Department profile
No5 Barristers' Chambers

Crime

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Midlands (Bar)


No5 Barristers' Chambers

Rankings

About

Provided by No5 Barristers' Chambers

No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a nationally recognised UK set of barristers with a long‑established reputation in criminal law, providing specialist advocacy and advice in serious, complex, and high‑profile criminal cases. Our criminal barristers act for both the prosecution and the defence at all stages of criminal proceedings.

The Crime Group comprises 18 Silks and 37 Juniors offering unrivalled strength in depth and exemplary client service, with specialists providing their expertise in the most complex criminal trials. Our Crime Barristers offer a nationwide service and is regarded as the pre-eminent criminal set on the Midland Circuit. We pride ourselves on our commitment to clients and excellent advocacy.

Our King’s Counsel have been instructed on behalf of both the prosecution and the defence in many of the leading criminal trials of the last decade. Our Junior counsel provides instructing solicitors and their clients with expertise at all levels, and at all stages of the criminal process.

Members of the group who provide representation throughout the country are regularly involved in serious and high-profile cases. Examples include the “Crossbow killing murder of 3 people” “McCann family stalking case” Numerous Counter terrorism trials and complex baby murder cases

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - Midlands (Bar)

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

No5 Barristers' Chambers retains its reputation as a leading set for criminal work on the Midlands Circuit, with "a team of excellent barristers" who regularly act for both the prosecution and the defence. Members are experienced in the handling of cases involving serious crimes such as homicides, sexual offences and corporate manslaughter. Additional areas of expertise for the team include criminal frauds and terrorism cases. Tenants have recently been instructed in cases including R v Vitalie Tanga, regarding the prosecution of a man charged with a homophobic attack resulting in the victim's death.

Tony McDaid is the director of clerking.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks are friendly and amenable, keep in touch with last-minute changes and are always available to help. They do not have fault.

    Crime respondentUK Bar
  • No5 provides excellent clerking. Its clerking is flawless.

    Crime respondentUK Bar
  • The No5 clerking team is excellent, a pleasure to work with. They respond quickly and in a friendly manner.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Jonas Hankin
    Band 1Jonas Hankin

    Jonas Hankin

    Jonas Hankin KC is a silk who provides expertise in complex criminal cases. He has developed a particular niche in infant and child murder cases involving complex expert evidence. His practice takes in cases requiring sophisticated analysis of pathological evidence.

    • Jonas is one of the of top silks in the country for child murders.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Michael Burrows
    Band 1Michael Burrows

    Michael Burrows

    Michael Burrows KC is a respected silk who regularly handles a broad variety of complex criminal cases. He has experience of acting for both the prosecution and defence and is regularly instructed in serious cases involving sexual offences, drug trafficking and murder.

    • Michael Burrows is a delight to work with and is exceptional. He is in the top category of silks in the area.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Michael Duck
    Band 1Michael Duck

    Michael Duck

    Michael Duck KC is a highly regarded practitioner who regularly acts as prosecution and defence in serious criminal cases. He has notable expertise in fraud and organised crime with a strong track record in high-profile criminal cases.

    • Michael Duck has an excellent jury manner.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Michelle Heeley
    Band 1Michelle Heeley

    Michelle Heeley

    Michelle Heeley KC provides experienced prosecution and defence counsel across a broad range of high-profile matters. She has expert knowledge of criminal fraud, drug trafficking, rape, murder and other serious criminal offences. She has significant expertise in dealing with vulnerable witnesses.

    • Michelle is loved by clients, solicitors and judges.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Michelle's skills are second to none, including her ability to drill down to the facts and to ensure that their defence is clearly set out.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Michelle is my go-to barrister for trial proceedings. She is a complete pleasure to work with. She is absolutely fantastic.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Adrian Keeling
    Band 2Adrian Keeling

    Adrian Keeling

    Adrian Keeling KC is highlighted for his strategic approach to heavyweight drugs and homicide cases. He also has significant experience of handling fraud cases. He frequently acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

  • Band 2Daniel Oscroft
    Band 2Daniel Oscroft

    Daniel Oscroft

    Daniel Oscroft attracts praise for his ability in criminal cases. He offers further experience in cases concerning proceeds of crime and regulatory issues.

