Michelle Fawcett

Year of Call: 1993

Specialist practice areas: Serious Crime, Criminal/Civil Fraud, Serious Sexual Offences, Asset Forfeiture, Police Disciplinary, Inquests & Public Inquiries

R v Cgjekaj and others
Allegations of rape, kidnapping, blackmail and false imprisonment. The defendant was judicially acquitted following two trials when the Crown was compelled to offer no evidence following defence legal argument, submissions and the presentation of defence investigative work.

R v Zivanovic
Successful defence of a man accused of threats to kill, ABH and false imprisonment of his wife. Unanimously acquitted by the jury after seven minutes.

R v Wiggins
Allegation of an “insider” burglary and fraud against a large national leisure chain. Following a successful abuse of process argument relating to material non-disclosure, the Crown was compelled to offer no evidence.

R v Duncan
Defended bus driver for offence of causing death by dangerous driving. Case involved the death of a cyclist on Blackfriars Bridge. This case received considerable national press and television coverage. Commended by the Learned Judge for having an honest approach and “immense sensitivity” towards all involved.

R v Hodkinson
Defended in allegation of kidnap, false imprisonment and assault by the defendant upon her lesbian police-officer partner. This case received considerable national press and television coverage. Successful negotiations with the Crown to reduce the charges and a minimum

R v Jackson
Defended in case alleging GBH against a defendant with substantial mental health issues accused of attacking a female with a hammer at Embankment underground station. This case received considerable national press and television coverage. Sensitively handled case under the mental health provisions and was described by the Learned Judge as “admirable, able and of great assistance to the court”.

R v Kana and others
Defended a multi-handed conspiracy to defraud and handling stolen goods. Defendant was the only one unanimously acquitted by the jury; all the other defendants were convicted and sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment. Commended by the Learned Judge for the “ability to captivate the jury” and “an ‘award winning’ closing speech”.

R v B
Successful defence of teenager accused of rape. Following legal argument over disclosure issues and the obtaining of CCTV evidence, the Crown was compelled to offer no evidence.

R v K
Successful defence of a man accused of raping a 14-year old girl. Following legal argument and third party proceedings, the Crown were compelled to offer no evidence.

R v Hill, Horseman and others
Prosecution of an eight-handed violent disorder in Luton. Victims sustained serious head injuries. Successful convictions.