Introduction

Ashleigh is a second six pupil with vast experience in criminal law who prosecutes and defends in a range of cases at the Crown Court. She has also received private instructions to defend in both the Magistrates' Court and Crown Court. 

Prior to coming to the Bar, Ashleigh was the Head of the Crown Court department for a criminal defence firm where she was trusted with the most serious and complex cases. She has had strong exposure to the Criminal Justice System with working in the legal field for several years. She has litigated on a range of offences, including terrorism where the client was acquitted of terrorism charges. This attracted coverage from the national media, where junior counsel and leading counsel trusted her to perform the role of second junior. Within her role, Ashleigh was responsible for preparing the cases in the Crown Court and considering the evidence. Most recently, instructed counsel referred to her as 'striking gold' when perusing unused material in a Conspiracy to Murder case which would undoubtedly assist the defence case resulting in acquittal. She has excellent repertoire and skills dealing with the vulnerable and young.

Ashleigh has been instructed as advocate on parole hearings, for example,  IPP prisoners, with the Parole Board directing release from closed conditions. 

She is well regarded by professionals and clients for her personable approach and conducts great care and skill and is sensitive to issues that a case may generate. 

Away from work, Ashleigh enjoys horse riding and spending time with her family and friends. 

Ashleigh welcomes instructions on criminal matters.

As a second six month pupil, Ashleigh is not a tenant/member of 33 Bedford Row.

Crime

Crown Prosecution Service - Grade 1 - General Crime

Notable Cases

R v S - Secured Community Order for defendant convicted of making indecent images.

R v W - Successful application for exceptional hardship resulting in the client retaining his driving licence.

R v A - Secured Suspended Sentence Order for defendant convicted of making and distributing indecent images. Reported in the press: Nelson man had 200 indecent images and shared them on WhatsApp | Lancashire Telegraph

Testimonials

'She called me this morning a couple of hours before the hearing to check in and make sure we were ready, she was brilliant and got me the best result I could have asked for'. - Instructed Solicitor (Civil Matters)

Memberships

2020 - Present -The Honourable Society of Middle Temple

Education and Qualifications

2022 - BPP Manchester - Bar Training Course 

2018 - University of Huddersfield - Postgraduate Certificate in Further Education (PGCert)

2015 - University of Central Lancashire - Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL)

2010 - University of Bradford - BA (Hons) Criminal Justice