Laura Addy undertakes criminal work at all levels in the criminal justice system. Laura’s work is predominately defence work in the Crown Court. She is routinely instructed to defend in serious criminal cases regularly dealing with conspiracies, serious violence and dishonesty as well as sexual offences whether they are historic, stranger or recent.
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’s passion is to ensure that her clients cases are 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 child image offences, arson, serious violence and drugs offences. Most recently Laura has prosecuted six prisoners for arson at Newhall Prison when they stripped, barricaded themselves into the exercise yard and destroyed the benches within the yard and set them alight. Laura was able to deal with this case and present the evidence clearly, concisely and with ease after conducting careful analysis of the 8 hours of footage of the offence. 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.
Laura also undertakes court martial work.
Notable Cases
- R v Wilson – Defendant faced two gunpoint robberies in the early hours of the morning. Mixed profile DNA evidence ruled out on voir dire.
- 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 Stanley and others – charged with arson when a group of female prisoners barricaded themselves in the exercise yard at Newhall prison and stripped then set fire to the benches over a 4 hour period.
- R v Cudine – Defendant charged with rape of his friend. Significant disclosure issues due to copious text messages exchanged between the complainant and Defendant before and following the incident. Following several disclosure requests, a disclosure hearing and an aborted trial the telephone evidence was ultimately served and was heavily relied upon during cross-examination of the complainant.
- R v O’Hare and Millar – on going prosecution involving allegations of non-accidental injuries.
- R v Cpl Wykes –case involving fighting at the Akrotiri Arms.
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
