Ann was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2000 following a successful practice as a junior. Ann has accrued an excellent reputation for representing clients across a wide range of criminal offences with particular emphasis on murder, sexual offences and drug related cases. She is known for her meticulous preparation and her inclusive team working. In addition to her defence practice Ann regularly prosecutes in murders.

Having represented a senior member of social services in a large-scale pedophile case, Ann was invited to work for The Department for International Development to assist in the setting up of a legal system in West Africa to protect and assist woman and children who have been subjected to physical and sexual abuse. This required regular visits to Sierra Leone over a two year period to advise on the setting up of the project. This has led to her being asked to work on behalf of Action Aid in Cambodia and to become appointed as a trustee of Ecpat who are a leading children’s rights organisation, who focus on the protection of trafficked children and children exploited in tourism and the prevention of such crimes.

Notable Cases:

R-v- McKinnon & Ors – Birmingham – 11 week conspiracy to murder from a contract killing of retired couple.

R-v-Todd & Ors – Hove – 6 week murder

R-v-Griffiths & Ors – Birmingham – large  scale drugs conspiracy

R-v-Oakley – Luton – rape involving complicated legal issues.

R-v-Powell & Ors – Kingston – 5 week drug conspiracy

R-v-Etherington & Ors – Central CC – 5 week murder

Re: R - Manchester – 4 week paedophile case

R-v-Singh & Ors – Central CC – 8 week murder

R-v-Taylor & Ors – St Albans – 4 week murder

R-v-Mirza & Ors - Luton - 8 week murder & perverting the course of justice

R-v-Gillick & Ors - CentralCC - 4 week murder