9BR Chambers

Elise Groulx Diggs (@EliseGroulx1) recently appeared on the podcast “Rule of Law Defenders” hosted by Michael Pates, in Washington DC. Michael Pates, former Executive Director of the American Bar Association Centre for Human Rights during a period of 25 years, is now the Founder and Chief Editor of Cylindr on Substack. In this role, he produces the “Rule of Law Defenders” podcast series. His podcast about Elise Groulx Digg’s career as an international human rights lawyer and expert on conflict resolution, is titled « Grace and Guts ». ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Elise Groulx Diggs' expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/eli… ➡️ For more information on our international barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #InternationalCrime #RuleofLaw #9BRChambers

Katrina Charles successfully prosecuted a married couple of multiple counts of child cruelty with respect to two children. The couple had also pleaded guilty on the first day of trial to ‘being the owner of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control in a private place’ namely an American XL Bully type named Maverick. The defendants Kim Driver aged 52 and Perry Driver aged 67 of previous good character were sentenced to 6 years imprisonment. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Katrina Charles' expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/kat… ➡️ For more information on our criminal barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #CriminalLaw #Crime #9BRChambers

DAVID HUGHES (1955 - 2025) A memorial service for David Hughes will be held in Gray’s Inn Chapel at 5:30pm on Wednesday 6th of May, followed by a celebration of his life in The Hall at 6:45pm. His friends and colleagues who are able to take part are asked kindly to notify Lauriane of their attendance at lauriane.noumbessi@9brchambers.co.uk. Thank you.

Peter Glenser KC recently appeared for the prosecution involving a 15-year-old found in possession of a convertible blank-firing pistol alongside bladed weapons. The case drew wider attention due to the increasing prevalence of Turkish top-venting blank firearms (TVBFs), which can be readily converted into functioning lethal weapons with minimal modification. Notably, Peter Glenser KC was instructed to prosecute in the Youth Court specifically for his specialist firearms expertise - reflecting the growing need for detailed technical understanding in cases involving modern firearm conversion and capability. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Peter Glenser KC's expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/pet… ➡️ For more information on our criminal barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #CriminalLaw #Crime #9BRChambers

Chambers are delighted to confirm that our pupils Liv Mould, Olivia Evans, Harriet Sheves and Mary Collingridge are now "on their feet". ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about their expertise: • Liv Mould: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/liv… • Olivia Evans: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/oli… • Harriet Sheves: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/har… • Mary Collingridge: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/mar… ➡️ If you wish to instruct our pupils or you require any further information, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #Pupillage #Pupil #9BRChambers

Joanna Curtis has successfully defended an extradition request from the Netherlands at first instance, with her client discharged on Article 8 grounds. Article 8 challenges have become even more difficult to win following the Supreme Court’s decision last year in Andrysiewicz v Circuit Court in Lodz [2025] UKSC 23, in which it was said that the impact on family life must be “exceptionally severe”. Joanna’s client had experienced child bereavement and additional long-term illness within the family. The Judge held that the case was exceptional on its facts and that the impact on the client and his surviving child would be exceptionally severe. Joanna was instructed by Elena Jacobs of Coomber Rich Solicitors. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Joanna Curtis' expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/joa… ➡️ For more information on our extradition barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #Extradition #ChallengestoExtradition #9BRChambers

Nutan Fatania, led by Clea Topolski KC, represented a Defendant accused of hiring a hit man, the Co-Defendant, to kill his former partner and mother of his child. The Co-Defendant carried out an attack on the former partner where he stabbed her eight times. Following a trial, Nutan's client was unanimously acquitted of conspiracy to murder. He was convicted by majority verdict of a lesser alternative offence and will be sentenced in due course. Nutan was instructed by Goldan Lambert of Raj Law. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Nutan Fatania's expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/nut… ➡️ For more information on our criminal barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #CriminalLaw #Crime #9BRChambers

We are delighted to announce that Jane Bickerstaff KC has been elected as Head of 9BR Chambers. On taking over as Head of Chambers, Jane Bickerstaff KC said: “I’m looking forward to taking up the baton and running with it. In recent years Chambers has gone from strength to strength and I’m excited to work alongside the excellent barristers and staff to continue that journey." Jane’s appointment will take effect from 1 April 2026. On behalf of everyone at 9BR Chambers, we congratulate Jane Bickerstaff KC and wish her every success during her tenure. Jane succeeds Steven Kay KC (@StevenKay_QC) who, after 10 years of hard work and exceptional leadership, has decided to step down from his role as Head of Chambers. All members of Chambers wish to express their deep gratitude to Steven for his expertise and guidance. Steven will continue to practise full-time at 9BR Chambers. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Jane Bickerstaff KC's expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/jan… ➡️ For more information on our barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #9BRChambers

