GT Stewart Solicitors

GT Stewart Solicitors We are a renowned multiservice law firm committed to access for justice. Our lawyers specialise in cr Dartford Office: 35 Essex Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 2AU. St.

East Dulwich Office: 2a Melbourne Grove, London, England SE22 8PL. Ashford Office: The Panorama, 130 Park Street, Ashford, Ashford TN24 8DF. Birmingham Office: 168 Corporation St, Gazette Buildings, Birmingham, Birmingham B4 6TF. City of London Office: 154 - 160 Fleet Street, London, London EC4A 2DQ. Croydon Office: Southbridge House, Southbridge Place, Croydon, Croydon CR0 4HA. Hammersmith Office

: 30-38 Hammersmith Broadway, Hammersmith, London, England W6 7AB. Leeds Office: Suite D8, Joseph's Well, Hanover Walk, Leeds, England LS3 1AB. Barnet Office: Prospect House, 2 Athenaeum Road Whetstone, London, UK N20 9AE. Bromley Office: Bromley Old Town Hall, 30 Tweedy Road Bromley , London, BR1 3FE. Canterbury Office: 80 Castle Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2QD. Margate Office: 25 Cecil Square , Margate , Kent CT9 1BA. Oldbury Office: 422 Broadwell Rd, Oldbury, West Midlands B69 4BY. Woolwich Office: 9 – 11 Gunnery Terrace, Woolwich, London, SE18 6SW. Albans Office: Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Rd, St Albans, Herfordshire, AL3 4DG.

Well done to Ruta Mikailaite from our Crime and Extradition team who has received another glowing review from a client. ...
08/05/2026

Well done to Ruta Mikailaite from our Crime and Extradition team who has received another glowing review from a client. They shared:

“Ruta Mikailaite who is a senior crime and extradition lawyer at these solicitors was my son’s counsel for a complex criminal conspiracy charge. She was tireless, thorough, and clear in all to do with this charge. She has been there for both of us since his arrest 21 months ago. His case was finally resolved with a very fair and appropriate outcome and sentence. I wholeheartedly recommend her and the team she is part of. They have been amazing.”

Ruta is a Solicitor with over 15 years’ experience in criminal defence and extradition law. She is recognised for her exceptional client care and has built a reputation as a highly sought-after expert in her field.

Her experience spans complex criminal and extradition matters involving jurisdictions across the world, including the USA, Canada, Brazil, Russia, and numerous European states. Ruta regularly represents clients in challenging proceedings and is widely commended for her determination to go the extra mile for every client.

Read about her notable cases and more of the fantastic feedback clients have shared about her here: https://gtstewart.co.uk/our-people/ruta-mikailaite/.

Not Guilty Verdict Secured in Complex Fi****ms DNA CaseWe represented our client, YC, who was charged with possession of...
07/05/2026

Not Guilty Verdict Secured in Complex Fi****ms DNA Case

We represented our client, YC, who was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm, namely a 1930s Belgian revolver, facing a potential sentence of 5–10 years’ imprisonment.

The Crown’s case relied almost entirely on DNA evidence. Samples taken from the firearm produced a match to YC with a reported probability of 1 in a billion. The prosecution argued this made it inconceivable that YC had not physically handled the weapon and therefore must have been in possession of it.

We examined the forensic evidence and identified significant issues with the prosecution’s assumptions. We instructed Kerri Allen, Forensic Scientist at Keith Borer Consultants, to provide expert analysis. This evidence allowed us to explore alternative mechanisms of DNA transfer, and challenged the assumption that DNA alone could establish handling or possession.

We made detailed submissions of no case to answer, requiring the court to consider recent Court of Appeal authority on: the evidential weight of DNA, the risks associated with transfer evidence, and the legal definition of possession. The Judge accepted our submissions and the case was stopped before it could be considered by the jury, who were formally directed to return a not guilty verdict.

Our client was represented by Supervising Solicitor, Jessica Gosling, and Partner and In-House Barrister, Ronnie Manek, supported by Caseworker, Rifaat Al-Nimer, and Pupil Barrister, Gabriella Friend.

Read the full article here: https://gtstewart.co.uk/not-guilty-verdict-secured-in-complex-firearms-dna-case/.

Extradition to Hungary Refused Following Successful Argument Under Article 8 of the ECHRWe represented a client whose ex...
06/05/2026

Extradition to Hungary Refused Following Successful Argument Under Article 8 of the ECHR

We represented a client whose extradition was sought by Hungary, following allegations of involvement in the supply of cannabis between May and June 2018.

We obtained expert evidence from Dr Andras Kadar of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee addressing the conditions in Hungarian prisons in which our client was likely to be detained if extradited, as well as the likely sentence she would face if convicted. At our request, the Court also ordered a report to be prepared by Social Services addressing the impact extradition would have on our client’s seven children, aged between 5 and 18.

Following a two-day extradition hearing in January 2026, the District Judge concluded that extradition would amount to a disproportionate interference with our client’s right to a private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) subsequently confirmed that it would not appeal the decision.

