Grace Forbes

Criminal Defence

Grace specialises in criminal defence. Her experience extends across the spectrum of criminal law.

She has advised and represented clients accused of serious violence, serious drug supply, sexual offences and fraud. She has experience is navigating the complexities and tactical demands of multi-handed criminal cases, including through acting for those appearing first on the indictment at trial.

She has been recognised as a passionate and persuasive defence advocate with a strong work ethic.

Notable Cases:

R v J and 5 others (2023)

Grace was led by a senior criminal barrister in a multi-million-pound consumer product fraud and money laundering trial that was heard over three months at Southwark Crown Court. In a six-defendant trial, their client was the only one to receive ‘not guilty’ verdicts.

R v N (2023)

Grace acted alone to represent a young man accused of sexual assault and witness intimidation. The trial involved unusual evidence relating to regression therapy and required careful witness handling. Her client was acquitted of all counts.

R v B and 7 others (2022)

Grace was led by a KC in a multi-handed murder and firearms conspiracy. Their client was accused of plotting a vengeance killing against the background of allegations of gang involvement in Manchester. The case involved voluminous EncroChat evidence and attracted substantial media attention.

R v S and another (2022)

Grace represented a young, vulnerable woman charged with Possession with Intent to Supply heroin and cocaine. Grace prepared detailed submissions in respect of modern slavery and abuse of process that led to the case being discontinued against her client.

R v L (2022)

Grace brought a successful appeal against £1m confiscation order imposed following a contested Proceeds of Crime Act hearing. The win halved the amount that her client had to pay to meet the order and secured his wife’s share in the £1m family home that had been held in his sole name. The case involved complex legal argument and was widely reported.  

R v M and 2 others (2022)

Grace was instructed as sole counsel on behalf of a businessman accused of high-value fraudulent trading. The case involved allegations spanning across three companies and requires detailed analysis of extensive business records.

R v A (2022)

Grace was instructed on behalf of a young defendant of good character, accused causing Grievous Bodily Harm, with intent. The multi-handed case involved a violent disorder on the streets of Coventry that resulted in a death. Case preparation involved close analysis of hours of CCTV footage and difficult tactical decisions.

R v O and 7 others (2020)

Grace was led by a KC in a multi-handed drug supply case. Grace represented the second defendant who was accused of playing a leading role in a conspiracy to supply of Class A drugs across county lines. The case involved analysis of extensive cell site, video surveillance and audio probe evidence.

R v I and 6 others (2019)

Grace was led in a multi-handed commercial fraud case, valued at over £1 million. Grace acted for the second defendant, a businessman accused of playing a leading role in a conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. The first defendant and Grace’s client were involved in a “cut-throat” defence, requiring careful tactical decisions throughout. The case involved analysis of thousands of pages of evidence. Grace was trusted to mitigate on behalf of the defendant at sentence.

R v K and 8 others (2018)

Grace was instructed as sole counsel on behalf of a defendant accused of participating in a multi-handed fraud and money-laundering conspiracy. The fraud was valued at £800,000 and the trial lasted 10 weeks. The case involved multiple defendants and Grace navigated a potential “cut-throat” conflict between her client and the first defendant, who was represented by a silk and a junior. The defence involved mastering extensive financial and documentary evidence, and cross-examination of a vulnerable witness. The case attracted media attention.