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James Hay and Natalie Turner conclude long-running ACTO weapons-theft Court Martial

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James Hay, leading Natalie Turner, recently concluded long-running Court Martial proceedings representing a Coldstream Guardsman accused of stealing to sell thousands of items classified as Attractive to Criminal and Terrorist Organisations from the RQMS.

The Crown’s case as initially pleaded alleged that the Guardsman, over many years, systematically stole thousands of items including rifle parts, magazines, grenade parts, tricorn ACOGs, machetes, field equipment, headsets, defibrillators, body armour, webbing and uniform.

The investigation began following an ‘anonymous tip-off’ to the RMP, and led to a raid of the defendant’s home address where the aforementioned volume of equipment was discovered.

After many months of disclosure requests and defence-instructed expert examination of the seized equipment, a Basis of Plea was agreed which led to (remarkably given the way that the allegation had been opened initially by the Service Prosecuting Authority), the defendant Guardsman receiving a Service Community Order for his conduct.

James and Natalie were instructed by Alphie Doran of Levales Solicitors.

Members of Lamb Building’s established Military Law Team accept instructions to both defend and prosecute in Court Martial proceedings in the UK and abroad.

Members of Lamb Building Criminal and Military Law Teams ranked as Leading Barristers in Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024

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Lamb Building are once again ranked as a Leading Set in the South East:

Lamb Building houses a well-respected criminal team who are frequently instructed as the defence and the prosecution in serious criminal cases. The set’s tenants handle cases involving allegations of GBH, homicide, rape and modern slavery. A recent instruction for the set involved acting for the lead defendant charged with false imprisonment, torture and rape in the Banbury Torture Trial.

“It is an experienced set that is able to deal with a range of complex matters.”

“The clerks demonstrate full commitment to providing representation including out of hours.”

“It all gets done by the clerks with courtesy and professionalism.”

“David Corne is the most efficient clerk we deal with across many sets. His service is second to none, he has excellent knowledge and he will go the extra mile to help out.”

Bernard Richmond KC:

“Has a wonderful way with words”

“When you instruct Bernard, you know your case is in safe hands. He is excellent with both clients and juries”

Andrew Selby KC:

“As an opponent he displayed both thorough preparation and a complete insight into his cases. He is a wonderful advocate.”

“He had brilliant tactical judgement and his submissions were spot on.”

“He is a powerful and persuasive advocate who quickly captures the confidence of the court.”

Amy Packham:

“Amy is hard-working and dedicates herself to obtaining the best outcome for clients.”

“Amy has an intelligent approach to her work and is always meticulously prepared. She has a calm and confident advocacy style that powerfully conveys her submissions.”

“Amy is an experienced advocate who is highly respected and has good client rapport.”

James Hay:

“He is an exceptional advocate who has become a military law specialist and displays skill and flair in this area also.”

“His style is appreciated by clients, the judiciary and juries”

Members of Lamb Building’s Criminal Team ranked in Legal500 UK Bar 2024

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Once again, members of Lamb Building’s Criminal Team have been ranked as Leading Barristers in this year’s Legal 500 publication:

Christopher Prior – ‘Christopher is the whole package. He is organised, calm, measured and well-organised. He is authoritative and persuasive, and his client care is excellent.’

Amy Packham – ‘Amy is able to master cases of particular complexity involving vast amounts of material very quickly and distil them in such a way as to make them clear and persuasive to juries. She has a calm but steely manner in court that commands the respect of judges and opposing counsel.’

Jonathan Atkinson – ‘Jonathan is a fantastic barrister. His analysis of the issues in a case is astute. His advocacy style is measured and authoritative. When prosecuting, he is firm but fair, and when defending, he is thorough and explores all relevant avenues to assist his client.’

James Hay – Leading Junior – South Eastern Circuit

Parachute Signaller acquitted of ‘attempted rape’ in Catterick Court Martial

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James Hay represented Signaller acquitted after trial before the Judge Advocate General of allegations initially reported to the guardroom as ‘attempted rape’.

The Signaller had always maintained that the complainant, who approached him on his return from a night out to Merville Barracks, Colchester, had fabricated and exaggerated her account against him to secure her unescorted release from camp.

The 6-person mixed Board acquitted the Signaller of the sexual allegations in short order, and he received a financial penalty for the Breach of Standing Orders.

James was instructed by Amer Ahmad of JD Spicer Zeb.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and Royal Yeomanry Soldiers Acquitted of Fighting in the Falkland Islands

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James Hay and Anthony Waller represented two of the three soldiers accused of Fighting other soldiers and airmen in the 12FAC reception outside the Dolphin Bar and Corporal’s Club in the Mount Pleasant Complex.

Following the seven-day, three-handed Court Martial, the Board returned Not Guilty verdicts against James and Anthony’s clients. The proceedings attracted a great deal of national press attention as well as social media debate.

The case also involved a successful submission of ‘No Case to Answer’ relating to a separate charge alleged against the HCMR soldier James represented.

James and Anthony were both instructed by Jonathan Lynch of Lynch Law.

Members of Lamb Building’s established Military Law Team accept instructions to both defend and prosecute in Court Martial proceedings in the UK and abroad.

