Ian Carter
Archives
Contact:
Newark Office:
Suite 11, Aura Business Centre
Manners Road
Newark, NG24 1BS
Tel: 01636 614013
Email: enquiries@vhsfletchers.co.uk
Archives
Patrick Fisher
Patrick, known to many as Paddy, joined VHS Fletchers in July 2022 as a Trainee Solicitor in our Derby office.
He completed his undergraduate degree in Law at Nottingham Trent University, graduating in 2021 with a 2:1 classification.
Following this, he went on to complete his Legal Practice Course and Master’s Degree, continuing at Nottingham Law School. During his time at university, Patrick undertook a half year placement beginning his journey into Criminal Defence Law.
His interest in criminal justice was honed during his dissertation for his master’s degree, examining the relationship between the policing of protest and human rights, and the impact of the latest legislation, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
Paddy completed his solicitor training at VHS Fletchers and is an integral part of our Magistrates Court team.
Outside of work, Patrick is a keen athlete, competing in American Football, currently as a member of the Nottingham Caesars.
Contact:
Derby Office:
8 St Mary’s Gate,
Derby,
DE1 3JF
Tel: 01332 546818
Email: patrick.fisher@vhsfletchers.co.uk
Archives
Nicola Draper
Nicola has been a solicitor since 2002. She is a Duty Solicitor and specialises in criminal defence – representing clients in police stations and magistrates courts.
Nicola represents clients accused of every type of offence, from driving offences to serious offences including murder and serious drugs offences.
Contact:
Nottingham Office:
111 Carrington Street,
Nottingham,
NG1 7FE
Tel: 0115 9599550
Email: nicola.draper@vhsfletchers.co.uk
R v B Murder. Client accused of murder by way of injecting a fellow drug user with heroin. An acquittal was secured.
R v C Murder. A case of a man with no prior criminal involvement who was accused of a domestic murder and whose first court appearance was therefore on a murder charge.
R v W. Sexual Offences. A multiple rape allegation involving alleged rapes from a number of counties and a series of trials.
R v C. Domestic Violence. A serving prison officer was accused of a domestic assault. An acquittal was secured after trial had been adjourned four times.
Archives
Chloe Wright
Chloe joined VHS Fletchers in January 2022 as a Trainee Solicitor at our Chesterfield office and has now qualified and is employed as an assistant solicitor.
Chloe graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in the summer of 2020 with an undergraduate degree in Law. Chloe then continued her studies at Leeds Beckett University, completing the Legal Practice Course in the spring of 2021 and completed a masters degree in the summer of 2022.
During Chloe’s studies at Sheffield Hallam University, she took on the role as Student Legal Advisor at the Helena Kennedy Prison Clinic, where she provided free legal advice to those individuals detained in prisons across the country. This role provided Chloe with the vital knowledge and experience of managing cases and dealing with various prison law matters including re-categorisation reviews and sentence progression.
During her training, Chloe completed the Police Station Accreditation Qualification to enable her to provide advice and assistance to all clients who are detained by the police, including those requesting the duty solicitor, for the entire range of offences.
Now that Chloe has qualified as a solicitor she will begin to work towards her duty solicitor qualification permitting her to provide such representation at court. She will continue to provide advice and representation in the police station, as well as representing those charged with offences before the Magistrates’ Court. Chloe will also continue in her role as a Crown Court litigator.
Outside of work, Chloe enjoys local walks in the Peak District and baking cakes for her friends and family.
Contact:
Chesterfield Office:
5 Beetwell Street,
Chesterfield,
S40 1SH
Tel: 01246 387999
Email: chloe.wright@vhsfletchers.co.uk
R (DVSA) v L. Crown Court. Forgery of Tachograph Records. Crown Court Litigator representing professional LGV driver charged with 39 offences of falsifying tachograph records. Allegation of forging records to enable him to work for longer hours than permitted under European driver rules and domestic legislation. Successful representations led to the prosecution dropping 17 charges. Our client pleaded guilty to the remaining 22 charges. Despite sentencing case law indicated that these offences should result in an immediate custodial sentence, a successful plea in mitigation led to a Suspended Sentence Order being imposed.
Archives
Declan Smith
Declan joined VHS Fletchers in July 2021.
