Regulatory and Local Government

Lucy is regularly instructed on behalf of local authorities in both the Magistrates and Crown Court to advise and prosecute in cases concerning Trading Standards, Animal Welfare, Environmental Law, Food Safety, breaches of planning enforcement and Education Act offences.

Recent cases have included prosecutions for breaches of trademark, counterfeit goods and tobacco products, food safety breaches, fly tipping, disposal of controlled waste and animal licencing and welfare prosecutions, with associated POCA proceedings.

Lucy also deals with licensing matters and has advised and represented local authorities in Appeal proceedings concerning taxi, alcohol and premises licensing, whilst also sitting as Counsel to a number of licensing committees.

In addition, Lucy has worked for Police Forces in relation to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders & Injunctions, SHPO applications, closure orders and Proceeds of Crime applications.

Crime

Lucy regularly appears for both the Defence and Prosecution in all areas of Criminal Law.

‘I’ve instructed Lucy for many years. She is a fearless advocate and one of the most personable barristers I work with. She is always conscientious in her preparation and ensures that all details have been considered, whether it is for a trial or sentence. She is an effective communicator and generous with her time in conference or via email/phone often going above and beyond the call of duty. When I instruct Lucy, I feel we are working as a team towards shared goals and this is incredibly reassuring for me as the instructing solicitor and for the client’. Alex Chessum – Shentons

She has acted as junior alone and led junior in cases concerning the supply of drugs including cases involving Class A Importation, complex and high value fraud offences, serious violence, Murder and sexual offences.

Recognised for her thoroughness, compassion and approachability she is often instructed in cases of a sensitive nature and particularly enjoys working on matters that involve vulnerable defendants and youths. This is reflected in many of her recent cases in which she has been instructed to represent those with fitness issues and additional vulnerabilities. In particular she has worked with a number of young clients charged with the supply of drugs and has run successful defences for these clients under the Modern Slavery Act.

Inquests

Lucy has a keen interest in Coronial Law and has undertaken Inquests on behalf of all Interested Persons, most recently on behalf of Local Authorities and Insured Care Homes dealing with deaths in Local Authority and privately-run care. She has experience of advising clients with issues of disclosure and strategies for dealing with concurrent requests from the Coroner and CQC/NMC.

Lucy is known for her personable demeanour which allows witnesses to be put at ease, whilst simultaneously being able to sympathetically and strategically question other parties involved in the Inquest process. Lucy understands the sensitivity with which Regulation 28 PFD’s should be approached and the need to look at a response strategy which both assists the Coroner in their task but also looks to safeguard her client’s interests, where possible.

Feedback from a witness in a recent Inquest with Lucy: “I could not have done it without her. I was very lucky to have spent time with Lucy before I was called to give evidence – she gave me that bit of encouragement I needed and reassured me about the process” – MK