Sexual Offences

Our sexual offences barristers are recognised and respected across the circuit and beyond in the prosecution and defence of these complex and difficult cases.

Our Members have been instructed in some of the highest profile and complex sexual offences cases, including the successful prosecution of Operation Leaf (Eleanor Williams, who falsely claimed she was raped by multiple men and trafficked by an Asian grooming gang), Operation Lytton (Rochdale Grooming), Operation Stovewood (National Crime Agency into Rotherham Grooming).

Member of chambers are noted for their expertise when dealing with vulnerable witnesses and defendants with particular difficulties – in particular mental health and other cognitive impairments.

Some of our sexual offences barristers are recognised as trainers on the Advocacy and Vulnerable Witness Training Programme, providing specialist training to the judiciary and other legal professionals. Several are on the specialist CPS panel of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences prosecutors.

Chambers is well-versed in the challenges of cases of this nature. When defending, members are attuned to the particular sensitivities connected to these cases, the concerns regarding press reporting, and registration on the Sex Offenders Register.

Sentencing in sex cases is particularly complicated. Our members receive training which means they are up-to date and able to advance arguments on the relevant sentencing provisions.

We are particularly expert in cases relating to:

• Rape and serious sexual assault
• Rape within relationship and marriages or other domestic settings
• Child sexual abuse, both recent and non-recent (historic)
• Allegations made within a school or other education setting
• Offences involving an alleged breach of trust
• Human trafficking
• Paedophile or grooming rings
• Offences concerning the use of the internet – “revenge porn”, sexual communication with children, sexting and harassment.
• Possession and distribution of indecent images of children
• Prostitution and associated offence
• Sexual Risk Orders
• Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, both post-conviction and stand-alone orders
• Breaches of SROs and SHPOs
• Offences concerning Notification Requirements and the Sex Offenders Register