Laura Addy undertakes criminal work at all levels in the criminal justice system and is ranked as a Leading Junior for Crime in the 2025 edition of The Legal 500.
Laura’s work is predominately defence work in the Crown Court. She is routinely instructed to defend in serious criminal cases including murder and other serious violence, serious and complex sexual offences whether historic, stranger or recent, regularly dealing with drug or financial conspiracies as well as other dishonesty matters.
‘Laura is outstanding in every aspect. She is incredibly intelligent with immaculate preparation. An authoritative advocate.’
Laura is known to have a gentle, patient and understanding manner with clients and witnesses. She regularly is briefed to represent those who have their own challenges including those who are suffering from significant mental health difficulties. Laura’s Court manner is such that she affords trust and respect from the Judges who know Laura can be relied upon to present her case carefully, thoroughly, properly and with a persuasive turn of phrase. Laura ensures every client’s case, no matter how big or small, is presented in the best possible way and to ensure the best outcome for each and every one. Every client’s case is given the personal touch as everybody’s case is individual and unique and Laura appreciates how significant Court cases are in the lives of her clients.
Like her defence work, Laura’s prosecution work regularly sees her deal with serious offences, including attempt murder, multi-handed legally complex drugs conspiracies and conspiracies to pervert the course of justice.
Laura is always fully prepared, able to deal with the unexpected, she thinks quickly on her feet and the Court and her clients appreciate her ability and professionalism such that she has repeat clients that routinely ask for her to represent them again and Judges ask Laura to assist the Court where Defendants are unrepresented.
Notable Cases
· R v Yasutake – Defending lead defendant being prosecuted for preventing lawful burial when his sister was found mummified in their house. The Defendant and his family suffered from an extremely rare psychiatric disorder in which they collectively lived an isolated life and wholly believed that the deceased was still alive. Laura defended from the outset of the case to it’s conclusion which resulted in the CPS recognising that the family needed support and monitoring rather than punishment and did not proceed with the prosecution.
· R v GY – Led in a success prosecution of a Defendant charged with attempt murder when he slit the throat of a child and attempted to slit the throat of a second child. Complex legal argument regarding psychiatric evidence and the extent of such evidence at trial given the Defendant was fit and capable fo forming intent.
· R v D – Defendant charged with coercive controlling, five strangulations and two rapes was acquitted following a lengthy trial in which, through cross-examination, the complainant’s account was discredited.
· R v Martin – Defendant charged with sexual assault of a child under 13. Acquitted after mother conceded in cross-examination that she had doubt when her daughter reported the incident.
· R v Hudson – Led in a defence murder in which client and another strangled a friend when under the influence of drugs. Client had been unfit until shortly before trial therefore the case required quick preparation and understanding of the defence case in the context of the pathology and forensic neuropathology.
· R v P and others – Successfully leading a prosecution of a multi-handed drugs conspiracy. The Defendant was a convicted drug dealer at the highest level. Drugs were found in his business premises and he claimed this was a conspiracy against him by the police. There were multiple last minute defence statements, a multitude of additional witness requirements during the course of the trial, extensive legal arguments in relation to surveillance or lack thereof, arguments as to the admissibility of evidence (telephones) and purported dealer lists and that the Defendant wished to adduce sensitive information which ultimately had to be clarified with outside agencies and adduced in camera.
Public Access
Laura Addy may accept Public Access work, where she can be instructed directly by a member of the public rather than a solicitor.
Contact Laura’s clerks
Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202
Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203