5KBW - Leading Barristers' Chambers
Background

5KBW is home to a large number of the country’s most highly respected and sought-after barristers specialising in the field of sexual offences. For that reason, our advocates are routinely instructed in some of the most high-profile and complex cases.


Experts in sexual offence cases

We strongly believe that expertise and experience on both sides of the Court in cases involving sexual allegations gives our members an advantage when it comes to developing case strategies, understanding the likely approach of opposing counsel and identifying points of weakness in their cases. 5KBW is unquestionably one of the leading sets for both the defence and the prosecution of alleged sexual crimes, including:

  • Rape and attempted rape
  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual harassment, including sexting
  • Child sexual offences, including child sexual grooming and exploitation
  • Making, possession / distribution of indecent images (including children)
  • Revenge porn
  • Voyeurism, including non-consensual filming / spycams and upskirting
  • Historic sexual abuse and re-trials
  • Human trafficking and exploitation

The law in this area is rapidly evolving in the face of new technology and the behaviours it has facilitated. Our members are across these developments as they affect this area of work.

Read more

Defending those accused of sexual offences

Our reputation for the defence of sexual allegations is second to none. Members are frequently instructed – often on a privately paid basis – in some of the most sensitive and reputationally significant cases involving professionals, public figures and high-net-worth individuals. We understand the potentially life-changing consequences of a sexual allegation. That is why clients turn to us: for robust and strategic case preparation, clear and realistic advice, and total discretion at every stage.

Our more junior members are frequently led in serious sexual cases; the best training ground for them. It ensures excellence across the board.

Our barristers work closely with instructing solicitors to ensure cases are meticulously prepared and expertly presented.

Prosecuting sexual offences – RASSO accreditation

Our team includes many Crown Prosecution Service RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) accredited advocates who are trusted to handle the most challenging and high-profile cases from the earliest stages of investigation through to trial and appeal.

Why choose us?

5KBW is home to leading expertise in both the defence and prosecution of sexual offences. We have established a reputation for excellence in this field, offering discreet, strategic and emotionally intelligent representation. We are recognised by legal directories and instructing solicitors for our depth of experience and results-driven approach.

Alongside courtroom excellence, our members are adept in managing the reputational and emotional pressure that comes with such allegations, including media handling and sensitive client care.

If you would like to speak to us about a sexual offence case, whether on a prosecution or defence basis, please contact our clerking team who will be happy to assist with availability and next steps.

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

"5KBW is a strong set with excellent sexual offence specialists."

Legal 500 2016

Sexual Offences Barristers

Sarah Forshaw KC

Call 1987 | Silk 2008

Mark Heywood KC

Call 1985 | Silk 2010

Jonathan Higgs KC

Call 1987 | Silk 2011

Anthony Orchard KC

Call 1991 | Silk 2011

Natasha Wong KC

Call 1993 | Silk 2017

Danny Robinson KC

Call 1993 | Silk 2019

Charlotte Newell KC

Call 1994 | Silk 2020

Sexual Offences

Catherine Farrelly KC

Call 1999 | Silk 2024

James Brown KC

Call 1999 | Silk 2025

Simon Sandford

Call 1979

Irshad Sheikh

Call 1983

Mark Dacey

Call 1985

Pieter Briegel

Call 1986

Martin Hooper

Call 1988

Gregory Fishwick

Call 1996

David Osborne

Call 1996

Benjamin Temple

Call 1997

Pauline Thompson

Call 1998

Jason Cross

Call 1998

Sexual Offences

Ian Dear

Call 1999

Catherine Pattison

Call 2000

Louise Oakley

Call 2001

Sexual Offences

Gordon Carse

Call 2002

William Davis

Call 2003

Sexual Offences

Valeria Swift

Call 2003

Dickon Reid

Call 2005

Ben Holt

Call 2006

Nicholas Robinson

Call 2007

Fiona Ryan

Call 2009

Charlotte Hole

Call 2009

Ria Banerjee

Call 2012

Samantha Bonner

Call 2013

Phoebe Bragg

Call 2015

Rosheen Iyer

Call 2015

Olivia Haggar

Call 2016

Harry O’Sullivan

Call 2016

William Sneddon

Call 2016

Anna Dutka

Call 2018

Sexual Offences News

Read more about P Diddy acquitted of most serious charges
Student rapist jailed for 24 years
Read more about Student rapist jailed for 24 years
Read more about Linda Moreno announced on P Diddy defence team

View all related news and resources

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