Kate’s practice comprises, criminal defence work and some environmental crime. She also appears as an advocate in regulatory hearings before the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Kate has appeared in the Criminal Courts up to and including the Court of Appeal.

As a duty-advocate she has represented suspects under arrest at various police stations and for most offences including murder, kidnap and rape.

Her work as Counsel, and her scientific background, have given her expertise in forensic pathology as well as medical jurisprudence.

She is adept at understanding complex and key issues of law and can quickly attach the critical areas of relevant law immediately to the case. She is known for being tenacious and hard working, with a good sense of humour. She displays patience with the lay client, taking time to ensure they are confident with the defence and sympathetic to the difficulties associated with the proceedings.

CPS Panel appointments

General Crime Level 4

Key cases & testimonials

R v M, Feb – July 2025 – Murder CCC- led junior – 8 handed  multi-handed drug shooting – client 17 at time of offence, 18 when at time of conviction – defence of lack of knowledge re authenticity of weapon, MDS issues, coercion. Cut-throat defence from 3 co-defendants.

R v M, 2024 – 2025 – Winchester CC – junior alone, Conspiracy to supply Class A, part of multi-handed ring across England – Crown offered no evidence prior to trial on submissions as to public interest.

R v A, CCC – January 2024 – conspiracy to supply class A – 3rd listing for trial – (jury discharged on two previous trials)  Crown offer no evidence on second day following cross-examination of OIC on investigation.

R v B-S, – July 2024, Oxford CC – junior alone, Blackmail, kidnapping. Crown offer no evidence offered following legal argument on Stage 3.

R v S,  October 2023 – January 2024 – Winchester CC – leading junior in multi-handed murder trial – client charged with assisting an offender over period of days. Acquitted. (Convictions on the murder charges).

R v F, July 2024 – Southampton CC – junior alone – Conspiracy to supply Class B – Crown offer no evidence following legal submissions on Stage 3 delays.

Katherine is the most gifted jury advocate. Her ability to develop a rapport with a jury is second to none. She is also particularly adept at dealing with vulnerable clients. Her client care is phenomenal.Legal 500, 2026
Katherine is reassuring in con and on paper. Her knowledge of criminal law is outstanding.Legal 500, 2025

Further information

36 Crime Winter Newsletter

2011 – 2016: Member of a legal team which conducts ‘trials’ at the Natural History Museum as part of the Museum’s Crime Scene Nights. In 2012, this event was awarded Gold in the Eventia Industry Awards for best use of public space and received further awards for best use of technology and public involvement. It is a forensic science night and culminates in a trial where the experts are questioned as to their findings.

2011 – 2015: Visiting lecturer to the New York Law School where Kate delivered seminars in various areas of English Law and has been involved in examinations of advocacy.

2008: Spoke at the Cheltenham Science Festival on the dangers of using Brain Imaging (a new development in science) as a possible means to detect criminal intent.

2005: Contributed to the publication entitled ‘Collective Employment Rights and Trade Union Law’, editing the chapter on Criminal Offences. (Humphreys, 2nd Edition, 2006).

2003 – 2014: Invited to deliver lectures at the Specialist Training Unit of the Ministry of Defence at RAF Halton where she continued as a visiting lecturer on the Law and Policy Course and also the Environmental Liabilities course. (She is now a director of the company which provided the service).

Upon completion of her degree at Kingston University in 1998, Kate was invited to teach on the Environmental Law and Policy Course at the School of Earth Sciences. Initially, she undertook the tutorial sessions and eventually was responsible for the entire taught module. Responsible for teaching Environmental Law and Policy on the Masters of Science Course (MSc.).

Appointments & Memberships

Member of the CBA 2000 – present

Director of Environmental Compliance Online Limited – 2012 – 2025

Duty Advocate – Dual Qualification conferred by the Bar Council and LSC (Dual Capacity) (from 2012 onwards)

Director – Environmental Compliance Online Limited (from 2012 onwards)
International Association of Irish Lawyers – Chairperson 2007 – 2012

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