Andrew Judge prosecuted a defendant for offences of indecency with a child, rape and child cruelty. These offences took place when the victim was between 6-14 in the 1990s and early 2000s. He was also prosected for making indecent images of children which were discovered when he was arrested in 2022. MS was unanimously convicted of 11 counts and was sentenced to a period of 15 years with an extended licence period of 5 years. ➡️ Read more about the case: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Andrew Judge's expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/and… ➡️ For more information on our criminal barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #CriminalLaw #Crime #9BRChambers

Ben Joyes was interviewed by Phoebe Southworth of Sky News (@SkyNews) about the Pamela Gwinnett case, in which a woman convicted of defrauding an elderly victim of almost £300,000 was sentenced in her absence and is believed to be in Spain. The interview focused on the extradition framework between the United Kingdom and Spain, explaining how UK authorities can request a person’s return, the role of the Spanish courts in considering that request, and the process by which a requested person may ultimately be returned to the UK to serve a sentence. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Ben Joyes' expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/ben… ➡️ For more information on our extradition barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #Extradition #9BRChambers

Neurodiversity in Law, a charity co-founded by Sophie Stevens (@sophie_mae97), criminal and extradition barrister at 9BR Chambers, has won the ‘Campaign or Initiative of the Year’ award at The Neurodiverse Business Awards 2026. Sophie Stevens is a neurodiversity advocate. Through her role as a trustee at Neurodiversity in Law, she actively campaigns to promote the importance of combating the stigma faced by neurodivergent people who wish to practise at the Bar. The judges of The Neurodiverse Business Awards were 'impressed by Neurodiversity in Law for its bold and effective campaign championing neurodivergent voices across the legal profession. In a traditionally conservative sector, the initiative has successfully challenged stigma and shifted perceptions through sustained social media engagement and thought leadership.' Congratulations to Sophie and the entire Neurodiversity in Law team on this well-deserved recognition. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Sophie Stevens' expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/sop… ➡️ For more information on our barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727 #NeurodiversityInLaw #NeurodiversityWeek #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #NeurodiverseAwards #Extardition #Crime #CriminalLaw #9BRChambers

Ben Joyes Appears in Successful Challenge to Extradition to Ukraine On 4 March 2026, Westminster Magistrates’ Court refused the extradition of Ukrainian MP Artem Dmytruk, following a finding that he was previously subjected to ill-treatment by Ukrainian state agents. Extradition was ultimately refused under Article 8 ECHR. The Court found that the cumulative impact of prior ill-treatment by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) in March 2022, the risks inherent in return to a state at war, and the effect on family life rendered extradition disproportionate. This week, the Ukrainian Government confirmed that it will not appeal. Ben Joyes appeared for Mr Dmytruk, led by Edward Fitzgerald KC of Doughty Street Chambers (@DoughtyStreet), instructed by Katy O'Mara of Hodge Jones & Allen (@hodgejonesallen). ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Ben Joyes' expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/ben… ➡️ For more information on our extradition barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #Extradition #ChallengestoExtradition #9BRChambers

Gary Summers, instructed for L in Citadel v L, appeared before Judge Picken J in the Commercial Court. Gary successfully resisted an application (post judgment) to lift cross undertakings, as to damages on a pre- judgment worldwide freezing order, where existing and ongoing harm engaging the undertaking was alleged. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Gary Summers' expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/gar… ➡️ For more information on our international barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #InternationalCrime #9BRChambers

Peter Glenser KC, leading Rhiannon Sadler, prosecuted a murder trial at Huntingdon Crown Court in which Gregory Coulson, 31, was unanimously convicted of the murder of his mother, Carmen Coulson, 67. Coulson denied murder and claimed that intruders had broken into the property and killed his mother. The prosecution case demonstrated that this account was false, and the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty. Coulson will be sentenced on 17 April. Peter Glenser KC and Rhiannon Sadler were instructed by the CPS East of England. ➡️ Read more about the case: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about: • Peter Glenser KC's expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/pet… • Rhiannon Sadler's expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/rhi… ➡️ For more information on our criminal barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #CriminalLaw #Crime #9BRChambers

