Allan Armbrister is a senior and well respected Member of Chambers, a determined and accomplished jury trial advocate in all areas of criminal law. Allan specialises in serious sexual and violent offences, particularly rape, sex trafficking and historic allegations of a sexual nature. He is extremely experienced in cross-examining young and vulnerable complainants and witnesses and those with disabilities, particularly the preparation of pre-recorded cross-examination procedures (S28 hearings). Allan is renowned for employing tact and understanding, tempered with firmness and forensic examination of the issues.
One particular area of specialism is the examination of accident investigators particularly driving cases involving death or serious injury. Allan has a great deal of knowledge concerning construction and use and handling characteristics of motor vehicles, given his extensive involvement in motorsport activities. One notable case concerned the Hemsworth By-Pass, which also featured cell site evidence. He secured an acquittal of one accused alleged to have participated in organised time trials on the road.
“Allan deals with young and vulnerable witnesses with great tact, understanding and firmness.”
Allan deals with animal welfare issues and has been instructed in hunting and badger baiting cases. He also has considerable experience in dealing with long and complex conspiracies involving allegations of drug tracking, money laundering or fraud.
Allan leaves no stone unturned, employing effective trial management tactics, is thorough and meticulously in his preparation and presentation of the case. He is considered to have a persuasive, relaxed and calm style of advocacy, which proved invaluable in sensitive and complex cases. He is also complemented for his skill in effectively dealing with vulnerable and demanding lay clients.
Having achieved an illustrious and successful career in the Magistrates’ Courts Service, he was considered to be one of the top Justices’ Clerks in the Country, being appointed to a number of prestigious and important Government Committees, including the Lord Chancellor’s Project Board dealing with the Implementation of the Human Rights Act and a working party, which subsequently led to the construction and implementation of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. That experience has given Allan a deep understanding of the operation of the Courts’ system and employment of the Criminal Procedure Rules.
Notable cases
- R v TH, WH & LI (2018) – successfully prosecuted 3 men who assaulted a man in a row over a taxi outside a luxury hotel in Leeds.
- R v AR (2018) – secured acquittal for 16 year old youth who was charged with armed robbery and fraud.
- R v GT (2018) – secured acquittal for defendant who was alleged to have taken part in a complicated conspiracy with other Defendants, to evade paying duty on cigarettes amounting to over £3.5 million
- RSPCA v JH (2018) – Defence counsel in a RSPCA prosecution of six men charged with animal welfare offences relating to a badger baiting case.
- Leeds City Council v NI (2017) – prosecutes Uber driver accused of sexual assault.
- R v Thompson (2011) EWCA Crim 102 Court of Appeal – Dealing with the question of whether additional counts can be added to the indictment when evidence of the offence was not available at the time of sending.
Contact Allan’s clerks
Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202
Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203
Hannah Dempsey on 0113 213 5211
