Mitigation Success for Helen Chapman

Philip Waltham, who once sold the Big Issue before launching a successful vintage clothing business.

Thanks to the efforts of his legal team, Philip Waltham, represented by Solicitors, Barker Copeman, and Barrister, Helen Chapman; narrowly escaped a prison sentence. Waltham had been convicted of sexual assault following a 7 day trial at Hull Crown Court. The Sentence hearing was listed today before Recorder Jackson KC sitting at Bradford Crown Court. Waltham was facing the potential of a custodial sentence.

Mitigation after Sexual Assault Conviction

Helen Chapman, mitigating, said that, since the conviction after the earlier trial, Waltham had been living at his home in London. “The defendant’s position in Hull has, frankly, become untenable to the extent that he finds being in the city very difficult,” said Miss Chapman.

He found it uncomfortable being in places like cafes. “There has already been a tangible effect on the business,” said Miss Chapman.

“Two stores have already had to close and a third is going to have to close by the end of this year.”

There was also doubt about a wholesale contract arrangement with TK Maxx that was “very much in its infancy” to stock and sell some of his products in their stores.

Waltham was “very fearful” about the potential impact on his employees.

He had previous convictions, including serving a lengthy period of custody, but he had, in the past, complied with community orders of courts and he had been “able to make a success of himself” since then.

“He continues to maintain his innocence and is working with a fresh legal team to consider the prospects of an appeal,” said Miss Chapman.

“He is not involved in the day to day running of the stores.” If he were jailed, it was a “possibility” that he would “lose the entire company”.

Consent

“Your defence was that this never happened and that it was all lies but that was rejected by the jury,” said Recorder Jackson. “She didn’t consent.”

Sentencing for Sexual Offences

Waltham was given a 20-month suspended prison sentence, 200 hours’ unpaid work, a sex offender treatment programme and was ordered to pay £10,000 compensation to the woman and £4,200 costs. He was given a restraining order and must register as a sex offender.

The Hull Daily Mail full article

Barrister, Helen Chapman has a mixed practice, with particular interest in cases involving Serious and organised crime and serious sexual offences. For further information or to book Helen Chapman, please contact the clerks.

Related areas

Related people

Helen Chapman

Helen Chapman

Call: 2006

Featured insights

What happens if you drive without a licence?
What are the penalties for Benefit Fraud?
What is King’s Counsel?

Contact Us

Chambers is centrally located within walking distance of the train station, secure car parks and the Courts.

Contact Us

St Pauls Chambers
Park Row House
19-20 Park Row
Leeds
LS1 5JF

For out of hours assistance please call the senior clerk on 07854170429.

The switchboard will open from 08:30 until 17:30

Phone: +44 (0)1132 455 866
Email: [email protected]
CJSM: [email protected]

Portfolio Builder

Select the expertise that you would like to download or add to the portfolio

Download    Add to portfolio   
Portfolio
Title Type CV Email

Remove All

Download


Click here to share this shortlist.
(It will expire after 30 days.)