The areas of work in which we have particular expertise, experience and excellence
The areas of work in which we have particular expertise, experience and excellence
Barristers
Call 2013
Stephen has a varied and extremely busy criminal defence practice, with wide ranging experience in the Crown Court, where he spends most of his time.
He accepts both private and publicly funded instructions covering the whole spectrum of crime, including: sexual offences; serious violence; drug supply; offences relating to weapons; and dishonesty offences. He also has the experience and confidence to handle multi-defendant and long running trials involving voluminous papers.
Prior to joining chambers, Stephen spent time investigating fatal incidents in prisons for the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. He also has experience as a Crown Court clerk. Stephen’s unorthodox career history includes many years as a successful pub manager, and five years employed as an underground coal miner.
Given his diverse history, Stephen is comfortable communicating with individuals from all backgrounds, being particularly adept at putting clients at ease in what are undoubtedly stressful occasions.
R v HR (2021)
HR was acquitted of assaulting a dementia care patient in her care following a 7 day trial. The alleged incident was caught on a secret camera installed by the patient’s family, but Stephen was able to persuade the jury that HR was acting in the best interests of the patient.
R v FL (2022)
FL was charged with sexual assault against a co-worker. He was acquitted by a jury when Stephen demonstrated inconsistencies between the prosecution witnesses.
R v JG (2022)
JG was acquitted of 4 counts of arson reckless as to endangering life; her partner had already pleaded guilty. The jury were persuaded that she was unaware of the fires.
R v AF (2022)
AF was acquitted of assaulting an emergency worker, after the jury were persuaded to believe him over the complainant police officer and several colleague who purported to witness the incident. The jury took around 20 minutes to arrive at their verdict.
R v PR (2022)
PR was acquitted at half time of a brutal assault in an alleged revenge attack between feuding families. The Judge agreed that it was not safe to leave it to the jury despite the Complainant’s evidence seeking to identify PR.
R v FS (2022)
Stephen secured FS’s acquittal after jury trial, despite his previous for like offences being adduced in evidence. He was charged with very serious assaults against his partner, but doubt was cast on this evidence and the police investigation.
R v PV (2022)
PV was charged with assaulting mental health staff, which was caught on CCTV. In a case complicated by the mental health issues and medication, Stephen persuaded the jury to accept that PV had acted in reasonable and lawful self defence.
R v AA (2022)
Stephen secured AA’s acquittal after trial by jury for possession with intent to supply class A drugs. This was despite body warn footage of AA admitting the offence to police at the scene.
R v MN (2022)
MN was charged with 2 counts of keeping a person in slavery or servitude. The trial lasted over 4 weeks and involved multiple Defendants. One charge was dismissed following a submission of no case to answer at half time, but MN was convicted of the other charge.
R v DD (2023)
Stephen secured DD’s acquittal of a serious domestic assault with a submission of no case to answer. This was assisted by damaging bad character evidence being successfully excluded.
R v HA (2023)
HA was acquitted of arson reckless as to endangering life after a successful submission of no case to answer at half time. This 4 week trial involved multiple Defendants on a variety of counts.
R v CB (2023)
Stephen represented CB in a 4 week trial relating to the possession and sale of Anglo Saxon coins (criminal property). This trial involved extensive expert evidence regarding the nature of treasure and the significant historical significance of these particular coins. There was consequently a great deal of media interest, including globally.
R v NU (2023)
Stephen is currently involve in a long trial with 9 Defendants facing perverting the course of justice allegations with other related matters.
Stephen Garbett recently secured the acquittal of his client who had faced a trial for arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. The charge was changed to simple arson during the trial…
Stephen Garbett recently secured the acquittal of his client who had been charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs – with two counts of simple possession of class A in…
Regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB)
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