Department profile
Deans Court Chambers

Crime

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Northern (Bar)

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Deans Court Chambers

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About

Provided by Deans Court Chambers

The Criminal Team at Deans Court Chambers is one of the strongest and most experienced teams both on circuit and nationally.

Our team of Barristers offer expertise as advisers and advocates in all areas of Criminal Law.

Members have received instruction in some of the most high profile cases in recent times.

Their work covers both prosecution and defence work at every level from serious organised crime to minor offences, in all areas of crime and criminal practice.

We believe that we are part of a team acting in the best interests of the client.

Our members have huge experience in prosecuting and defending in the following areas:

 - Armed robbery;

 - Arson;

 - ASBOs;

 - Assaults (Section 18, Section 20, Section 39, Section 47);

 - Burglary;

 - Child neglect/cruelty;

 - Corruption;

 - Dishonesty offences;

 - Harassment;

 - Kidnap;

 - Perverting the course of justice;

 - Possession of drugs;

 - Possession of offensive weapons;

 - Public order offences;

 - Robbery;

 - SOPOs;

 - Theft offences;

 - Threats to kill.

Our criminal team prides itself on its membership's strong advocacy and professionalism coupled with the highest standards of care. We provide representation at all levels in the criminal courts.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - Northern (Bar)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Deans Court Chambers is an established set on the Northern Circuit, known for broad expertise spanning the full range of serious criminal matters. The set houses a strong bench with a "diverse set of barristers" and its members are regularly instructed in high-profile cases relating to homicides, people trafficking and drugs offences. The set also offers considerable expertise in cases involving allegations of both recent and historic sexual offences. Additional areas of strength for the team include regulatory matters and criminal prosecutions arising from health and safety offences. Recent cases for the set included R v Erion Voja, which saw the defendant accused of murder.

Peter Kelly is the senior criminal and regulatory clerk, working with senior clerk Matthew Gibbons.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Pete Kelly at Deans Court Chambers is great.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

  • Deans Court Chambers have a very good clerking team who are willing to assist whenever.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael Hayton
    Michael Hayton

    Michael Hayton

    Michael Hayton KC has expertise across both serious and regulatory crime. He is often instructed on homicides as well as handling white-collar crime and broader violent and sexual offences. His clients are often professionals but he also has experience acting for the prosecution.

    • Michael is a stellar performer.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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  • Rosalind Emsley-Smith
    Rosalind Emsley-Smith

    Rosalind Emsley-Smith

    Rosalind Emsley-Smith comes highly recommended for her work ethic, strong advocacy and client care skills. She regularly handles serious crime and complex fraud matters, acting as both prosecution and defence counsel in cases concerning violent and sexual offences. She also has a thriving regulatory practice, has prosecuted a number of cases for the HSE and frequently presents cases before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal.

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  • Virginia Hayton
    Virginia Hayton

    Virginia Hayton

    Virginia Hayton is a respected advocate with an impressive serious crime practice. She is particularly well versed in defending those charged with murder and sexual offences, including rape, prostitution and child abuse. She also appears for the defence in cases concerning serious organised crime and driving offences, including death by dangerous driving. She has experience in regulatory and health and safety work.

    • Virginia is extremely good with clients. She puts them at ease and has a very good manner.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Deans Court Chambers (3)

Northern (Bar)

Members

Provided by Deans Court Chambers

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