5KBW - Leading Barristers' Chambers
Background

5KBW is one of the leading prosecution sets with members prosecuting cases of national importance. This expertise naturally lends itself to members providing representation to individuals, businesses, and organisations seeking to bring or defend private criminal proceedings.


Understanding private prosecutions

The right to bring a private prosecution is a long-standing feature of the UK’s criminal justice system. It offers an alternative avenue for victims of crime to seek justice, particularly in cases where the police or Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have decided not to proceed.

Private prosecutions are often used in cases involving allegations of fraud where swift and effective action is needed to protect financial and reputational interests or where the criminal conduct has been identified during civil or insolvency proceedings. Private prosecutions must be conducted with the highest level of care and compliance with legal and ethical standards. Our experienced private prosecution barristers will advise on both the technical aspects of the case and the most appropriate strategy.

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Experience in private prosecutions

Our members have extensive experience in bringing and defending private prosecutions in complex and high-profile cases, including vigorously defending individuals and businesses against wrongful or malicious claims.

It is important when instructing a barrister in a private prosecution that they have experience both in the process of private prosecution but also in the proper conduct of a public prosecution, as well as a thorough expertise in all aspects of substantive and procedural criminal law. Above all, it is necessary that the individual can inspire the confidence of a court. Our members have those abilities.

Strategic advice from investigation to trial

Our members provide expert advice at every stage of a private prosecution, from initial investigation and evidence gathering through to charge, trial, and appeal. We assist clients with:

  • Assessing the viability of a private prosecution
  • Preparing evidence and case strategy
  • Liaising with law enforcement and regulatory bodies
  • Conducting advocacy in all criminal courts, including the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts
  • Handling disclosure, abuse of process challenges, and applications for costs
  • Introducing and/or challenging evidence from forensic accountants, investigators, and regulatory experts

Why choose us?

At 5KBW, we are committed to delivering outstanding legal representation in private prosecutions. Across chambers we have leading experts in all fields of criminal law: experienced professionals who will ensure you have the best representation available.

For further information on how we can assist with a private prosecution, please contact our clerking team.

For further information about instructing our barristers please contact our Senior Clerk.

"5KBW continues to go from strength to strength. The quality of its advocates and the work generated is very impressive."

Legal 500

"The set has repeatedly shown it has real strength and depth in counsel and has noted expertise in dealing with complex and sophisticated cases."

Chambers & Partners

Private Prosecutions Barristers

Mark Heywood KC

Call 1985 | Silk 2010

Jonathan Higgs KC

Call 1987 | Silk 2011

Anthony Orchard KC

Call 1991 | Silk 2011

Danny Robinson KC

Call 1993 | Silk 2019

Simon Sandford

Call 1979

Irshad Sheikh

Call 1983

Benjamin Temple

Call 1997

Sexual Offences

Ian Dear

Call 1999

Catherine Pattison

Call 2000

Louise Oakley

Call 2001

Ben Holt

Call 2006

Charlotte Hole

Call 2009

Aska Fujita

Call 2011

Frederick Hookway

Call 2011

Samantha Bonner

Call 2013

Phoebe Bragg

Call 2015

Harry O’Sullivan

Call 2016

Anna Dutka

Call 2018

Harriet Palfreman

Call 2022

Private Prosecutions News

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