Taryn Turner

Ranked in Tier 1 as a Leading Junior for Crime in The Legal 500 (2026)

“Taryn is very thorough with her work and makes a great effort with the clients to ensure the right outcome is reached for them. She pays attention to detail. Her advocacy skills are excellent.”

-The Legal 500 (2026)

Taryn Turner is a specialist criminal-defence advocate. She is a Legal 500 ‘Leading Individual’ and in 2001 was appointed to sit as a Recorder in the Crown Court.

Taryn has a wealth of experience handling cases involving allegations of violent crime, including murder, attempted murder and assault; drugs; dishonesty (including robbery, fraud and burglary); kidnap; and sex offences including rape and other types of sexual assault.

Taryn’s approach

Determined, industrious and effective, Taryn has a strong court presence. She has considerable experience of handling cases involving people with vulnerabilities, including those with learning difficulties or mental-health issues.

Complex & sensitive cases

Taryn handles the most complex and sensitive cases, and is regularly instructed to represent those charged with sex offences. She has extensive experience in the cross-examination of children and vulnerable witnesses in such cases.

Scientific & medical evidence

Taryn Turner has a particular interest in scientific and medical issues, and is instructed to represent defendants charged with offences which turn on the interpretation of expert opinion.

“Taryn is highly committed and motivated. She commands the respect of clients and works tirelessly to secure the best outcome."

The Legal 500 (2025)

"A well-respected barrister and a true professional."

The Legal 500 (2024)

"Taryn is a very eloquent and powerful advocate. She has a wonderful legal brain coupled with real grit and determination."

The Legal 500 (2023)

Testimonials

“A formidable and experienced advocate well able to handle difficult and complex cases.” – The Legal 500 (2021)
“A persuasive advocate who engages well with all clients.” – The Legal 500 (2020)
“She commands the court room.” – The Legal 500 (2019)
“A very experienced advocate, who builds good rapport with clients.” – The Legal 500 (2017)
“She has a good eye for detail and leaves no stone unturned.” – The Legal 500 (2016)

Notable cases

R v S – Successful defence (after trial) of a 55-year-old male charged with rapes of a 28-year-old female; issues were consent and incapacity through drink.
R v W – Mandatory 7-year custodial term disapplied in a drugs case following a successful ‘exceptional circumstances’ argument; defendant otherwise subject to mandatory term of 7 years’ imprisonment for possession of Class-A drugs with intent to supply. Male defendant (34) with relevant previous convictions for drugs supply, sentenced to a total of 4 years’ imprisonment for possession of Class-A and Class-B drugs (cocaine, ketamine, amphetamine and amphetamine sulphate), together with possession of criminal property, after trial of issue and legal argument.
R v C – Defence of a 25-year-old man with a long history of mental illness, tried on two counts of false imprisonment, assault by beating, attempted rape, and making threats to kill his ex-partner at her home address. ABE evidence from complainant and 2 child witnesses (aged 10 & 12). Defendant acquitted on all counts.
R v W & Others – Led junior. Defendant was one of 3 defendants acquitted of murder after a 4-week trial. Victim was stabbed in the femoral artery by a fourth defendant. Convicted of manslaughter; defendant pleaded guilty to robbery.
R v H – Defence of a 44-year-old male worker in a residential home for people with disabilities; acquitted of rape of a 61-year-old female resident after a 6-day trial. The complainant suffered from Korsakoff’s syndrome, affecting short-term memory. Psychiatric evidence was adduced, confirming the complainant had capacity to consent to intercourse.
R v M – Defence of a man charged with the alleged sexual abuse of his step-daughter when aged 7 to around 10. Complaint/disclosures to best friend (K) when complainant (who suffered from ADHD and was ‘very active’, ‘challenging’ and ‘oppositional) was aged 11. Tried on counts of causing/inciting child to engage in sexual activity, and sexual assault (digital and nasal touching in vaginal area). Issues included ADHD of complainant and mental health issues of K, whose evidence was adduced at trial (via DVD) without cross-examination, owing to serious concerns as to her mental state. Defendant acquitted after 6-day trial.
R v M – Defence of a 19-year-old male, indicted on a count of assault by digital penetration of a 17-year-old female: issues consent/no penetration who, on the eve of trial, was charged with the (vaginal) rape of another 17-year-old female (a prosecution witness & friend of the first complainant). Issues were no rape/query as to whether he was assaulted by her. Circumstances were similar to the first allegations. Joinder of 2 indictments and joint trial on all counts. Defendant was acquitted in respect of all counts after an 8-day trial.
R v N-M – Defence of a 19-year-old Portuguese national charged with the anal rape of a 20-year-old male with language and interaction difficulties, such that the complainant assisted at trial with a registered intermediary. Complex psychological evidence was presented to the court. Medical evidence was also relied on by prosecution as to noted anal excoriation (finding neutral on issue consent/non-consent). Defendant was acquitted.

Career details

Taryn’s approach

Complex & sensitive cases

Scientific & medical evidence

Testimonials

Notable cases

Taryn Turner successfully defends man alleged to have committed historic marital sexual offences.

67-year Old Man Cleared of Historic Sex Abuse at Scarborough Care Home – Taryn Turner defends

Driver who filmed 3 year old dancing as she drove car spared custody – Taryn Turner defends

Taryn Turner secures acquittal in dangerous driving case

Taryn Turner

Career details

Taryn’s approach

Complex & sensitive cases

Scientific & medical evidence

Testimonials

Notable cases

Contact Taryn Turner's clerks:

Andrew Thornton

Rebecca Wilson

Gina Hawkins

Hannah Newsome

Alysha Taylor

Adele Collins

Lucas Simonini-Parker

Latest from Taryn Turner

Taryn Turner successfully defends man alleged to have committed historic marital sexual offences.

67-year Old Man Cleared of Historic Sex Abuse at Scarborough Care Home – Taryn Turner defends

Driver who filmed 3 year old dancing as she drove car spared custody – Taryn Turner defends

Taryn Turner secures acquittal in dangerous driving case