Criminal Defence | Friday 8 May 2026
Carol Hawley secures reduced sentence for vulnerable young man charged in drugs conspiracy
Carol Hawley of the Garden Court Chambers Crime Team was instructed by Madeleine Corr of Shaw Graham Kersh LLP.
Carol Hawley of the Garden Court Chambers Crime Team was instructed by Madeleine Corr of Shaw Graham Kersh LLP.

Rajiv Menon KC, a highly respected silk at Garden Court Chambers and a former head of chambers, is facing proceedings for contempt of court. The alleged contempt concerns a closing speech that Rajiv delivered to a jury at the Woolwich Crown Court in January 2026. We are extremely concerned about the chilling effect on the Bar of the state seeking to criminalise barristers for their representation of their clients.
Mark Symes explores whether current Home Office immigration raids and rapid enforcement action meet principles of procedural fairness, and offers insight into the difficulties of mounting judicial review challenges.

Belfast eel fisherman Declan Conlon has brought a Judicial Review against the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) over its duties to protect Loch Neagh from nutrient pollution and to protect his livelihood.


Alex Taylor-Camara has secured the unanimous acquittal of his client, charged with drugs and firearms offences, following a seven-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Garden Court is delighted to congratulate Oscar Davies for winning this award, a well-deserved recognition of their truly exceptional work and leadership to improve LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion within the legal profession.

The Home Office have this week reinstated the revoked sponsor licence of a national mixed service care provider. Ubah Dirie of the Garden Court Business Immigration team provided early advice and representation, helping the client to avoid expensive litigation.

Icah Peart KC and Lucie Wibberley's client was unanimously acquitted of violent disorder, murder and manslaughter by a jury following a five week trial at the Old Bailey.


We are delighted to announce that Dr Claire Mitchell KC has joined Garden Court Chambers as a door tenant.

Alex Ryle of Garden Court Chambers Crime Team acted for the claimant, instructed by Alex Pierides of Faradays Solicitors.

Oscar Davies of Garden Court Chambers interviewed in Legal Business.

We are delighted to announce that Garden Court barristers have been recognised at the Women & Diversity in Law Awards 2026:



Raza Halim of the Garden Court Public Law Team is instructed by Duncan Lewis Solicitors on behalf of the claimants.

The Garden Court Housing Team is deeply saddened by the death of Giles Peaker. Giles was a champion of housing law.
Owen Greenhall and Audrey Cherryl Mogan are acting as part of the legal team on behalf of the claimant, Huda Ammori, the co-founder of the group.


Blog post by Maha Sardar and Maria Moodie of Garden Court Chambers, who were on the legal team representing Migrant Primary Care Access Group (MPCAG) in Module 4 of the Inquiry.


Tim Baldwin of the Garden Court Public Law Team has produced a case analysis in partnership with LexisNexis.

Counsel from Garden Court, instructed by CCLC, acted for the Claimant in the High Court case of R (CWJ) v Director of Legal Aid Casework & Lord Chancellor [2025] EWHC 306 (Admin), which established for the first time that the right to a fair hearing under Article 6 ECHR could be engaged in an IRP hearing.


We are delighted to announce that Garden Court barristers have been listed on the Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales 2026.
We are delighted to announce that Sophia Rolt-Smith has joined Garden Court Chambers as a tenant, following the successful completion of her third-six pupillage.
