Chesterfield criminal defence solicitor Denney Lau’s first 7 days with VHS Fletchers
New recruit, Chesterfield Criminal defence solicitor Denney Lau, has hit the ground running in his first seven days at VHS Fletchers. His caseload perhaps illustrates the varied and unexpected nature of an experienced criminal law specialist.
Day 1
On day 1 Denney represented three clients before Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court. All three had the benefit of criminal legal aid.
The first client denied possession of bladed article. The case was suitable for summary trial and a trial has been listed at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court. A second client faced an allegation of theft. It 
was inappropriate to make progress so Denney successfully argued for an adjournment.
The final client of the day faced allegation of attempted robbery and possession of a bladed article. This was a case that could only be dealt with at the Crown Court, so the case was sent there. His client remained on bail.
Day 2
Day two say Denney again at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court. He dealt with two clients under the legal aid scheme. One defendant pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order and was fined. A second was in breach of a community order and received a similar financial penalty.
Denney also represented a client under the Chesterfield court duty solicitor scheme. He face a charge of harassment. A not guilty plea was entered so the case adjourned for trial. Denney is awaiting further instructions
Day 3
Once again Denney was representing a client before Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court. This time his client was facing allegations of burglary and possession of a bladed article. The allegations were denied and therefore were allocated to Derby Crown Court for trial. His client remained on bail. Representation was given under criminal legal aid
Day 4
Denney represented a client in custody under the legal aid scheme. He was in breach of both a restraining order and his previous community order. He had, unfortunately, run out of chances so received a fourteen week sentence.
Separately Denney dealt with a client as duty solicitor. This client had unpaid fines dating back to 2010 so was at risk of being sent to prison for default. Instead, Denney secured him a further opportunity to pay under a suspended committal order.
Day 5
Avoiding court in the morning, Denney instead provided advice and assistance under a fixed fee arrangement to a suspect being interviewed by the Department of Works and Pensions on suspicion of benefit fraud. No decision was made as to whether to prosecute.
In the afternoon, Denney was representing a client before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court who was denying a serious sexual offence. The case was allocated to Sheffield Crown Court. His client had the benefit of both legal aid and bail.
Day 6
An application to adjourn a dishonesty offence was made and granted before the Magistrates. A legal aid application was submitted.
A new client was seen in the office facing an allegation of excess alcohol. Legal representation at the future court date was possible because of an affordable fixed fee.
That evening Denney undertook his first period on call and dealt with three cases during the night at Chesterfield police station. Two clients facing investigation for a serious sexual offence and possession of drugs with intent to supply were released under investigations so that the police could conclude their enquiries.
A third client was charged to Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court following admissions to an assault on paramedics.
Day 7
The day started with a meeting at the Derbyshire Law Centre in Chesterfield. Chesterfield crime solicitor Ben Strelley also attended. It was an important opportunity to discuss the legal services offered by both us and the Law Centre to ensure that our clients have the opportunity to access legal advice for all of their problems.
Thereafter, Denney has another busy day at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court. He dealt with a defendant as court duty solicitor who pleaded guilty to having a dog that was dangerously out of control. A basis of plea was put forward that was not accepted by the prosecution so a trial of issue of Newton hearing was listed. Denney awaits further instructions.
He concluded a case by way of a conditional discharge for a client in possession of the controlled substance, Mamba.
A second client had committed a new offence of criminal damage while subject to a suspended sentence. Despite that the order was allowed to continue and he was given unpaid work for the new offence.
Finally, Denney made representations on behalf of a client that persuaded the probation service to withdraw proceedings for breach of a suspended sentence order.
Contact Chesterfield criminal defence solicitor Denney Lau
Although you can see that Denney is busy, he is never too busy to take your call and represent you in police interview or at court.
We know that Denney’s clients will expect him to see their cases through to the end. As a result, he will aim to provide continuity of representation all the way through to your Crown Court trial.
Chesterfield criminal defence solicitor Denney Lau can be contacted on 01246 283000 or you can use the contact form below.
