Sally is a senior criminal practitioner with a practice consisting predominantly of complex criminal matters. She is sought-after due to her substantial experience of difficult and serious sexual offence cases involving both contemporary and historic allegations and is excellent in dealing with defendants and witnesses with mental health issues and other vulnerabilities. Although sensitive to the needs of the vulnerable, she has been described as ‘highly skilled’ in her cross-examination of witnesses.

Due to the serious nature of Sally’s practice she is instructed to appear at Court Centres throughout the country and has extensive experience of homicide, rape and serious sexual allegations, fraud and money laundering, and large scale drug conspiracies. Sally is frequently instructed in difficult cases due to her consultative approach and knowledge of expert witnesses. She is able to advise at an early stage of the proceedings as to the suitability of a particular expert.

CPS Panel appointments

General Crime Level 4
RASSO Level 4

Key cases & testimonials

R v F & Ors, Cambridge Crown Court – Successful defence of teenage defendant charged, along with three others, of murder. Led by Karim Khalil QC. ITV article. https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2015-01-13/mums-tribute-to-the-caring-son-killed-in-an-underpass

R v Ghafoor, Luton Crown Court – Rape and false imprsionment on behalf of the major crime unit. Defendant dragged victim into bushes and subjected to a prolonged attack.

R v Bromley, Reading Crown Court – Rape and indecent assault of 4 year old child. Leading Junior for the prosecution. Defendant sentenced to a twenty five year term.

R v Gallucci and others, Cambridge Crown Court – Conspiracy to defraud, this was Cambridge Trading Standards biggest prosecution in terms of evidence gathering and value. Costs of £25,000 were recovered. Leading Junior. Prosecution

R v Canaj and Others Cambridge Crown Court – Defendant charged with rape, kidnap and running a brothel. The defendant was a Lithuanian national who, along with 4 others, was alleged to have kidnapped a Russian girl and raped her whilst forcing her to engage in prostitution. The complaint was blown out of the water by tracing a respectable business man through close examination of unused telephone records and using him as an anonymous witness. The Trial Judge later described this to the jury as “Miss Hobson pulling a rabbit out of the hat”

Sally is an expert at reading clients’ needs and responding to them in a way that instantly disarms and places them at ease.
Sally is a talented and brilliant barrister. She is fearless, firm, and persistent. She can reach the heart of the issue with excellent judgement, the correct pitch, and the power of true experience.Legal 500 2023
Sally is a go-to for all areas of general and complex crime.Chambers UK 2023
Sally is a powerful advocate. Her cross-examinations are focussed and compelling to watch - and often devastating!Legal 500 2022
A new addition to The 36 Group with notable expertise in serious crime work, including rape and murder cases. She is noted for her sensitive handling of vulnerable defendants, including those with mental health issues. Strengths: She is incredibly good with difficult clients and is very patient. A good advocate. Chambers UK 2021

Further information

Memberships

Member of Inner Temple
Member of the South Eastern Circuit
Member of the Criminal Bar Association
Former Junior and current Committee Member of the Cambridge and Peterborough Bar Mess
Grade 4 CPS Prosecutor, Rape and Serious Sexual Offences panel advocate

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