Thomas Stanway has a busy Crown Court practice and is regularly instructed by both the prosecution and defence. Thomas’ potential has been noted at an early stage and he is often instructed in matters beyond his level of call. His practice covers a full spectrum of offences from serious sexual and violent offending to road traffic offences.
Thomas prides himself on his approachable style ensuring clients are at ease and informed of the proceedings they face. He has experience of questioning both young and vulnerable witnesses and has completed the Inns of Court “Vulnerable Witnesses Advocacy Training”.
Thomas has a thorough working knowledge of Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and is regularly instructed in matters concerning confiscation and asset restraint.
Notable Cases
- R v Cooper – Lincoln Crown Court: 7 day trial involving a registered nurse, forgery and the theft of ampoules of morphine from the hospital controlled drugs cabinet. The trial involved the cross examination of a handwriting expert and the consideration of substantial quantities of hospital records. Notwithstanding the guilty verdict, successfully obtained a suspended sentence order.
- R v Richmond – Leeds Crown Court: Successfully defended a Defendant charged with assault and possession of an offensive weapon.
- R v Hargrave – Grimsby Magistrates’ Court: Successfully defended a Headteacher accused of assaulting one of his pupils. The 2 day trial concerned the use of “reasonable force” pursuant to Section 93 Education and Inspections Act 2006 and also involved the cross examination of the 7 year old Complainant.
- R v Bell – Bradford Crown Court: Successfully defended a Defendant charged with breaching a Restraining Order that prohibited him from pestering his ex-partner via social media. The 2 day trial involved a considerable factual background and close scrutiny of multiple Twitter accounts.
- R v Ntandoyenkosi – Leeds Crown Court: Successfully overturned a conviction from Wakefield Magistrates’ Court concerning one charge of failing to provide a sample breath when required to do so. The appeal involved the consideration of medical evidence and expert psychiatric evidence which supported the Appellant’s contention that she had suffered a panic attack at the relevant time.
- R v Hallgarth – Lincoln Crown Court: Successfully defended the manager of a sheltered housing complex alleged to have defrauded one of the residents. The trial involved scrutiny of the Amazon customer interface and its payment processes. Further, it included challenging expert evidence from Amazon and the consideration of a significant quantity of purchasing records.
- R v Heyes – Court of Appeal: Successfully appealed the Defendant’s sentence for various sexual offences. When reducing the sentence from 10 years to 6 years 8 months, the Lord Justices commended the advice/grounds of appeal that Thomas had drafted.
Public Access
Thomas may accept Public Access work, where he can be instructed directly by a member of the public rather than a solicitor.
Contact Thomas’ clerks
Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202
Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203
Hannah Dempsey on 0113 213 5211
Elaine Foster-Morgan on 0113 213 5217