Hannah Thomas

Criminal Defence

Hannah has developed a wealth of experience in criminal defence covering a broad spectrum of offences, both alone and as a led junior. Her recent instructions include conspiracy to supply drugs, firearms offences, murder, GBH, fraud, serious child cruelty involving death of an infant, and rape.

Hannah has a keen interest in assisting vulnerable defendants. In addition to mandatory vulnerable witness training, Hannah has completed specialised youth justice training to enable her to more effectively represent children charged with serious offences.

Hannah has recently been instructed in a string of protesting cases whereby defendants are charged with breaching the criminal law during a protest. This involves consideration of Articles 10 and 11 of the ECHR and often involves complex legal analysis. The cases have attracted national press attention. Hannah is currently instructed in a judicial review arising out of one such matter.

Hannah regularly authors Practice Notes for LexisNexis owing to her experience in crime.

Notable Cases:

[Reporting Restrictions] (2021)

Led junior in a serious child cruelty case involving the death of an infant.

R v P and others (2022)

Currently instructed as disclosure junior in a large scale Trading Standards prosecution.

R v H (2022)

Currently acting for an activist who is charged with breaching Coronavirus Regulations by protesting. The case is currently the subject of judicial review proceedings and has received national press interest.

R v A and others (2021)

Led junior in a case concerning international drugs conspiracies, associated money laundering and possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition. Following a series of disclosure requests and successful defence representations, the matter resulted in the prosecution offering no evidence on the conspiracy counts on day five of the trial.

R v JP (2020)

Recent confiscation case concerning complex issues including hidden assets and a benefit figure of £1.8 million.

Garry v CPS [2019] EWHC 636 (Admin)

Acted for the appellant in a case stated appeal concerning the interpretation of ‘reasonable excuse’ for possession of a butterfly knife. The case is now an authority on the point.