Murder & Manslaughter
MC Chambers | Top KC-Led Direct Access Murder & Manslaughter Defence Barrister’s Chambers – London & UK
We are a top KC-led direct access murder and manslaughter defence barrister’s chambers with vast experience.
Over the years we have represented many individuals who have been accused of murder and manslaughter both in first instance and also on appeal.
We have developed a reputation as being a leading defence-only barrister’s chambers in this area of law – both when defending sole accused clients and also when defendant a client as part of a so-called joint enterprise allegation.
Joint Enterprise
Joint Enterprise is a common law doctrine where several individuals are jointly charged with the same offence, but they are assigned different roles. You can be guilty of Joint Enterprise murder even if your actions were simply to encourage or assist the principal offender and you have been found to have the requisite intent.
The Legal 500 describes Kieran as:
“Possibly the best KC of our generation. He is an amazing lawyer with tactical nous and a wonderful court manner. His cross-examination is skilful and incisive, his legal arguments are well prepared and persuasive, and he is committed to the clients he represents. A brilliant all-rounder – not a hint of any weakness.”
MC Chambers | Top KC-Led Direct Access Murder & Manslaughter Defence Barrister’s Chambers – London & UK
Top Direct Access Murder & Manslaughter KC-Led Defence | Best-In-Class Barrister’s Chambers – London & UK
Murder and Manslaughter allegations often involve issues of a scientific nature, such as DNA evidence and cell site evidence. We have developed extensive experience dealing with matters such as these. Our interest in DNA originated when we successfully defended Sean Hoey who was accused of 29 murders, and our passion has continued to this day.
It was against that background that our Head of Chambers, Kieran Vaughan KC, was invited to write the forward to a leading scientific legal text book on DNA – A Guide To Forensic DNA Profiling.
In fact, our Head of Chambers, Kieran Vaughan KC, has been widely recognised for many years by Legal Professional Directories as being one of the UK’s top barristers.
Best Direct Access Barrister’s | Top MC Chambers Criminal Defence – London & UK
Kieran Vaughan KC – Head of Chambers
Kieran is widely recognised as one of the UK’s top criminal defence trial and appeal barristers. His experience in dealing with the most serious, complex profile national cases is almost unparalleled. Kieran has successfully defended individuals in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal in many high profile cases, and Areas of Law.
The Legal 500 describes Kieran as: “Possibly the best KC of our generation. He is an amazing lawyer with tactical nous and a wonderful court manner. His cross-examination is skilful and incisive, his legal arguments are well prepared and persuasive, and he is committed to the clients he represents. A brilliant all-rounder – not a hint of any weakness.”
We have dealt with the entire spectrum of murder and manslaughter cases, including:
- Gangland killings.
- Contract killings.
- Revenge killings.
- Drug-related killings.
- Domestic killings.
- Self-defence killings.
- Infanticide (killing of infants/offspring).
- One punch killers.
- Honour/Sacrificial killings.
Top Direct Access Criminal Barrister’s Chambers Defence MC Chambers London & UK
Catherine Daly – Expert Barrister
Catherine appears in the Crown Court, the Magistrates Court, the Court of Appeal, and in front of Parole Boards. She deals with both minor offences, like driving, and serious cases involving violence, sex offences and drugs, and has a string of stunning successes. She often represents clients with vulnerabilities and continues to receive outstanding client feedback.
One of many 5 star Google reviews: “Catherine Daly is an exceptional criminal defence barrister who exemplifies professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication. She demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to my case, ensuring every aspect was meticulously examined and skilfully represented. Her profound knowledge of the law, coupled with her strategic insight, led to a successful outcome beyond my expectations. Catherine navigates complex legal proceedings with precision and poise.”
Notable Murder & Manslaughter Cases | Top Criminal Defence KC-Led Barrister's Chambers | London & UK | Direct Access Scheme
Defended David Kellam, a 16 year old accused of murdering Romaria Opia who had been fatally stabbed in what was said to be an incident of gang violence. David Kellam was acquitted of murder. Read more.
Successfully defended Mr Ahmed in what was known as “The Regent Park stabbing” case. The case attracted a huge amount of national media coverage. The case was particularly difficult due to the fact that Mr Ahmed required an intermediary to assist him throughout the proceedings. Mr Ahmed was acquitted of murder. Read more.
Successfully defended Mr Okigbo who, along with two others, was accused of the murder of Harry Uzoka who was widely recognised as the UK’s first black male supermodel. The case attracted a huge amount of both national and international media coverage. Mr Okigbo was the only defendant to be acquitted of murder. Read more.
