Crime Department
Band 1
7 Harrington Street Chambers is a leading set on the Northern Circuit for criminal matters. It houses a strong bench of experienced practitioners who regularly undertake cases relating to serious crimes and large-scale frauds. Areas of expertise for the team include high-profile homicides, sexual assaults and drugs offences. Members act on behalf of both the prosecution and the defence, and are frequently instructed in headline cases. Recent work handled by the set includes acting for the prosecution in the case of Chester neonatal nurse Lucy Letby, who is charged with eight counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder in connection with the deaths of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Client service:
John Kilgallon is the practice director.
Strengths:
Alex Langhorn
Alex Langhorn is admired for his outstanding legal knowledge, and he operates a broad criminal law practice for the prosecution and defence. He has extensive experience handling serious drug matters and as a Grade 4 prosecutor is regularly instructed by the North West Complex Case Unit.
“He is a very competent advocate and his grasp on the law is absolutely incredible.”
Ian Unsworth QC
Ian Unsworth QC demonstrates considerable expertise across a range of serious crime matters, in which he acts as both prosecution and defence counsel. He regularly acts in high-profile murder cases as well as complex drug offences. His practice also encompasses serious fraud and regulatory crime matters.
“He is very conscientious and thoughtful.”
Recent work: Defended a man accused of murdering his wife after she tried to stop him having another drink at Christmas. He had no recollection of the incident and was found guilty of manslaughter.
Jonathan Duffy
Jonathan Duffy is an experienced junior who regularly acts for the prosecution and the defence in complex criminal cases. His caseload includes armed robberies, murders, drugs conspiracies and sexual offences.
“You know you can absolutely trust his judgement.”
Recent work: Prosecuted a four-handed false imprisonment and Section 18 firearms case.
Nicholas Johnson QC
Nicholas Johnson QC has considerable experience as both prosecutor and defender in a broad range of serious criminal cases. He is particularly known for his ability to handle challenging homicide cases, including murder, gross negligence manslaughter and gangland executions. He is also instructed in cases concerning drugs, serious sexual offences, and health and safety. He additionally has substantial experience handling POCA and confiscation cases.
“A fantastic barrister. He is always my first choice – you won’t find anyone who can assimilate a case and know absolutely every detail like he does.” “He is unflappable, good on the law and has a great manner with clients.”
Recent work: Defended a defendant accused of murder, who believed that the victim had burgled his daughter’s home.
Knowledgeable across the full spectrum of serious crime, Nigel Power QC exhibits notable strength in homicide cases, as well as large-scale fraud and criminal confiscations. He regularly appears at trial and in appellate proceedings.
Defended a man accused of two arsons, one of which led to a fatality.
Richard Pratt QC
Richard Pratt QC is head of chambers and is skilled as both prosecution and defence counsel for a range of criminal matters. He is particularly experienced in crimes of violence, including assault, manslaughter and murder.
Prosecuted a 17-year-old for the murder of a family friend who he thought had sexually assaulted his mother.