Crime

At Dere Street Barristers, the ‘very thorough and keen’ team continues to handle a high volume of serious criminal cases, and the set reports an uptick in instructions concerning serious sexual offences. Richard Herrmann, who is ‘extremely attentive to detail’, heads up the group and has expertise in defending and prosecuting in cases involving large-scale drugs conspiracies and serious violence. John Elvidge KC is a highly regarded practitioner in the space, and Peter Makepeace KC has ‘excellent communication skills’. David Lamb KC‘s recent workload includes multi-defendant murder cases. Anne Richardson ’is formidable yet professional‘. The Legal 500 2025

The criminal team at Dere Street, headed by Richard Herrmann, is one of the strongest on the North East Circuit. The team’s 4 silks and 27 junior barristers provide expertise across the entire field of criminal law throughout the region and beyond. Highly skilled advocates provide exceptional service in all criminal courts and sound, reliable advice at all stages of proceedings.

Work is undertaken fearlessly and compassionately by advocates who care about their cases. Dere Street Barristers pride themselves on their integrity and will always put the interests of the client first. Even the most challenging of clients will receive a first class service and sound advice. The most difficult of trials will be fought with vigour.

Dere Street is well represented on CPS panels at all levels with a particularly strong group of Grade 4 and RASSO Panel advocates. Prosecutions are undertaken for various prosecuting authorities including RSPCA and Local Authorities across the region.

Barristers at the more junior end of the team are largely home grown. They have been mentored by the more experienced members of the team and benefit from the collegiate atmosphere in Dere Street.

The clerking team has a wealth of experience in clerking crime. Craig Mead, Joanne Brown have a long history with Dere Street and know their barristers well. They are also supported by experienced Junior clerks, Andrea Eccleston, Alyson Hailes, Byroni Walker and Claire Rance. Claire joined the clerking team in 2023 and works from our Middlesbrough office. Byroni was promoted to a criminal clerk in 2024. With such strength and depth across the team the clerks are able to match clients to just the right barrister. They know the importance of maintaining a good and trusting relationship with professional clients and that the key to doing so is communication and a thorough understanding of the client’s requirements. They will all go the extra mile to meet those requirements.

Every member of the criminal team at Dere Street is committed to providing the highest level of service to both professional and lay clients. Conference facilities, including video conferencing, are available in Newcastle, Middlesbrough and York premises. Members of the team provide continuing professional development to fellow professionals by sharing their expertise.

Barristers who practice in this area of law

Please contact our clerks for further details.