James Hay represents RAF Air Specialist (Class 1) acquitted of Sexual Assault in Catterick Court Martial

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Following a Court Martial before a 6-person mixed RAF and Army Board, the AS1 was acquitted of Sexual Assault.

The AS1 was accused of sexually assaulting a fellow airman in the smoking area outside a packed bar on station.

The accused had always maintained that his behaviour did not amount to sexual conduct, and the Board this week found in his favour having heard evidence from seven witnesses.

James was instructed by Rabin Govindarajah of The Purkiss Partnership.

James Hay represents Army Captain acquitted of Sexual Assault

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James Hay represented a REME Captain this week acquitted of Sexual Assault, with allegations being made in the months following a Mess dinner.

The 6-person Board swiftly returned their Not Guilty verdict this afternoon.

The Captain was not made aware of the allegation against him until his Adjutant notified over seven months after the event that the RMP wished to speak with him.

A comprehensive prepared statement was advanced in interview, with the result that the Board were directed not to draw any adverse inference from his subsequent silence in interview.

James was instructed by Ruth Cassidy of Levales Solicitors.

Signaller acquitted of attempted rape and sexual assault in Court Martial

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James Hay represented a Signaller acquitted this week of attempted rape and sexual assaults at Bulford Military Court.

The Board took just 30 minutes to return Not Guilty verdicts on allegations that were almost two years old.

The case involved careful consideration, preparation and deployment of social media and telephone material.

James was instructed by Alphie Doran of Levales Solicitors.

James Hay represents Sapper acquitted of ‘violent’ rape in Court Martial

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After a four day Court Martial at Bulford Military Court, the Sapper was found Not Guilty of two counts of rape against a fellow soldier.

The case received national and international press coverage.

The teenage Sapper was accused of carrying the unconscious soldier back to his room before locking the door behind him and proceeding to violently rape her whilst she remained unconscious and bound. He had always maintained that she was fully conscious, and a willing and active participant in the sexual behaviour.

After over a day’s deliberation, the 5-person Board found the Sapper Not Guilty of the two counts of rape.

James was instructed by Alphie Doran of Levales Solicitors.

Lamb Building ranked as Leading Set in Chambers UK Bar 2022

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Chambers are delighted to announce that once again Lamb Building has been ranked as a Leading Set in Chambers UK Bar 2022, with five of Chambers’ members being ranked individually:

 

On client service:

Lamb Building houses a well-respected criminal team who are frequently instructed as the defence and the prosecution in serious criminal cases. Recent work handled by the set’s tenants includes cases involving allegations of GBH, homicide, rape, conspiracy to supply drugs and modern slavery. One interviewee notes: “I can phone them up and I don’t even have to ask who is available because I know whoever we get will be good.”

“The clerking service is outstanding, and David Corne in particular is second to none. Nothing is too much trouble for him; he responds quickly and efficiently and will always juggle work to make sure cases are covered by those of appropriate seniority.” Max Goodger is the clerk at the Brighton annexe.

 

In the Crime team:

Bernard Richmond QC: “A proper brief. He has presence, he knows what he is doing, he makes the right noises and he does the work.”

Amy Packham:  Amy Packham is a respected junior with notable expertise in a wide range of criminal cases. She regularly handles matters relating to sexual offences, including those involving historic allegations. “She is kind, compassionate and fierce in court.” “She is highly experienced in all manner of cases, responds quickly to enquiries and manages her caseload extremely efficiently. She always rises to the challenges she faces.”

James Hay: James Hay is a well-regarded junior noted for his expert handling of a range of serious violence, firearms and sexual assault cases. He demonstrates particular strength in defending cases involving allegations of dangerous driving.  “He is a wonderful junior who does a lot of research and prepares detailed advices for his cases. He gets unexpected brilliant results and has a great rapport with his clients.”
Recent work: Defended charges under the Modern Slavery Act (trafficking with a view to exploitation) in the West Country’s first county lines and modern slavery trial.

Ross Talbott: Ross Talbott is a well-regarded junior who prosecutes and defends serious sexual offences and organised crime cases. He is regularly instructed in complex criminal matters such as current and historic sexual assault allegations. “He has a calm and thoughtful manner about him which the juries like, and an effective approach. He will always find a sensible solution to the problem.” “He is approachable, thorough, prompt in dealing with advice work and very strong on the law.”
Recent work: Defended a church organist charged with the extensive historical sexual abuse of a female child to whom he was a mentor and teacher and also her brother whom he also taught.

 

In the Civil Team:

Matthew Lee: Matthew Lee is a strong junior with significant market recognition for his recent appearances in notable reported cases. He acts in possession cases and anti-social behaviour claims, among other disputes, including those relating to the Equality Act 2010. “He is very approachable and he cares about the clients. He looks outside the box and has excellent legal knowledge; he’s not afraid to push the boundaries but is realistic when he does.” “He’s incredibly hard-working and able to build an instant rapport with the client. Matthew is approachable and has amazing attention to detail.”
Recent work: Acted in an appeal to dismiss a claim that an asylum seeker who had been accommodated by a local authority under the ‘Everyone In’ scheme did not have an arguable case that he had been granted a secure tenancy.