Jonathan Swain (@jwsswain) will be a speaker at the Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum’s (@DELF_Lawyers) first educational event of 2026, an 'Introduction to defence extradition - key considerations for practitioners'. The event will take place at Kingsley Napley (@kingsleynapley) on Tuesday 17 March a 6pm. The event aims to provide an expert-led overview of the key challenges that commonly arise in extradition proceedings. From navigating the initial hearing to obtaining bail, arguing human rights challenges, and exploring parallel asylum issues, the speakers will examine the pressure points practitioners face in practice. This event is free for members and open to non-members at a charge of £10 per ticket. Please email the DELF Administrator if you would like to attend or to join. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Jonathan Swain's expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/jon… ➡️ For more information on our extradition barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #DELF #Extradition #9BRChambers

The Ecocide Tribunal: Citizens Court of the World (CCW) held an ecocide confirmation hearing which lasted four days (16-20 February 2026) in Berlin, Germany. Elise Groulx Diggs was selected to act as the Prosecutor during a confirmation hearing against Jair Bolsonaro (president of Brazil 2019-2022) for his active role in the widespread destruction of the Amazon Forest during his regime and for what we argued constituted a systematic attack against indigenous populations in the Amazon amounting to crimes against humanity as defined in the ICC (Rome Statute). Kirsty Sutherland was representing the defence in this instance and we were both grateful for the opportunity to hear from members of the affected communities as well as scientific experts. The Prosecution successfully secured an indictment for crimes against humanity and obtained an international arrest warrant. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about: • Elise Groulx Diggs' expertise: lnkd.in/eaxvvtbi • Kirsty Sutherland's expertise: lnkd.in/esFizeay ➡️ For more information on our international barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #InternationalCrime #9BRChambers

Trial of the former President of Kosovo commences in The Hague President Hashim Thaci and four others begin their trials on allegations of contempt of court and obstructing the course justice before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Opening Statements of the Prosecution and the Defence will be heard tomorrow, 27 February. Joe Holmes is co-counsel, led by Iain Edwards of 1MCB Chambers (@1MCBChambers) for the third accused, Isni Kilaj the former Mayor of Malisheve, Kosovo. Proceedings will be broadcast. ➡️ Proceedings broadcast: scp-ks.org/en/streaming ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Joe Holmes's expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/joe… ➡️ For more information on our international barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #InternationalCrime #9BRChambers

Jordan Santos-Sindes appeared for the prosecution in this NCA-led investigation. ZM was the driver of a horse truck that was stopped by UK Border Force at the Port of Dover. The vehicle contained 12 feed bags that were concealing 70 kilogram blocks of high purity cocaine (worth over £5.25 million at street level). In interview ZM gave a full account explaining his route to the UK, his horse transport business and that he had no knowledge the cocaine was in the truck. The trial centred around the accounts given by ZM. Following a four day trial the jury convicted ZM of importation of cocaine into the United Kingdom. Jordan was instructed by James Irving of the CPS. ➡️ Read more about the case: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Jordan Santos-Sindes’ expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/jor… ➡️ For more information on our criminal barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #CriminalLaw #Crime #9BRChambers

Jens Dieckmann has been invited by the Internal Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, upon the proposal of the parliamentary group of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, to serve as a legal expert at a public hearing of the Parliament on the topic “Residence Rights for Yezidi Women and Men.” The subject of the Committee’s public hearing is a draft law introduced in Parliament by the party BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN, which aims to grant permanent humanitarian residence rights to those victims of the 2014 genocide against the Yezidis who are currently living in Germany. Jens Dieckmann has submitted a written expert opinion and will be available to answer Members of Parliament’s questions on 23 February 2026 from 1 p.m. CET. ➡️ Read more: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Jens Dieckmann's expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/jen… ➡️ For more information on our international barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #InternationalCrime #9BRChambers

The Second and Fourth Defendant in Mehul Choksi v Government of India and Others instructed Mr Summers following the Claimant’s allegation of kidnapping and assault in Antigua on 23 May 2021, allegedly organised by the Second and Fourth Defendants. Gary Summers secured a Security for Costs order from the King’s Bench Division of the High Court in which the Claimant gave security to the Second and Fourth Defendants until the final disposal of the preliminary/Jurisdictions Applications, including any appeal, by paying the sum of £425,000 into the Courts Funds Office as well as an order for costs in their favour for the security costs application summarily assessed in the sum of £15,000. ➡️ Read more about the case: 9brchambers.co.uk/resources/news… ➡️ Find out more about Gary Summers' expertise: 9brchambers.co.uk/our-people/gar… ➡️ For more information on our international barristers, contact our clerking team at clerks@9brchambers.co.uk or call 020 7489 2727. #InternationalCrime #International #Extradition #9BRChambers