Orla prosecutes and defends across the spectrum of criminal offences. She has a wealth of trial experience in the Crown Court, both acting alone and as a led junior. Orla has also appeared as sole counsel in the Court of Appeal. Orla routinely acts for both the prosecution and defence in cases of the utmost seriousness and complexity, including matters of rape, conspiracy to defraud, offences of serious violence, class A drugs and the possession and use of loaded firearms.
Orla has developed particular expertise in the defence of those accused of rape and other serious sexual offences and has experience of cases involving the possession and distribution of child pornography. She often appears in cases of child cruelty and is frequently called upon to act for young and vulnerable defendants, as well as those with mental health issues.
As experienced junior counsel for the prosecution, Orla has gained a thorough knowledge of issues relating to disclosure, third party material and PII and is experienced in conducting proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. She also acts for the DWP in cases of social security fraud and provides advice to local authorities.
Orla is accredited by the Bar Standards Board to act directly on behalf of individuals and organisations, without the need for them to instruct a solicitor. She also has experience of representing interested parties at inquests.
Recent Cases Include:
- R v D (2011): Defence of multiple rape allegation resulting in acquittal, despite the defendant's previous rape conviction going before the jury.
- R v Pringle & ors (2011): Prosecution of deaf defendants for a series of violent robberies involving the use of sign language interpreters.
- R v S (2010): Multiple victim sexual assault case spanning several years.
- R v W (2009): Defence of young man with learning difficulties accused of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder and s.18 GBH.
- R v O (2009): Child cruelty case defending a vulnerable young woman accused of cruelty to her baby.
- R v Sharma (2009): Prosecution junior in case of soldier convicted of rape involving multiple child witnesses.
- R v S (2008): Defence case of rape and s.20 in relation to the alleged transmission of HIV infection.
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R v Seidler (2008): International child abduction, involved research and analysis of Spanish family law.
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R v. Watts & ors (2007): 11 handed conspiracy to steal from cash in transit vans over 11 year period. [Leader, Sandy Canavan]