Clare has a varied practice in crime. She has been representing those facing serious sexual offences; historic and recent, for many years. Her emotional sensitivities allow for good rapport with clients who are dealing with sometimes distressing situations. Clare also has experience in dealing with cases involving serious violence, conspiracy to supply controlled substances and fraud. She is able to assimilate, analyse and efficiently present large amounts of evidence.
Clare’s common-sense approach and ability to cut through voluminous amounts of information assist in her efficient approach. She is a realistic, fair, thorough and trusted advocate who has a mature ability to consider the strategy of a case.
R v T 2016 – representing a male accused of historic sexual offences spanning 30 years, the complainants being his sister, daughter and nieces. The Judge commended Clare’s ability to effectively represent her client whilst dealing with the significant sensitivities in the case.
R v Kotwica 2017 – defendant was acquitted of rape having admitted a serious assault against his partner in a domestic setting.
R v Lawson 2018 – young adult male acquitted of raping his girlfriend.
R v Jeffries 2018 – defendant was a female without previous convictions who had become embroiled in a high-value drugs conspiracy. Following the disclosure of a large amount of evidence the limited role played by the defendant was identified, and she was sentenced to a more lenient sentence as a result.
R v Hope 2017 – the defendant was a vulnerable female who had been conveying controlled substances into HMP Bristol. As a result of significant mitigation, she was sentenced to a community order. The prosecution appealed against the sentence to the Court of Appeal on the basis that it was unduly lenient, together with a co-defendant who had received a suspended sentence order for his part in the offence. Court of Appeal did not interfere with the sentence imposed.
Crime Clerks:
Bonnie Colbeck
E: bonnie.colbeck@albionchambers.co.uk
T: 0117 311 0301
Ken Duthie
E: ken.duthie@albionchambers.co.uk
T: 0117 311 0368
Joanna Cload
E: joanna.cload@albionchambers.co.uk
T: 0117 927 1253
