Kate Barnes

Called to the Bar 2019

Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors 2003

Kate was called to the Bar in 2019, having been admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 2003. Prior to joining Chambers, she attained her Higher Rights in 2010 and practiced almost exclusively at the Crown Court, dealing with a full range of criminal cases at all stages of proceedings.

Kate has been led in homicide cases, has represented defendants in complex drug conspiracies; allegations of serious violence; of dishonesty and fraud, and of sexual offending. She has also been instructed as leading counsel in a multi-defendant complex drugs conspiracy trial lasting more than ten weeks.

Her background means that she has strong ties with local solicitors and the wider legal community. Her knowledge of procedure from police station to Crown Court trial provides an invaluable insight into case preparation. She has a practical approach to dealing with cases and has a good rapport with both professional and lay clients. She is known for her thorough preparation and advocacy.

Notable Cases

R v BF – Conspiracy to supply drugs

Defending in a multiple-defendant five-week conspiracy trial. This defendant acquitted on all counts. Other defendants later received up to 13 years’ imprisonment

R v JM - Sexual Assault

Defending an allegation of sexual assault in the workplace.

R v JR - Rape

Defending an allegation of rape. Issue of consent.

R v EL - s18 Wounding

Defending a woman conclusively found to have been the victim of trafficking. Successfully persuading the Crown that the allegations were not made out and that proceedings were not in the public interest

R v TR – Armed Robbery

Defending a man charged with robbery of a petrol station with a firearm. Five-day trial.

R v GS – Inciting Sexual Exploitation of a Child

Complex legal argument advanced that police had acted consistent with entrapment of the defendant.

R v Keith Wilson [2019] EWCA Crim 468

Reported case concerning the application of the Sentencing Guidelines Council’s guidelines in a case of s18 wounding with intent.