Mr Chaudhry and two others were accused of the murder of Amara Toure. The case was widely publicised as the killing was one of the first cases which was captured on CCTV from a RING doorbell. Mr Chaudhry was acquitted of murder and the other two defendants convicted of murder. Read more.
Mr Mohammed and six other defendants were tried for the killing of Edmond Jonuzi near Turnpike Lane Underground station. Mr Mohammed was acquitted of the killing and convicted of violent disorder. The case was complicated by the large number of defendants who were presenting differing defences. Mr Mohammed was acquitted of manslaughter. Read more.
Represented Louis Colgate who was accused of being party to a murder and attempted murder of two young men in a public house in Essex. Mr Colgate was 17 years old at the time of the killing. The case involved complex forensic evidence, such as DNA. Mr Colgate pleaded guilty to murder. The case was very high profile and was widely reported in the national press. Read more.
Mr Vasile and a number of others were accused of murdering Sandel Serbu by beating him to death with pickaxe handles in the middle of Ilford town centre. Mr Vasile was acquitted of murder. Read more.
Defended Samuel Monteith who was accused of murder. Three men broke into the victim’s house and fatally stabbed him with samurai swords in what was alleged to be a gang revenge attack. Amongst other things, the prosecution case involved complex DNA evidence. Mr Monteith was acquitted of murder. Read more.
Represented Gavin Allen who was accused of murder. The victim was shot five times in a nightclub in Leicester Square on Christmas Day. Mr Allen was acquitted of murder. Read more.
Represented Peter Ta who was accused of murder. Mr Ta had supposedly orchestrated the murder of a man in south-east London. The victim was shot to death with a sawn-off shotgun. Mr Ta was acquitted of murder. Read more.
Represented Mr Wellington, who along with others was accused of organising the murder of a drugs rival. Reece Menzies was shot in Bournemouth. The case involved audio surveillance and complex scientific evidence such as cell site and firearms evidence. Mr Wellington was acquitted of murder. Read more.
Successfully defended one of a pair of twins charged with a double murder. The two victims were shot in the head with a shotgun in their flat. Following legal argument, the identification evidence was excluded. The prosecution appealed to the Court of Appeal and failed. All four defendants were acquitted of all counts of murder. Read more.
Represented Ata Hansen who was accused of murder. The prosecution’s case was that he was a part of a gang of youths who murdered a young man at a party. Mr Hansen was acquitted of murder. Read more.
Successfully represented Leigh Burns who was accused of murder. The victim was stabbed 14 times in the middle of High Wycombe High Street. Mr Burns was acquitted of murder. Read more.
Successfully represented Felix Gutierez Cortez who was accused of murdering his landlady by strangling her to death. Mr Guteriez Cortez was acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Read more.
Mr Iqbal was accused of being part of an “honour killing.” A house in Blackburn was set on fire, resulting in two individuals being killed. It subsequently materialised that the perpetrators had in fact set fire to the wrong house. Read more.
R v SA, AA & WS
Catherine was chosen to act as Junior counsel in this high profile murder. The Crown’s case was that the defendant and his two co-defendants attended the home of the deceased to rob him of money and/or drugs and in the course of the robbery stabbed the deceased causing a fatal injury to the abdomen. The deceased’s wife and three young children were in the next room. There was extensive CCTV of the defendants before and after the attack showing them approaching the house of the deceased wearing face coverings and gloves. There was further CCTV showing the defendants running away from the scene carrying what the Crown said were clearly knives. Both co-defendants were convicted of murder. Catherine’s client was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter after a further day of jury deliberations.
R v Jogee
Eight joint enterprise murder appeals in front of the Lord Chief Justice. This case changed the law on Joint Enterprise Murder.
Our Heritage | Michael Wolkind KC (formerly QC)
We are small, elite and hand-picked team. Our proud heritage arises from one of the most renowned master criminal defence barristers of recent times – Michael Wolkind KC (formerly QC).
Although retired from active client representation now, Michael remains an integral part of Chambers.
Contact Us Now | Direct Access Scheme Chambers | Best KC-Led Murder & Manslaughter Defence Barrister’s for London & UK
If you or a loved one are seeking the best possible representation for a manslaughter or murder charge, and are looking for one of the very best direct access murder & manslaughter defence chambers with an outstanding track record of success and reputation for personal care, contact us now on 0207 101 4164 or send us a message here.