Today is Tom’s last day in chambers as he heads into retirement.  His youthful looks and schoolboy smile conceal over 40 years at the Bar. He was called in 1981 and long ago proved his versatility across the disciplines: a veteran of the Cleveland child abuse cases and countless jury trials, latterly he specialised in […]

The Cleveland and South Durham Family Justice Board conference was a great success with the Crypt in Middlesbrough Town Hall being completely sold out! Helen Scourfield chaired and opened the conference, and all of the speakers were outstanding. Lads like Us packed the biggest punch, which will hopefully lead to a shift in the way […]

Aaron Ray, 21, from Sunderland, who stabbed his lover after reading messages to other men on dating app Grindr has been jailed for life. He was convicted of Murder after a 7 day trial at Newcastle Crown Court. Prosecutor David Lamb KC, leading Andrew Walker, both of Dere Street Barristers had told jurors it was […]

Ruth was called in 2001 and is a very well known children law specialist. Head Of Chambers John Elvidge KC said “We are delighted to welcome Ruth to chambers. Ruth is a very experienced and highly regarded family practitioner who is a significant addition to one of largest family teams in the country.” If you would […]

David Lamb KC, prosecuting, said: “There had been a dispute between them over £160 in cash and some possessions, including a mobile phone taken from the defendant when he was intoxicated and asleep at his friend’s flat. The Defendant pleaded guilty to murder and having an article with a blade or point and was sentenced […]

Friday 31st March 9.30am – 4.30pm Principal Hotel, York. Sponsored by Dere Street Barristers, Ramsdens Solicitors, Pepperells Solicitors, Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors and Jones Myers Solicitors

Cleveland and South Durham Local Family Justice Board Conference Teenagers, Trauma and the Family Justice System Middlesbrough Town Hall Friday 17th March 2023 – 9.30am-4.30pm This event will be CPD registered [6 CPD Points] TICKET PRICES – £75 Reduced Ticket price for Social Workers and CAFCASS officers £50 [including lunch and refreshments] Event sponsored by […]

Senior Assistant Coroner for County Durham and Darlington Crispin Oliver recorded a verdict of unlawful killing in the case of Lyndsey Watkins. The coroner ruled that Mr Turner died as a result of a car crash, but said, because of the circumstances, a different verdict was necessary regarding the death of Ms Watkins. Media coverage […]

Thomas Parsons-Munn attended the appeal on behalf of The Borough Council of Gateshead on an appeal against the decision of the First-tier Tribunal to cancel civil penalties imposed by the appellant on the respondent, City Estate Holdings Limited, for the offence of managing or being in control of two properties that were required to be […]

It is with great sadness that Chambers has received news that Paul Batty died at the weekend in York Hospital.  Paul was called to the Bar (Lincoln’s Inn) in 1975 and completed his pupillage at 51 Westgate Road. He enjoyed a stellar career at the Bar, taking Silk in 1995. He was appointed a Circuit […]