We have unparalleled experience representing individuals accused of sexual offences and misconduct. Over several decades, we have acted in some of the most high profile, serious, and complex cases involving the full range of sexual allegations. Our clients include public figures, professionals, and individuals who have never been the subject of criminal allegations before. Regardless of the circumstances, we defend all our clients with the same care and determination to secure the best possible result.
We also advise victims of crime and witnesses in relation to the criminal justice process, ensuring that they receive the support and assistance they are entitled to. Outside of the criminal justice system, we advise businesses and individuals seeking criminal law advice in the context of internal investigations and disputes. We also advise students and pupils facing misconduct proceedings brought by universities and schools.
We recognise the sensitivities involved in dealing with sexual allegations. Discretion is at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with specialists in the fields of media and reputation management, ensuring that our clients’ interests are fully protected. Where necessary, we engage with the media on behalf of our clients to ensure that events are not misrepresented and that where permitted, any reporting is fair and accurate. We have close links to the country’s top forensic experts and instruct them to prepare reports for use in the defence of our clients. Often this is in support of representations against prosecution, in which we are particularly experienced.
If you are accused of a sexual offence or sexual misconduct, we will build a team around you to support and guide you through the process. Instructing us at the earliest possible stage in your case affords us the best opportunity to take control of the process, leaving no stone unturned in presenting your defence.
Our expertise
BCL are ranked in Band 1 for Crime in Chambers and Partners and Band 1 for Crime: General in The Legal 500.
We know the toll that being subject to investigation, prosecution, or misconduct proceedings can take. Our team of specialist and skilled lawyers will provide an empathetic and supportive environment while working tirelessly for you to prepare your most effective response.
We provide beginning to end representation to guide you through the entire course of your case, including in connection with:
- representing suspects under arrest and in detention awaiting an interview under caution;
- pre-charge engagement with police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in order to identify lines of enquiry of potential assistance to our clients;
- gathering of evidence and intelligence, including identifying witnesses, CCTV footage, and social media content;
- representation in complex historic investigations and investigations with a cross-border or multi-jurisdictional element;
- preparing written representations against prosecution to the police and CPS, both pre-charge and post-charge;
- instructing specialist forensic experts to prepare reports for use in supporting representations against prosecution or defence at trial;
- preparation and representation at trial at the magistrates’ court and crown court;
- representation in appeal proceedings before the Court of Appeal and the Criminal Cases Review Commission;
- engaging with media and reputation management specialists; and
- liaising with employers, professional regulators, and other third parties throughout proceedings, ensuring that our clients’ professional and reputational interests are protected.
Our experience
Examples of our instructions include:
- Representing an entrepreneur prosecuted for offences of rape, sexual assault and robbery during the course of the relationship with his fiancée. Following the breakdown of their relationship, our client was reported to the police and subjected to a protracted police investigation. We submitted detailed written representations to the CPS, which included a lengthy schedule of messages between the parties, and resulted in the prosecution offering no evidence in respect of all charges shortly before the trial.
- Acting for a Premier League footballer accused of serious sexual assaults, including representation at the police station, and making submissions to the police, resulting in no further action being taken. This case required intensive negotiations with police to ensure a swift conclusion to the investigation, enabling our client to continue their career.
- Representing a high-profile academic tried in relation to allegations of sexual assault by a mature student, resulting in the client’s unanimous acquittal after a short period of deliberation by the jury. Our work pursuing lines of disclosure in the UK and abroad resulted in the discovery of evidence that suggested the complainant had lied and our client was telling the truth.
- Successfully representing a business owner in relation to allegations of historic sexual offences involving a close family member. This difficult case required extensive investigation and work in pressing the prosecution for further disclosure of relevant third-party material. Through this work, we were able to unearth old social services records that directly contradicted the complainant’s account, proving that our client could not have committed the offences as alleged. Our client was found not guilty at trial.
- Representing a student accused of the rape and sexual assault of another student during a university social event. Further to several contested disclosure applications for access to data believed to be held on the complainant’s mobile phone, the prosecution conceded that there was no longer a prospect of conviction and dropped the case mid-way through the trial.
- Acting for an education professional accused of a range of sexual offences by a service user. This complex case involved a careful analysis of the complainant’s medical and social care history, including several applications for further disclosure from the prosecution, which led to the discovery of evidence suggesting the complainant had made several previous false allegations against staff. Our client was unanimously acquitted.
- Successfully represented university student accused of assault by penetration in relation to a fellow student said to have taken place during the second year. Following detailed disclosure requests being made in relation to shortcomings in the prosecution case as well as careful preparation for a pre-recorded cross-examination hearing, the client was acquitted at trial.
Our reputation
BCL has long been top-ranked by the major legal directories in the area of Crime and is currently ranked as follows:
- Band 1 – Chambers and Partners, Crime
- Tier 1 – Legal 500: Crime
- Leading Firm – The Times Best Law Firms: Financial Crime & Fraud & Regulatory
