Criminal Defence
Madeleine’s current instructions cover a broad spectrum of criminal offences including the supply of drugs, knife-point robbery, wounding with intent, grievous bodily harm, and affray. She also has experience of advising on criminal matters, including pre-charge bail and disclosure notices under section 49 Regulation of Investigatory Power Act 2000 (“RIPA”).
Madeleine has extensive experience representing clients charged with motoring offences, particularly those who are at risk of disqualification, and is adept at handling exceptional hardship and special reasons applications.
Madeleine has a particular interest in representing defendants in the Youth Court, having volunteered as a youth leader for a number of years.
Notable Cases:
R v EA
Client acquitted of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration to a member state. The Crown’s case was that the three defendants conspired with others unknown to affect the clandestine entry of non-UK nationals into France in the back of various types of goods vehicles. The prosecution’s case alleged over 40 movements of people to France, involving more than 500 individuals. The trial involved a high volume of phone and cell-site evidence. Madeleine’s client was the only one of the three defendants to receive a ‘not guilty’ verdict following a two-week trial.
R v GW
Client acquitted of breach of non-molestation order after 4-day trial, in which the Crown had successfully applied to adduce evidence of a previous conviction for breach of a non-molestation order against the same complainant. The Crown’s application for a post-acquittal restraining order was successfully opposed.
R v WF
Defendant acquitted of coercive and controlling behaviour after 5-day trial.
R v XY (a Youth)
Represented a youth charged with wounding/causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The defendant pleaded guilty. At sentence, Madeleine successfully argued for a lower categorisation of harm than was contended by the Crown and, as such, that the Youth Court was able to retain jurisdiction.
R v XY (a Youth)
Represented a youth in Crown Court proceedings. The defendant was charged with, and later pleaded guilty to, multiple high-value robberies of jewellery stores. Madeleine was commended for her proper approach to youth sentencing in the Crown Court, which included submissions in accordance with R v ZA [2023] EWCA Crim 596.