Practice Profile
Claire is an experienced, robust and determined advocate practicing exclusively in criminal law. Her practice covers all aspects of criminal offences including murder, fraud, serious sexual offences, drugs and serious violent offences. Claire has extensive expertise in the areas of serious violence, sexual offences and in complex and sensitive cases. Claire is known for being approachable with excellent client care and for her scrupulous case preparation. Claire has appeared on behalf of the defence as junior counsel alone in cases of attempted murder. Claire is often instructed in cases involving expert witnesses and young and/or vulnerable witnesses/defendants and has substantial experience of cases involving intermediaries.
Testimonials
I have no doubt that the clean sweep of acquittals during this trial was testament to her tenacious, dedicated and skilful ability.
It was a pleasure to work with her. "
Irrespective of the verdict she has been brilliant. We would always be really happy to instruct her."
Appointments & Memberships
Midland Circuit
South Eastern Circuit
Criminal Bar Association
CPS Grade 4
Appointed to CPS Panel of Advocates at Level 3
Appointed to the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Panel
2019 - Legally qualified chair to serve on Police Misconduct Panels in Thames Valley, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent.
Notable Cases
R v G (2019)
Prosecution of a defendant charged with kidnapping, multiple counts of rape and attempted rape.
R v H (2019)
Prosecution of a family member, the grandfather of the complainant. The complainant was 12 years of age and alleged numerous counts of sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
R v L (2019)
Prosecution of a defendant, the father of both complainants. The allegations were historic and included offences of rape and sexual assaults against both children.
R v M (2019)
Prosecution of a defendant, led by David Herbert QC, charged with murder, rape and arson. The deceased was bound, beaten and strangled to death during a brutal and sadistic sexual attack. The defendant received a sentence of detention for life with a minimum period of 20 years and 10 months. Received national press coverage.
R v G (2019)
Claire represented a Defendant who faced a multiple count indictment alleging numerous rapes, physical and sexual abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour towards his wife, over a number of years. The case had an additional complexity as the defendant had a previous conviction for a terrorist offence. The defendant was acquitted on all counts.
R v C (2019)
Claire is currently instructed to represent a care worker who is alleged, with others, to have physically abused residents at a residential care home for the elderly. This is said to be one of the first prosecutions of its kind.
R v J (2018)
Claire is currently instructed to represent a father accused of S18 and neglect, ‘baby shaking’.
R v K (2018)
Claire represented a 15 year old for trial in the Youth Court charged with rape and sexual offences against 10 child complainants.
R v C (2018)
Claire represented the defendant alleged to have assisted her husband who was charged with S18 and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life (nine week trial).
R v R (2018)
Claire represented the defendant charged with historic sexual abuse, the complainants being four family members.
R v H (2017)
OPERATION SILK - Rape and Child Sexual Exploitation – Oxford - Claire appeared for the first defendant in this six month, multi handed trial alleging rape and sexual exploitation of children in Oxford, over a number of years. Claire represented the same defendant in Operation Sabaton below. Received national press coverage.
R v H (2016)
OPERATION SABATON – Child Sexual Exploitation– Oxford. Claire represented the first defendant in this four month, multi handed trial alleging multiple counts of threats to kill, rape and child sexual exploitation of vulnerable complainants (Bullfinch 2). On completion of this trial the defendant was charged with further offences on new complainants and requested that Claire represent him again, which she did, in Operation Silk above. Received national press coverage.
R v S (2016)
Claire represented a vulnerable defendant with learning disabilities charged with sexual offences against a vulnerable complainant who had severe learning disabilities.
R v V (2016 )
Claire represented the defendant who was charged with aggravated burglary and robbery in the home. It was alleged the defendant bound the complainant during the course of the offences. Claire also represented the defendant in two further separate robbery trials.
R v H (2016)
Claire represented the defendant charged with armed robbery of a local shop and S18 when a customer was injured during the course of the robbery.
R v H (2015)
Claire represented a nurse who was alleged to have raped unconscious patients at the hospital where he was employed. Received national press coverage.
R v B (2015)
Claire represented the defendant charged with causing the death of a child by dangerous driving. It was alleged the defendant had been distracted and had consumed drugs when he lost control of his vehicle, mounted the pavement and drove into a group of school children. Received national press coverage.
R v H (2015)
Claire appeared as led junior in this multi-handed trial alleging murder, conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to falsely imprison.
R v C (2009)
Claire represented the defendant who was alleged to have raped and sexually assaulted young boys he had arranged to meet following sexual grooming. The defendant was referred to in the press as being “Oxford’s most notorious paedophile”. Received national press coverage