Our client was represented by Solicitor, Morgan Luchinski, with Louisa Collins of 5 St Andrew's Hill instructed as Counsel.

Read more about Morgan and her notable cases here: https://gtstewart.co.uk/our-people/morgan-luchinski/.

CPS Withdraws Driving Offences at Croydon Youth Court Following RepresentationsWe represented a 16-year-old child who ha...
05/05/2026

CPS Withdraws Driving Offences at Croydon Youth Court Following Representations

We represented a 16-year-old child who had been charged with: careless driving, failing to stop for a police officer, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and failing to comply with a road traffic signal.

At our client’s first appearance, we made an application to adjourn the case to allow time to make representations to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The Court granted our application.

We made representations arguing that our client had been overcharged for a single incident and that the CPS lacked sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction in relation to any of the offences.

After considering our representations, the CPS agreed and withdrew all five charges.

Our client was represented by Sabrina Neves, a Solicitor in our specialist Youth Crime Team.

To read more about Sabrina's latest successes, please visit: https://gtstewart.co.uk/our-people/sabrina-neves/.

This week, we are proud to recognise Sadie Young-Browne, a Solicitor in our Family Law Team, for her exceptional work wi...
01/05/2026

This week, we are proud to recognise Sadie Young-Browne, a Solicitor in our Family Law Team, for her exceptional work within the firm.

Sadie joined GT Stewart in October 2022 as a Caseworker. She progressed to Trainee Solicitor in February 2025 and is now a qualified Solicitor in our Family Law Team. This clear progression demonstrates both her commitment and the high level of skill she brings to her work.

Sadie represents parents, grandparents, neurodivergent clients, vulnerable adults, and individuals experiencing domestic abuse. She acts in a range of children law matters, including public law proceedings, Special Guardianship Orders, private law disputes, and pre-proceedings work involving social services, including child protection and child in need processes.

Here’s what one client had to say about her:

“Just to add Sadie, I would like to thank you. The judge made multiple comments about how good, thorough and evidenced the paperwork you provided was! You are honestly brilliant and how you translate my brain is outstanding and so appreciated.”

This feedback reflects Sadie’s meticulous attention to detail and her ability to support clients through complex and sensitive proceedings. Read more about what clients have said about her here: https://gtstewart.co.uk/our-people/sadie-young-browne/.

GT Stewart Solicitors is looking to recruit a Family Team Legal Secretary & Receptionist to join our Canterbury office. ...
01/05/2026

GT Stewart Solicitors is looking to recruit a Family Team Legal Secretary & Receptionist to join our Canterbury office. The successful candidate will provide high-quality secretarial and administrative support to our Family & Childcare Team, while also playing a key front-of-house role as the first point of contact for clients and visitors.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is personable, with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, professional environment. The ideal candidate will have previous experience as a legal secretary or administrative assistant, excellent attention to detail, and an interest in Family & Childcare Law.

For more information, please visit: https://gtstewart.co.uk/vacancies/family-team-legal-secretary-receptionist/.

To apply, please send:

- A covering letter
- Your CV

To: [email protected].

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

From Pathfinder to Child Focused Courts – why the name change mattersThere has been a lot of discussion recently about t...
30/04/2026

From Pathfinder to Child Focused Courts – why the name change matters

There has been a lot of discussion recently about the re‑branding of the Private Law Pathfinder model to Child Focused Courts. While some might see this as a simple change of label, in practice it reflects something far more important: a shift in emphasis that practitioners and families are already feeling on the ground.

The Pathfinder model was always intended to do things differently. It moved away from a traditional, adversarial framework towards a more investigative and problem‑solving approach, with information gathered early and the court actively focused on impact rather than position. What the new name does is make that intention unmistakably clear. This is a court process designed around children, not adult dispute.

One of the most significant features of the Child Focused model is the front‑loading of welfare information. The Child Impact Report means that the court has a fuller picture at a much earlier stage, including input from parents, children where appropriate, and relevant agencies. In many cases this allows proceedings to be resolved more quickly and with greater clarity about what arrangements will best promote a child’s safety and wellbeing.

For parents, this can be a challenging adjustment. There is less scope for issues to emerge gradually over multiple hearings. Instead, parties are expected to be open and clear from the outset about the welfare concerns they want the court to consider. For legal advisers, this makes early preparation and careful issue‑identification more important than ever.

The national roll‑out of Child Focused Courts also reflects wider learning from recent years, particularly around domestic abuse and the risk of harm to children. The model aims to be trauma‑aware while avoiding unnecessary delay – a balance that is not always easy, but one that is central to improving outcomes for families.

Early feedback has been mixed, as is often the case with system change. Many families welcome the reduced length of proceedings and the clearer focus on children’s lived experience. At the same time, some parents – particularly victim‑survivors – have raised concerns about pace and whether there is always enough opportunity to tell their full story. Those issues deserve continued attention as the model evolves.

What feels clear, however, is that the direction of travel is firmly child‑centred. The rebranding to Child Focused Courts is not cosmetic. It is a statement of intent about how private law children cases should be approached, argued and decided.

You can read the full article here: https://gtstewart.co.uk/from-pathfinder-to-child-focused-courts/.

