Crime

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Gary Bell KC
Crime
20/05/2026

Gary Bell KC joins Criminal Group

We are pleased to announce that Gary Bell KC has joined the Criminal Group at St Philips Chambers. For more than three decades he has been instructed by solicitors across the country in the most serious and complex criminal cases, with a particular...

Peter Haynes KC
Crime
18/05/2026

Peter Haynes KC appointed lead defence counsel for former President of the Philippines

St Philips Chambers is pleased to confirm that Peter Haynes KC has been appointed lead defence counsel for Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, in proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Mr Duterte...

Ben Mills
Crime
01/05/2026

Ben Mills defends in five-year perverting the course of justice investigation

This week, a five-year investigation and prosecution of a Health and Safety Manager and two directors accused of perverting the course of justice came to an end when Ben Mills argued for the charge to be dismissed. The case involved an allegation...

Denise Breen-Lawton KC
Crime
02/04/2026

Denise Breen-Lawton KC Defends in Yorkshire Murder Case

Denise Breen-Lawton KC leading Jane Brady from St Paul’s Chambers, defended John Bootland who pled guilty to the murder of his partner; Colleen Westerman suffered “multiple injuries” on the 6th November 2025 and was pronounced dead...

Mariangela Lazari
Crime
31/03/2026

The Sentencing Act 2026 and its interplay with the Sentencing guidelines and the Bail Act 1976 

The Sentencing Act 2026 (“the Act”) came into effect on 22 March 2026. This has led to significant amendments to the sentencing guidelines and The Bail Act 1976 (“the Bail Act”) that criminal practitioners should be aware of when advising and...

Jonathan Barker & Matt Cullen
Crime
26/03/2026

Jonathan Barker, leading Matthew Cullen, prosecuted Harminder Mattu for Murder

Jonathan Barker, leading Matthew Cullen, prosecuted Harminder Mattu for Murder at Wolverhampton Crown Court.  Harminder Mattu attacked his wife, Paramjit Kaur, at their home address in Oldbury on 30th March 2025. The following morning, he...

Tom Walkling KC and Carl Templar-Vasey
Crime
26/03/2026

Tom Walkling KC, leading Carl Templar-Vasey, client acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges

Tom Walkling KC and Carl Templar-Vasey were instructed by Harringtons Solicitors to defend Amy Clark, who was charged with murder, manslaughter, 2 offences of causing grievous bodily harm with intent (s.18), and 3 “allowing” offences, contrary to...

Silks Day 2026: Ben Williams KC & Ben Close KC
Crime
23/03/2026

Silks Day: Ben Williams and Ben Close Sworn in as Silk

Today, two members of our Crime and Regulatory Groups, Ben Williams and Ben Close, were sworn in as King’s Counsel at a ceremony held in Westminster Hall before the Lord Chancellor. All members and staff at Chambers extend their congratulations...