News - Dere Street Barristers

09/07/2026

Jordan Parkinson secures acquittal for Vietnamese man charged with producing cannabis

The defendant successfully ran the modern slavery defence, after a negative NRM decision was received. Jordan successfully argued that the s45 defence was satisfied and the Crown were not able to disprove the statutory defence. The defence case set out how the defendant was illegally trafficked into the country and was subjected to repeated violence […]

06/07/2026

Jordan Parkinson secures acquittal for 20-year-old accused with 4 counts of domestic violence

The defendant was acquitted of all counts, including ABH, intentional strangulation and common assaults of his ex-partner after a 4-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court. Jordan successfully cross-examined the complainant highlighting the multiple accounts she had given to the police and the court, demonstrating she was not a credible nor reliable witness. The defendant maintains […]

30/06/2026

Calum McNicholas represents defendant acquitted of multiple counts of rape, assault by penetration, strangulation, and voyeurism

Calum McNicholas defended a man being tried on a multi-count RASSO indictment. The trial took place at Newcastle Crown Court, and lasted for 8 days. The Defendant was acquitted of multiple rapes, multiple counts of assault by penetration, multiple counts of strangulation, and voyeurism. Calum’s closing speech was commended by the trial Judge. If you […]

22/06/2026

Mum who caused the death of her son given indefinite hospital order

David Lamb KC prosecuted a woman at Teesside Crown Court last week. The woman was unfit to plead; after a jury found that she had caused the death of her son the judge made a hospital order. You can read the full story here. If you would like to instruct David Lamb KC you can […]

15/06/2026

Tim Donnelly and Christopher McKee shortlisted for Legal 500 Bar Awards 2026

Chambers are delighted to announce that Tim Donnelly and Christopher McKee have been shortlisted in the Junior Family Barrister of the Year category at the Legal 500 Bar Awards 2026. This recognition reflects the strength and depth of their work in family law, where both are widely regarded for their expertise in complex and sensitive […]

11/06/2026

When Separate Proceedings Should Not Mean Additional Punishment:

A Note on Totality and R v Riberio by Liam O’Brien Notwithstanding that every effort is made to avoid piecemeal sentencing exercises, most criminal practitioners will occasionally encounter cases in which offences committed during the same period are sentenced at different times. When this does occur, the consequences can be significant. Sometimes the position arises […]

08/06/2026

Congratulations on their amazing achievements

A huge congratulations goes out to Niamh Boothroyd on signing her professional football contract with Sunderland AFC Women and congratulations to Katy for re-signing her contract too. Both Niamh and Katy have been sponsored by Dere Street Barristers in the last few years, and we are super proud of their amazing achievements.

17/05/2026

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: a clarification

Twigg v R [2026] EWCA Crim 587 In a judgment handed down last week the Court of Appeal delivered an important clarification of s.3(1) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, confirming that two people in different locations can simultaneously be in charge of a dangerous dog. The case also highlights the importance of taking adequate […]

14/05/2026

Liam O’Brien Secures Acquittal in Medically Complex Sexual Assault Trial

Liam O’Brien recently secured the acquittal of a defendant charged with sexually assaulting his daughter following a trial at the Crown Court. The defendant, of previous good character, faced an allegation that he had digitally penetrated his then six-year-old daughter. The prosecution case included expert paediatric evidence said to be supportive of sexual abuse from a […]