Christopher May

Barrister information

Practice Areas

Chris appears as either leading or sole Counsel in homicide cases including sexually motivated killing; joint enterprise murder including targeted homophobic killing; the killing of a prostitute by an asphyxia fetishist and the murder by a woman of her partner on the day of his release from prison.

He has led in several multi-handed Modern Slavery cases, alleging both sexual trafficking of children and County lines drug trafficking.

He regularly defends and prosecutes in serious sexual offences, including allegations of rape, sexual trafficking, historical allegations and offences against children. He has appeared frequently in cases of organised crime including kidnapping, armed robberies, drugs and violence. He has extensive experience of cases involving all forms of sensitive material, surveillance and PII. He has prosecuted gang violence cases, including leading in a 20 Defendant Attempted Murder case.

He has successfully led in a cold case serial rapist re-investigation and allegations of multiple stranger rape. Fraud cases have included giving pre-charge advice.

Recent instructions include leading in multi-handed attempted murder and gangs trafficking and importing firearms; appellate advice in murder cases; advising on the effect in the UK of convictions abroad for sexual offences and pre-charge advice relating to serious baby injury.

Career

Head of 5SAH Chambers Criminal Prosecutions team.

SE Circuit (committee member), CBA, Senior of Kent Bar Mess, POCLA.

Professional Memberships

MA Christ’s College, Cambridge​.​