Great James Street Chambers

12/06/2026

This week, members of chambers were pleased to join a webinar delivered by Alun Jones KC, examining the judicial review of search warrants and arrests.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in this specialist area, Alun explored the legal framework governing search warrants, common defects in applications and ex*****on, and the practical opportunities available to challenge unlawful state action at an early stage.

Judicial Review remains an underused but powerful tool in criminal and regulatory investigations. The session highlighted the importance of scrutinising warrant applications, ensuring compliance with statutory safeguards under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, and considering judicial review before matters progress to the Crown Court.

Alun has extensive experience advising and appearing in cases involving judicial review, search warrants, unlawful searches and seizures, public law challenges, regulatory investigations, and related human rights issues. His expertise has made him a sought-after advocate in complex cases involving the exercise of state powers and the protection of individual rights.

Solicitor firms interested in arranging bespoke seminars or training sessions on judicial review, search warrants, arrests, investigatory powers, and related public law issues are encouraged to get in touch. Alun regularly delivers practical, case-focused presentations tailored to the needs of criminal and regulatory teams.

Alun's full profile: https://greatjames.co.uk/members/alun-jones/

ALUN JONES KC Email Alun Download CV Privacy Policy 1972 KC: 1989 Public Access: No Extradition Public Law Crime International Criminal Law Ranked in Chambers & Partners 2022 'Alun Jones KC

28/05/2026

Advocacy training at the International Criminal Court in The Hague provided a valuable opportunity for cross-jurisdictional collaboration and learning.

Members of Great James Street Chambers, Antony Bartholomeusz, John Burke and Rushnay Sikander, were among a group of English barristers and American attorneys who took part in an intensive advocacy programme based around a theoretical case involving allegations of crimes against humanity.

The programme was delivered through a collaboration between trainers from The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, led by Her Excellency Judge Joanna Korner CMG KC, and the Lowell Bar Association of Massachusetts.

The training offered participants the opportunity to develop advocacy skills in the international criminal law context, while working alongside practitioners from different legal systems at the seat of the International Criminal Court.

02/04/2026

Poppy Cleary, instructed by Dexter Henry Solicitors, secured an acquittal for her client charged with production of a controlled drug, possession with intent to supply and assault on an emergency worker.

Following a three-day trial at Inner London Crown Court, the jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on all counts.

Poppy cross-examined four police officers and conducted detailed analysis of body-worn footage, identifying key weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Poppy had previously secured an acquittal for the same client when charged with cultivating cannabis in a separate trial.

Poppy's full profile: https://greatjames.co.uk/members/Poppy-Cleary/

To instruct Poppy, please contact the clerking team at [email protected] or on 0207 4404949.

Adam Smith Email Poppy Download CV Privacy Policy 2022 Practice AreasCrimeExtraditionPoppy completed pupillage at GJS in 2024. She was taken on as a full member of Chambers, having impressed with her standard of advocacy and display of excellence throughout

31/03/2026

Great James Street Chambers welcomes Dapinder Singh KC

28/03/2026

23/03/2026

Paul Edwards, instructed by Francesca Baynham of the CPS South East RASSO Unit, successfully prosecuted a defendant facing multiple serious offences, including five counts of r**e and a range of domestic abuse allegations.

Following a trial lasting nearly three weeks at Guildford Crown Court, the jury returned guilty verdicts on four counts of r**e, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, controlling and coercive behaviour, threats to kill, and blackmail. The defendant also pleaded guilty to threatening to share intimate images of the complainant.

The complainant and the defendant started their relationship when they were 16 and 17 years old respectively. The relationship lasted just under 3 years. From the early stages of the relationship, the defendant used the threat of violence to make her submit to his sexual demands, to isolate the complainant from her friends and family and to control what she wore and who she spoke to.

This case highlights the devastating impact of coercive and controlling behaviour within relationships, as well as the courage shown by victims in coming forward and giving evidence.

Sentencing is listed for June 2026.

Paul's full profile: https://lnkd.in/dE3_6RXk

To instruct Paul, please contact the clerking team at [email protected] or on 0207 440 4949

22/01/2026

We are delighted to congratulate Brereton Horne on his appointment by the new Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

While this prestigious role will take Brereton away from his current legal practice, we are pleased that he will remain closely affiliated with Great James Street Chambers, becoming a door tenant from February 2026 when he formally begins his work as High Commissioner.

This appointment is a testament to Brereton’s exceptional professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service. We wish him every success as he takes on this important diplomatic role.

Brereton, we wish you all the very best — Your Excellency.

15/01/2026

Helen Douglass-Dixon, instructed by Stefan Sutherland of Carson Kaye Solicitors, secured the acquittal of her client, a teacher of good character, following a 9-day jury trial at Harrow Crown Court.

The client faced allegations of sexual assault and assault by beating of an on-duty female police officer. The trial involved evidence from 12 police officers who attended the incident, alongside complex legal argument, including issues concerning the admission of hearsay evidence.

Central to the defence case was a detailed examination of police conduct during the incident. Helen robustly cross-examined officers on their use of force against the client and members of his family, the manner in which the situation was handled, and the escalation of events during what was accepted to be a chaotic encounter. The jury heard that the incident followed the family making an allegation of assault against one of the attending officers, and that it was during the client’s restraint on the ground by multiple officers that the allegation of sexual assault was made.

Following deliberation, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on both counts. As a result of the acquittal, the client retains his good name and is able to continue his professional career.

Helen's full profile: https://greatjames.co.uk/members/helen-douglass-dixon/

To instruct Helen, please contact the clerking team at [email protected] or on 0207 440 4949.

Adam Smith Email Helen Download CV Privacy Policy 2017 Practice Areas Crime Helen is an empathetic, personable, and compassionate advocate who is able to develop positive working relationships with both her lay and professional clients. She is thorough and meticulous