PracticeVikki is a specialist criminal defence practitioner. Her practice encompasses the whole spectrum of criminal law and she receives instructions in areas including sexual offences, violence, dishonesty and the importation and supply of drugs. Vikki prides herself on her thorough preparation, currency of legal knowledge and the strength of her client care which assists most notably with young and mentally disordered clients.
Vikki's personal and insightful touch with clients is a strength which is used deftly especially with young and vulnerable Defendants. She ensures she is trusted to defend vehemently by all she represents.
Vikki is also developing a practice in the amendment and removal of Police Bail conditions prior to charge. Beyond PracticeHaving spent time in the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia and Oklahoma Vikki has an interest in criminal matters with an international element. Vikki is an ardent anti-death penalty campaigner and as a member of Amicus spent a period of time in Oklahoma assisting in the defence of a number of clients facing the death penalty. She maintains links with those still working there and also undertakes pro bono work. Vikki helps train future interns and has made a number of presentations on her experiences for Amicus. Notable CasesR v Shane Worrall
Conspiracy to Murder Having represented the defendant from the outset, Vikki was led by David Spens QC at Kingston Crown Court. The Defendant admitted a conspiracy to cause GBH where his role was to hire a gunman on behalf of his jilted cousin. The substantial injuries were described by the trial Judge as the worst GBH he'd seen in over 40 years. The case involved both a complicated cut throat with the female cousin and overcoming the main issue of as to whether the shooting of the victim twice with a sawn-off shotgun from close range was evidence of the conspiracy to murder. There were over 6000 pages including substantial phone evidence. The case was reported by the BBC, and in the Daily Mail. R v SC
Central Criminal Court
£2.5 million 'Fake Sheikh Fraud'
Led by Terry Munyard this case was opened by the Crown as the 'fake sheikh' fraud and later dubbed as such by the Press. It involved two complicated and intricate transactions between brokers, solicitors and mortgage lenders on unsecured loans totalling £2.5 million for properties where the conspirators falsely identified themselves as the owners of the houses. They then supplied false documentation in order to fool the lenders.
There were complex issues in relation to named co-conspirators not charged and a intricate trail of communications via telephone, email and fax meant this case was one where attention to minute detail was of the utmost importance. The case was reported by The Independent and The Daily Express. R v Micchie & Ors
The Brighton 8 Protesters The 8 defendants were protesters for UK UNCUT and had been charged with criminal damage following a protest against the government tax cut. The protest involved entering Top Shop windows and assuming positions of 'Tax-Cut Mannequins'. The legal and factual complexity meant that all defendants were granted certificates for Counsel. There was expert evidence on the political and social aspects of the cuts from a wide range of individuals. These included expert evidence relating to tax avoidance legislation by a leading economist, the effect on the NHS and those being treated by a leading member of the BMA and Government policy was revealed by Caroline Lucas MP, leader of the Green Party, all whom gave defence evidence. It was successfully argued by the defence that the defendants temporary gluing of themselves to the inside of Top Shop window did not constitute criminal damage. The Crown are currently considering case stating this decision. The case was reported in The Argus. Click here to watch YouTube footage of the protest. R v Manuel Lorenco De Jesus
Possession of copy of own Identification The Defendant was found with a colour photocopy of his own driving license in his wallet. Astonishingly he was charged with possession of a false identity document, both with intent and simple possession. He was remanded in custody for 6 months despite numerous bail applications including after he had served any possible sentence. There was substantial legal argument as to the legal definition of false both generally and in relation to a document, using alternative legislation and the intentions of parliament given their travel advice. This was of course subject to its own legal arguments as to admissibility. But the futility and waste in this case meant it became subject to a Parliamentary Question. R v CC
Youth s18 Glassing The Defendant, a 15 year old of good character was charged with a s18 GBH. Due to his age, careful consideration was required as to his understanding and the approach to the case. He admitted 'bottling' the Complainant but stated he had done so in self defence whilst at a 16th birthday party for a mutual friend. There were a significant number of child witnesses for both the Crown and the Defence. These witnesses needed delicate cross examination whilst robustly presenting the defence. As there was a lay bench there had to be careful presentation of the evidence as well as the law. R v SD
(Watford Youth Court and St Albans Crown Court) A 14 year old charged with the sexual assaults of two youths in a park. This involved a very sensitive approach and presentation of the defence case, where an understanding of the issues needed to be explored with the Defendant continuously. Careful cross examination of a number of youths was required. Along with a robust examination of the evidence and the law to the lay bench when the case was heard in the Youth Court. T v Metropolitan Police Service
Police Bail in a murder investigation An 18 year old on police bail for murder for over a year who was subject to a 12 hour curfew. An application made at the Magistrates Court for the police bail to be varied. This involved arguments using both the ECHR and case law and those of common sense and proportionality, especially when looking at the new The Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures. ScholarshipsAndrew Lee Jones Scholarship for Death Penalty work Profile updated April 2012
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