    • Daniel really stands out as a barrister to instruct; he is thorough in his presentation and offers a wide range of experience and knowledge and will always find an answer to complex queries.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2David Mason
    Band 2David Mason

    David Mason

    David Mason KC is an esteemed all-rounder who has significant experience of handling heavyweight criminal cases. He is particularly well regarded for his work in infant death, child cruelty and murder cases and he receives accolades for his skill in matters involving complex medical expert testimony.

    • David Mason fights hard and has unbelievable charm.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Harpreet Singh Sandhu
    Band 2Harpreet Singh Sandhu

    Harpreet Singh Sandhu

    Harpreet Singh Sandhu KC has expertise in heavyweight criminal cases such as those involving rape and murder. He has experience on multi-handed matters. He also has expertise in dealing with drugs conspiracies and violent offences. He is noted for his sensitive handling of vulnerable defendants.

    • Harpreet is excellent. He is unflappable, clear in his advice, robust and understanding. He is a very smooth operator.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Harpreet Singh Sandhu deals with cases very humanely, good with complexity and always interested in team work.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2John O'Higgins
    Band 2John O'Higgins

    John O'Higgins

    John O'Higgins is an accomplished junior who has acted in a vast number of cases, including those concerning homicide, serious violence, terrorism, sexual offences and fraud. He regularly acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

  • Band 2Martin Liddiard
    Band 2Martin Liddiard

    Martin Liddiard

    Martin Liddiard is an experienced practitioner who regularly acts as prosecution and defence counsel. His practice spans the full ambit of criminal law, with noted expertise in drug-related offences, commercial fraud and violent and sexual offences.

    • Martin goes above and beyond for his clients both inside and outside of the courtroom.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Antonie Muller
    Band 3Antonie Muller

    Antonie Muller

    Antonie Muller is a respected junior who prosecutes and defends in serious criminal matters. He handles homicide offences as well as firearms, drugs and sexual offences.

  • Band 3Chloe Ashley
    Band 3Chloe Ashley

    Chloe Ashley

    Chloe Ashley is a sought-after junior who prosecutes and defends in a variety of crime matters, both as junior alone and led. Her expertise include matters involving children and vulnerable defendants.

    • Chloe Ashley has a track record of happy clients that she builds a professional rapport with. She has proven to be an accurate and efficient advocate in her advice.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Mark S. Heywood KC
    Band 3Mark S. Heywood KC

    Mark S. Heywood KC

    Mark Heywood KC is a versatile silk offering considerable experience prosecuting and defending serious criminal proceedings. He maintains a broad practice that comprises work on cases concerning murder, fraud and sexual offences. He also has considerable experience handling drug-trafficking cases.

    • Mark is an excellent KC.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Matthew Brook
    Band 3Matthew Brook

    Matthew Brook

    Matthew Brook KC is experienced in the handling of both prosecution and defence work. He is regularly instructed in serious drug supply and trafficking cases and cases involving undercover police officers.

    • Matthew Brook is brilliant.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Sharon Bahia
    Band 3Sharon Bahia

    Sharon Bahia

    Sharon Bahia is held in high regard for her ability to prosecute and defend serious criminal cases. She is instructed on cases including murder, armed robbery and sexual offences.

  • Band 3Tim Pole
    Band 3Tim Pole

    Tim Pole

    Tim Pole is an accomplished Crown Court practitioner who specialises in cases concerning motoring and regulatory crime. Health and safety prosecutions and confiscations form a particular area of focus.

Ranked Barristers at No5 Barristers' Chambers (16)

Midlands (Bar)

Members

Provided by No5 Barristers' Chambers

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