Sarah specialises in all aspects of Criminal Law and is a Category 3 Prosecutor. She is regularly instructed to both Prosecute and Defend in the Crown Court.
Sarah appears mainly in the Crown Court. A large proportion of her caseload involves sexual offences, which she has a particular specialism in both prosecuting and defending.
Sarah has experience of defending individuals with mental health issues and has a particular strength in working with clients with these kinds of issues, helping them to achieve the best outcomes in their cases through her sensitive handling and careful preparation of them as witnesses. Sarah is also a Judge of the First Tier Tribunal (Mental Health) which hears applications and references for people detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.
Sarah also appears in the Youth Court to prosecute and defend cases involving sexual allegations.
Sarah has both undertaken and provided training as a facilitator for the Vulnerable Witness Training course on Northern Circuit and Wales & Chester Circuit.
Operation Blue Tarragon – Prosecution Junior in Murder
R v SD – defending a youth charged with Attempted Murder
R v M – defending to acquittal in charge of Rape
R v D – defending to acquittal in charge of Rape
Examples of Previous Cases
Operation Blue Queen – Prosecuting Counsel in Class A ‘County Lines’ drugs conspiracy
Operation Blue Fedora – Prosecution Junior in case involving 13 Defendants – Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs.
R v B & R – Prosecuting Counsel in historic allegations of rape and sexual abuse, dating back approximately 30 years. Provided initial charging decision and represented Prosecution at trial to conviction.
Operation Resurrection – Defence Junior; Fraud to the value of £800,000
Operation Lake – Prosecution Junior in ‘County Lines’ Class A drugs conspiracy
Operation Blue Opal (R v John Garner) – Prosecution Junior in Murder. Prosecution argued successfully that the defences of loss of control and diminished responsibility were not made out on the evidence. Lack of intent remained the only issue for the jury to consider
Operation Fasti – Prosecution Junior in case involving 14 Defendants – Drugs importation, production and supply relating to steroids
R v B – Prosecution Junior in Murder trial (Murder & 3 x Attempted Murder) at Mold Crown Court before Mr Justice Picken
R v P – Prosecution trial. Assault by Penetration – 6-year-old Complainant
R v N – Defence in Sexual Assault trial. Involved cross-examination of children aged 7 and 9
R v S – Defence Rape trial. Complainant alleging rape against Defendant – allegations dated back to Complainant aged 6 and Defendant aged 10
R v J –Prosecution of Death by Careless Driving
Operation Lenten – Prosecution Junior in trials involving 14 Defendants. Child Sex Exploitation, including Rape and Human Trafficking
R v A – Prosecution trial. Allegations of Indecent Assault dating back to the 1980s to 1990s made by 4 male Complainants against their former teacher.
Operation Analogue – Prosecution Junior in trial involving 8 Defendants. Conspiracy to Commit Burglary
First Class BA (Hons) in English Language & Literature from the University of Manchester.
Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the College of Law, Chester.
Bar Vocational Course at Manchester Metropolitan University (Very Competent).
2017/2018 – Trained and provided training as Facilitator for Vulnerable Witness Training course on Northern Circuit and Wales & Chester Circuit.
2017/2018 – Pupil Supervisor
Member of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Panel
Member of Lincoln’s Inn
Member of the Criminal Bar Association
Judge of the First Tier Tribunal (Mental Health)
Category 3 prosecutor