We have extensive experience representing both victims and those facing allegations, which can overlap with other potential offences, including controlling or coercive behaviour. We appreciate the importance and complexity of the personal relationships behind any allegation, as well as the need to fully understand relationship history. Where allegations are made in a domestic setting, there can be personal and cultural sensitivities which we are experienced in dealing with.
It is increasingly common to see the weaponisation of criminal allegations in family proceedings, with historic events and communications sometimes misrepresented as harassment or domestic abuse. In cases where there have been parallel family proceedings, we work closely with family lawyers to understand the real issues in the case and how we can support our clients in achieving their objectives. Often the conduct at the heart of an allegation is not in dispute. However, whether an individual’s behaviour amounts to harassment requires detailed analysis. We assist our clients by identifying and collating evidence from a wide range of sources, providing a more accurate picture of events. Where necessary, we use this evidence in support of written representations against prosecution.
As police forces across the country struggle with an increase in complaints and limited resources, victims can find it difficult to be heard. We also represent victims of harassment who have had negative experiences with the police. Where the police are unable or unwilling to act, we work closely with family lawyers preparing applications for non-molestation orders and other protective orders. Should the need for urgent protection arise, we have a network of specialist security providers who can assist, providing you and your family peace of mind.
Our expertise
BCL are ranked in Band 1 for Crime in Chambers and Partners and Band 1 for Crime: General in The Legal 500.
Our team of specialist and skilled lawyers will provide an empathetic and supportive environment while working tirelessly for you to prepare your case.
If you are a victim of harassment or similar offences, we provide advice and support, including in connection with:
- reporting complaints of harassment and stalking to the police;
- identifying and compiling evidence in support of a police complaint;
- investigations and intelligence gathering;
- supporting applications to the family court for non-molestation orders, occupation orders, and other protective orders;
- supporting police applications for domestic abuse protection orders and restraining orders;
- providing support and assistance in applications under the Victim Right to Review scheme;
- working alongside specialist security providers to design security strategies tailored to your needs and the needs of your family, including both physical and cyber security.
When facing an allegation, we provide beginning to end representation to guide you through your case, including in connection with:
- representation in police interviews under caution following arrest and by appointment;
- pre-charge engagement with police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in order to identify lines of enquiry of potential assistance to our clients;
- gathering of evidence and intelligence, including identifying witnesses, CCTV footage, and social media content;
- preparing written representations against prosecution to the police and CPS, both pre-charge and post-charge;
- instructing specialist forensic experts to prepare reports for use in supporting representations against prosecution or defence at trial;
- representation at trial before the magistrates’ court and crown court;
- representation in appeal proceedings before the Court of Appeal and the Criminal Cases Review Commission;
- engaging with media and reputation management specialists; and
- liaising with employers, professional regulators, and other third parties throughout proceedings, ensuring that your professional and reputational interests are protected.
Our experience
Examples of our instructions include:
- Advising the chief executive of a prominent UK regulator experiencing online harassment perpetrated by an organised criminal gang. This unusual case culminated in the conviction and imprisonment of two members of the gang.
- Participating in pre-charge engagement with the police in relation to a professional client facing allegations of harassment, breach of police bail, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour including an allegation of rape. We prepared a thorough bundle of evidence which had not been considered by the police and enclosed detailed representations. No further action taken against our client by the police.
- Advising a former pupil of a boys’ independent school in London concerning the online harassment and stalking of multiple complainants from the respective girls’ independent school, which included the compilation of sham social media accounts and profiles on chatrooms and dating websites.
- Acting for a young professional who had been the victim of a long running campaign of harassment and stalking by her former partner, including by making threats to disclose private intimate photographs. Despite the police initially deciding to take no further action, our client’s case was re-investigated following a successful application under the Victims’ Right to Review scheme.
- Representing a young graduate accused of harassing his ex-partner, following a difficult breakup and period of poor mental health. The case centred around the question of whether communications in such circumstances are reasonable or cross the line into criminality. Our client was found not guilty and awarded costs.
Our reputation
BCL has long been top-ranked by the major legal directories in the area of Crime and is currently ranked as follows:
- Band 1 – Chambers and Partners, Crime
- Tier 1 – Legal 500: Crime
- Leading Firm – The Times Best Law Firms: Financial Crime & Fraud & Regulatory