Michelle is a leading Silk, rated in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. She regularly defends Police Officers in both criminal and disciplinary proceedings at the very highest level.
Due to working across a number of disciplines Michelle can deal with cases that cross jurisdictions, for example, inquests resulting from deaths in custody, as well as criminal charges resulting from alleged incidents, as well as Misconduct proceedings that may arise.
Michelle is a regular speaker at the No 5 Police Misconduct Seminar and has lectured on topics such as the development of the offence of Misconduct in Public Office, and best practise in inquests.
Michelle has conducted cases at all levels of the criminal justice system, including multiple cases of murder, and for numerous high-profile clients. She fully understands the need for sensitivity and discretion. She has represented officers at all levels, these range from serious legal arguments before the Court of Appeal, sexual offences, death by dangerous driving in the Crown Court to, if requested, defending officers accused of common assault in the course of their duty. She sits as a Recorder of the Crown Court.
Michelle has also dealt with more technical offences such as alleged Data Protection breaches as well as more common factual disputes such as domestic violence. She believes that there is no one way to approach a case and Michelle brings along a wide skill set and incisive intellect to each one. She has extensive experience in dealing with complex legal arguments, drafting skeleton arguments and presenting them in court.
Michelle is also able to deal with expert evidence. She grasps difficult issues quickly and presenting them in a manageable way.
Known first and foremost as a tenacious fighter she is also renowned for her client care, being able to put clients who aren’t used to being in court at their ease.
Recommendations
Ranked as a Tier 1 Silk in Professional Disciplinary Law
Legal 500 2022 & 2023
“She’s very diligent and bright.”
Chambers UK 2020
Notable Cases
Police v PC R
5 day Misconduct proceedings, officer accused of gross misconduct for breach of duty in alleged rape. Officer cleared by panel
Police v PC W
Misconduct hearing in respect of allegations of breach of regulations for honesty and integrity.
Police v DI P
Detective Inspector admitted criminal offence, brought before a Special Case Hearing. Successful mitigation ensuring he kept his job.
Civil Nuclear Constabulary v PS A
Michelle successfully defended an officer accused of using racist language on duty. Michelle was able to establish a motive for false allegations and the case was dismissed.
R v PC B
Criminal case alleging excessive use of force by an officer in the course of executing his duty. Michelle defended the Officer, who was found not guilty.
R v DC S
Criminal case alleging domestic violence against a former partner, Michelle defended the officer, who was cleared by the jury.
Memberships
Health and Safety Lawyers Association
Qualifications
LLB (Europe) (Hons)
