Frances Pencheon

Frances practises in criminal law for the prosecution and defence. She is experienced in dealing with vulnerable witnesses and defendants. She is well regarded as a confident advocate with maturity beyond her call.

She is currently being led by Jonathan Sandiford QC; instructed by the Special Crime Division  involving a police officer facing allegations of fraud by abuse of position.   Recent not guilty verdicts on matters defended by Frances include R v Massey, a sexual assault charge against a male massage therapist and R v Carvath, a stalking case, R v Whitehead, allegations of sexual assault with a child under 18 and R v Martinez, an American football scholar student accused of rape.

Frances also has a keen interest in The Proceeds of Crime Act.  She recently successfully defended a contested POCA the benefit figure was reduced from over £1million to £276,000.00.

Frances has a rapidly developing private client practice.  This includes a variety of areas such as personal tax cases, road traffic matters and representing clients at tribunals. 

Private Client Defence Work.

R v W – Historic sexual activity with a child under 18 – Not guilty verdict

R v M – American football scholar student accused of rape after a night out.  – Not guilty verdict.

Frances has experience in the criminal courts across many different aspects of motoring offences.

Frances joined the St Pauls SEND team in March 2019 and has a developing practice in this area.  Frances has appeared before the First-Tier Tribunal including representing the Local Authority and has considerable experience at cross examining expert witnesses.

She ensures that she is up to date with current authorities and the law in this area.

RTA cases: Frances appears on behalf of parties in stage 3 hearings, small claim hearings, infant approvals and Fast Track Trials.

Frances has been instructed in CMC and CCMC hearings, applications and regularly prepares infant settlement approval advices.