Crime

We will prosecute or defend every type of case at every level, from the magistrates’ courts to the Supreme Court.

Park Square Barristers has an outstanding and extensive criminal team, headed by Katherine Robinson. Our barristers, many of whom have national reputations, offer breadth and depth of quality expertise across all types of criminal offence and procedure. We provide a full range of advocacy and advisory services, from pre-charge advice through to appeal, enforcement and post-sentencing issues. We can and do offer guidance from the first hearing to the conclusion of a case.

‘A fantastic set with great reach and depth’, Park Square Barristers is ‘a large set with considerable strength in depth across age and experience ranges’. – The Legal 500 (2021).

“Park Square Barristers is the ‘chambers of choice’ for many criminal solicitors within the region, with clients praising the ‘strong range of alternative counsel’ that can be provided.”

Our 6 Silks, including Head of Chambers Richard Wright KC and Deputy Head Kama Melly KC, are regularly briefed on Circuits most high profile cases.

Richard Wright KC was briefed for the prosecution of the man charged with the murder of Hull student Libby Squire.  He also represented William Cornick who pleaded guilty to murdering his teacher – a case which gained national press coverage.

Other notable cases include Kama Melly KC leading Kate Batty on the successful prosecution of Sarah Barrass and Brandon Machin who both pleaded guilty to murdering 2 of their children – both defendant’s receiving minimum terms of 35 years in prison.

“With over 80 criminal practitioners in its criminal group, Park Square Barristers has solid expertise in prosecuting and defending in high-profile cases of terrorism, murder and multi-handed drugs conspiracies, among other areas. The set also reports a significant uptake in instructions pertaining to historic sexual abuse.” – The Legal 500 (2019)

Now with offices in Leeds and Middlesbrough, we can service all levels of criminal cases in the North of England.

We were delighted that Old Court Chambers joined PSQB in November 2020. 15 of their team do crime with senior practitioners including Nigel Soppitt, Paul Newcombe and Paul Abrahams.

Highest levels of service

Given our size and because we have one of the most extensive support teams on the circuit, we offer unrivalled levels of responsiveness and service. We have 11 dedicated criminal clerks, ensuring you will always be able to speak to someone. We can:

  • Cover any hearing at short notice;
  • Ensure you will not need to go elsewhere for cases which cross specialisms or where substitutions or return of work arise; and
  • Provide a highly efficient service with streamlined booking and billing.

“The set prosecutes and defends in equal measure in high-profile cases of terrorism, serious sexual offences, murder and multi-handed drugs conspiracies.” – The Legal 500 (2017)

Size of the team:

We offer strength in numbers, from the most senior practitioners to highly talented juniors:

  • 86 criminal barristers, including 6 criminal silks and 82 juniors
  • 3 silk door tenants and 4 junior door tenants
  • 28 Grade-4 Prosecutors
  • 22 Grade-3 Prosecutors
  • 27 barristers on the RASSO panel
  • 8 Grade-2 Prosecutors
  • 15 Grade-1 Prosecutors
  • 7 Defence-only practitioners
  • 13 barristers sitting as criminal Recorders

Over 40 of our former crime team members have been appointed to the judiciary.

We also have members on other specialist CPS panels including Fraud, Serious Crime and POCA.

“Particularly highly regarded for crime… regularly instructed to prosecute and defend cases of the utmost gravity and complexity both on and off circuit…” – The Legal 500 (on our team from Sovereign Chambers), 2015

Expertise

Our team of criminal barristers, led by Katherine Robinson, deals with offences from murder and manslaughter to terrorism, serious violence, rape and other sexual offences (including historical), public disorder, dishonesty, large-scale conspiracies, extensive frauds, drugs and technical road traffic issues, plus the more unusual offences dealt with by the specialist prosecuting agencies. We also have specialisms in asset forfeiture, confiscation, cash detention and restraint issues.

“Highly regarded for its experience in cases involving serious sexual offences.” – The Legal 500 (on our team from No 6), 2015

Government work

We are well-known for our work on behalf of government departments, including HMRC, BIS, NHS Protect and the Environment Agency. We have barristers on panels for CPS Specialist Fraud, POCA, Serious Organised Crime and the Serious Fraud Office. We handle significant prosecutions, particularly serious frauds (including tax and duty frauds) and complex multi-handed cases. For where there is cross-over, we have also broad experience in regulatory crime.

“Park Square Barristers is ‘an impressive set with a great deal of experience’; its crime team includes four silks, and has 21 Grade 4 CPS prosecutors and 25 members who are on the panel to prosecute rape and other serious sexual offences. Members deal with the full gamut of offences, ranging from fraud and terrorism to murder and drugs importation cases. In 2014, Craig Hassall prosecuted six members of a family in a case concerning industrial-scale immigration fraud.” – The Legal 500 (2015)

Personalised approach

We pride ourselves on our approachability, informality and responsiveness. Our barristers also have well-deserved reputations for sensitivity to the needs of both professional and lay clients, including the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.

Full regional coverage

Our barristers work in Leeds and Bradford, with a strong presence in Newcastle, Teesside, Hull, Grimsby, York and some work in Sheffield. We increasingly work off-circuit.

Tailored lecturing & training

Our criminal team offers an excellent series of lectures and guidance on diverse aspects of criminal law and practice, including recent legislative changes. We will provide tailored training on any issue of assistance to solicitors’ firms and prosecuting authorities.

Contact one of our dedicated criminal clerks

Leeds based Clerks

Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202

Gina Hawkins on 0113 213 5205

Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203

Hannah Dempsey on 0113 213 5211

Middlesbrough based Clerks

Dan Foulger on 01642 232523

Claire Gibson on 01642 232523

Emma Gibson on 01642 232523

The team

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