Court
Instructed as led junior to represent P, charged with murder.
R v M (2022) Croydon Crown Court
Instructed as led junior to represent M, charged with drug supply offences involving Encrochat evidence.
R v P (2023) Kingston Crown Court
Instructed as led junior to represent P, charged with murder.
R v M (2022) Croydon Crown Court
Instructed as led junior to represent M, charged with drug supply offences involving Encrochat evidence.
R v A – 2022 – Croydon Crown Court
Instructed to represent A, charged with Possession with Intent to Supply drugs. A accepted possession of a large quantity of cannabis but argued he had bulk bought during lockdown. Jury acquitted unanimously after just 20 minutes of deliberation.
R v R – 2020 – St Albans Crown Court
Instructed to represent R, charged with aggravated burglary and wounding with intent.
R v P – 2020 – Huntingdon Crown Court
Defended a man of good character, charged with ABH and 2 batteries against his wife, successfully arguing self-defence.
R v B – 2019 – Kingston Crown Court
Successful defence of a man charged with assaulting a police officer and a racially aggravated public order offence against an Uber driver, both of which were captured on CCTV.