As this model expands, thoughtful early advice and careful case‑building will be essential. If the aim is better, safer and more durable outcomes for children, this is a change worth engaging with properly.

GT Stewart Solicitors is looking to recruit a Duty Solicitor to join our Crime Team in our St Albans office. The success...
29/04/2026

GT Stewart Solicitors is looking to recruit a Duty Solicitor to join our Crime Team in our St Albans office. The successful candidate will represent clients detained at police stations, manage a caseload of criminal defence cases, and conduct advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Solicitor with at least 1 year’s PQE in criminal matters who is confident managing a demanding caseload with minimal supervision and working to tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, excellent communication and advocacy skills and a passion for publicly funded legal work.

For more information, please visit: https://gtstewart.co.uk/vacancies/duty-solicitor/.

To apply, please send:

- A covering letter
- Your CV

To: [email protected]

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

On Sunday 26th April 2026, Melanie Krudy and Vicky Doran ran the 2026 London Marathon!The London Marathon is the capital...
27/04/2026

On Sunday 26th April 2026, Melanie Krudy and Vicky Doran ran the 2026 London Marathon!

The London Marathon is the capital’s biggest sporting event, with almost 60,000 participants taking part in this year’s event. Both Melanie and Vicky completed the full 26.2-mile course through central London, supported by thousands of people along the route.

Having previously completed the event in 2012, Melanie returned to the London Marathon once again in support of St Michael's Fellowship. The charity provides vital practical and emotional support to children, young people and families, helping them to develop skills and coping mechanisms to better care for themselves and those around them. Melanie completed the course in 4:58:29 (2:25:43 at halfway), finishing 39,624th overall and 325th in her category.

Vicky ran for The Brain Tumour Charity, a cause close to her heart following her diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma. She shared: “I’ve made it my mission to remain positive and to get myself as physically fit as possible for any treatment that might come my way and what better way to do that than run 26.2 miles.” Vicky completed the course in 5:19:10 (2:17:58 at halfway), finishing 44,879th overall and 2,003rd in her category.

Congratulations to Melanie and Vicky on this outstanding achievement, and to all those who took part in this year’s event. If you would still like to support them, donation pages remain open below:

https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/melanie-krudy
https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/victoria-doran

Well done to Kambal Kaur from our Family Law team who received glowing feedback from a client recently. They shared:“I j...
24/04/2026

Well done to Kambal Kaur from our Family Law team who received glowing feedback from a client recently. They shared:

“I just wanted to show my appreciation for everything you have done over the last 2 years (almost!). You have been amazing! All the hard work, attention to detail, going above and beyond, support, patience and absolute professionalism have been unbelievable. Thank you.”

Kambal has over 18 years’ experience advising and representing clients in divorce, financial settlements, children matters, and domestic abuse cases. She also has experience in child disputes, relocation cases, and urgent applications for injunctions, occupation of the family home, and prohibited steps orders where there are safeguarding concerns or a risk of removal from the UK.

Kambal is known for her dedication to her cases and commitment to resolving disputes to help clients move on with their lives. She is recognised for her clear and structured approach, while ensuring her clients’ needs remain at the centre of proceedings and that they understand difficult legal concepts.

This feedback reflects the care and commitment she brings to her work, particularly in long-running and complex family law cases.

In a recent case, Kambal represented an individual facing numerous child sexual abuse allegations. All allegations were found unproven at a multi-day fact finding hearing. The case preparation involved multiple parties and a substantial volume of evidence where all the odds seemed to weigh against them. Through determination and sustained effort, an incredible outcome was achieved.

Read more about Kambal here: https://gtstewart.co.uk/our-people/kambal-kaur/.

Tribunal Orders Conditional Discharge Following Successful Challenge to Unnecessary ConditionsWe represented our client ...
23/04/2026

Tribunal Orders Conditional Discharge Following Successful Challenge to Unnecessary Conditions

We represented our client in the First-tier Tribunal, which resulted in a conditional discharge from hospital and the removal of a disputed proposed condition.

We had represented our client over an extended period, supporting him through different stages of detention, treatment, and gradual community testing. At the Tribunal hearing, all parties agreed that our client had made exceptional progress. He had engaged consistently with treatment, demonstrated insight into his mental health, and successfully completed a significant amount of unescorted leave. The clinical evidence was unanimous in supporting conditional discharge.

However, the hospital proposed a condition which our client accepted reluctantly. We considered it unnecessary and disproportionate in light of his history, risk profile, and the safeguards already in place. We argued it added nothing meaningful to risk management and that it went beyond what was required to protect our client or the public.

We made submissions on proportionality, least restrictive practice, and the importance of tailoring conditions to actual rather than hypothetical risk. We also emphasised our client's long-term stability, adherence to medication, abstinence from substances, and successful community testing without incident.

The Tribunal accepted our submissions in full. It ordered conditional discharge and declined to impose the disputed condition, finding that it was not necessary.

Our client was represented by Adam Marley.

Read the full article here: https://gtstewart.co.uk/successful-challenge-to-unnecessary-condition/.

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