Criminal

Stella is a highly regarded criminal practitioner who prosecutes and defends in equal measure. She is a member of the CPS Specialist Advocate Panel for Serious Crime. Recent instructions include prosecuting an allegation of manslaughter and defending an individual charged with terrorism offences.

Stella has prosecuted and defended in numerous multi-handed conspiracies and is alive to the particular strategic and legal issues that arise in cases of this kind. She regularly appears on behalf of those charged with sexual offences, including historic allegations. Aside from general crime, Stella has particular expertise defending in enforcement proceedings and advancing complex technical arguments on behalf of those charged with motor vehicle offences.

Stella is experienced in regulatory proceedings and has represented in cases od alleged misconduct, lack of competence or on health grounds. Recent examples include charges of contributing to a patient’s death as well as cases concerning serious breaches of professional boundaries. She has also defended in cases brought by Trading Standards, the RSPCA and in proceedings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

Stella has a solid understanding of financial crime and regulation having been instructed by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of their investigation into the Co-op Bank’s £1.5bn capital shortfall. The investigation culminated in a censure for the firm and its CEO; the first occasion on which a CEO of any bank has been formally censured since the 2008 crisis.

Stella has been commended in court for the force and focus of her written and oral submissions. Those who instruct her rate her ability to quickly develop a rapport with lay clients and her commitment to advancing their case with rigour and determination.