Ria Banerjee has been a tenant in Chambers since February 2017 upon completion of her Pupillage. Prior to this she gained two years’ experience as a paralegal in a criminal defence firm.
Ria specialises in Crime, both defending and prosecuting and has a wealth of experience in the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court and Youth Court. She has defended in a range of cases, including those of violence, sex, drugs, public order and offensive weapons.
Ria prides herself on her attention to detail and lateral thinking in terms of case analysis. She particularly enjoys identifying and conducting legal arguments as well as jury advocacy.
Ria Banerjee successfully represented a defendant charged, with others, of a series of knife-point robberies of taxi drivers. Successful applications to dismiss on the basis of identification and cell site evidence.
Ria Banerjee acted for a defendant charged with Affray and Threatening with a Bladed Article. Crown’s case consisted of a live witness stating that the Defendant threatened him and his friends with a knife. Incident captured on CCTV and mobile phone footage. Defendant gave a no comment interview with no solicitor present. Acquitted of both charges after trial.
Ria Banerjee secured the acquittal of this defendant charged with Threats to Kill where it was alleged that, whilst making the threats, he was wielding a machete. Extensive cross-examination of three civilian witnesses.
Ria Banerjee acted for this defendant who faced charges of Sexual Assault and Outraging Public Decency. The defendant is blind and alleged to have inappropriately touched four women on the Piccadilly Underground Line on two separate dates, in very similar circumstances. Defence was that the touching was not sexual. Argument for separate summary trials contested by the Crown but acceded to by the District Judge following submission of a detailed skeleton argument and lengthy oral submissions. Defendant acquitted of both charges after two separate trials.
