Hannah Thomas

Criminal Defence

Hannah has developed a wealth of experience in criminal defence covering a broad spectrum of offences. Her recent instructions include Class A drug supply, attempted GBH, benefit fraud, weapons offences, breach proceedings and confiscation proceedings.

She has experience of assisting professional clients with tactical, clear advice early in the case to achieve successful outcomes whilst avoiding the need for a lengthy trial.

Hannah is increasingly instructed in appellate work. She has successfully defended appeals in the Crown Court on a number of occasions and has also appeared in the High Court, where she was commended for her advocacy skills.

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

Recent cases:

R v SD – SD was charged with two counts of supplying Class A drugs. The case involved extensive legal argument and the Crown was held to account for its disclosure failings. This resulted in the Crown offering no evidence on both counts, on the day of trial. Instead, a count relating to the supply of Class B drugs (which SD had always admitted) was added to the Indictment. He was sentenced on that basis alone.

R v LO – LO pleaded guilty to benefit fraud. Following detailed analysis of the figures, representations were made to the Local Authority and the total ‘loss’ was reduced by £15,000. LO received a suspended sentence of imprisonment.

R v DS – DS was charged with the second breach of a non-molestation order taken out against her by her son. The defence of reasonable excuse was successfully run at trial and DS was acquitted.

R v OGV – OGV had pleaded guilty to possession of a knife, whilst in breach of a suspended sentence order for possession of two offensive weapons. This triggered a statutory minimum sentence of 6 months’ imprisonment. The Judge was persuaded to not activate the suspended sentence and also to suspend the statutory sentence of imprisonment.

R v YK – YK successfully appealed to the Crown Court against his conviction for driving whilst using a mobile telephone.