Crime
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Northern (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0161) 214 6000Chambers Review
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 of experienced practitioners, 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 include the shooting of an innocent bystander in an attempt to assassinate a business rival.
Peter Kelly is the senior criminal and regulatory clerk, working with senior clerk Matthew Gibbons.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks provide an excellent service and go the extra mile to assist with any issues. They always reply in a timely manner and are friendly and very customer-focused."
"The clerks provide an excellent service and go the extra mile to assist with any issues. They always reply in a timely manner and are friendly and very customer-focused."
Notable Practitioners
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.
"She is extremely thorough and has first-rate client care."
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.
"He is a stellar performer and gets a grip on things early."
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.