He graduated from the University of Derby in 2020 with an undergraduate degree in law, before continuing his studies completing the Legal Practice Course in the spring of 2021. Declan also holds a master’s degree which focused on reflective legal practice skills.
During his studies Declan worked in the University of Derby’s Student Legal Advice Centre, where he provided free legal advice to incoming clients who were unable to pay for legal services. Declan advised on criminal and family law matters, which allowed him to work very closely with vulnerable and disadvantaged people who were in need of legal advice. Declan gained an in-depth knowledge of legal aid and gained a sense of appreciation for the importance of access to legal representation. Declan’s advice assisted multiple clients at court and has also allowed litigants in person to reliably use this advice in court.
Whilst working for VHS Fletchers Solicitors, Declan has gained an in-depth understanding of the Criminal Justice System. He has provided advice at the police station on a wide variety of criminal allegations, some being of the most serious criminal offences.
Declan has litigated cases at the Crown Court, which has included large scale drug conspiracies, fraud and murder. Declan also provides advice and representation for all matters heard before the Magistrate’s Court. Declan is well liked for his thorough approach to cases, his friendly manner, and his excellent client care.
Declan completed his training contract with us in Summer 2023 and has since gained his Duty Solicitor qualification permitting him to represent those at court who request the services of the Duty Solicitor.
Outside of work Declan is a keen sportsman having previously competed at a national level in swimming – training alongside current Olympic champion Adam Peaty
Contact:
Chesterfield Office:
5 Beetwell Street
Chesterfield,
S40 1SH
Tel: 01246 387999
Email: declan.smith@vhsfletchers.co.uk
Archives
Hannah Spicer-Short
Hannah joined VHS Fletchers in May 2021 as a Trainee Solicitor.
Hannah graduated from the University of Leicester in 2015 with an undergraduate degree in Criminology, before going on to study the Graduate Diploma in Law at De Montfort University in 2016. She completed the course in 2018 achieving a Merit.
Following the Graduate Diploma in Law, Hannah went on to study a combined Masters degree with the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Trent University achieving a distinction for both in 2020.
Hannah is able to fully advise clients about the different stages of the Court process as she has worked as a Paralegal specialising in Criminal Defence since 2016 and previously as a Court Usher at Leicester Magistrates Court in 2015. Whilst working as a Paralegal, Hannah has worked on a variety of cases heard in the Magistrates Court and Crown Court, she regularly attends upon clients remanded in custody to provide legal advice and obtain instructions to assist with preparation of their case.
Hannah works diligently to ensure that the Criminal Procedure Rules and evidential procedures are complied with by the Prosecution in order to achieve a fair hearing for all clients.
Contact:
Nottingham Office:
111 Carrington Street,
Nottingham,
NG1 7FE
Tel: 0115 9599550
Email: hannah.spicer-short@vhsfletchers.co.uk
R v C – Rape. Litigator. Client had learning disabilities and was assisted by an intermediary during the trial. The Client was acquitted after half time submissions and abuse of process legal arguments.
R v S – Rape. Litigator. The offence was domestic offence which was discontinued by the prosecution shortly before trial.
R v H and another – Murder. Litigator where the client and one other were accused of joint enterprise murder that proceeded to trial.
R v S – Murder. Litigator where the client was accused of killing his partner
R v J – Malicious Communications – Client was acquitted after a trial in the Magistrates Court, the prosecution did not adduce any evidence of the alleged text messages or phone calls.
R v B – Breach of Restraining Order – Client acquitted after a trial as the Magistrates found that the client had a reasonable excuse.
Archives
Sarah Green
Sarah qualified as a solicitor in 2001, and joined Fletchers solicitors in 2002 in order to specialise in criminal litigation. She obtained her Duty Solicitor qualification shortly thereafter, and has worked across our Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire offices, as well as within our regulatory department.
Clients would describe Sarah as personable and down to earth, with the additional benefit of a relaxed manner that helps put people at ease. These qualities do not overshadow her ability to analyse the issues relevant to her clients’ cases in order to decide how best to achieve the outcome that the client hopes for.
She shows great attention to detail, ensuring that each element of a client’s case is properly progresses, including obtaining high quality expert advice when needed. Sarah is particularly able at analysing whether the police have exercised lawfully their powers in relation to arrest or search.
Contact:
Contact:
Derby Office:
8 St Mary’s Gate
Derby
DE1 3JF
Tel: 01332 546818
GPC v SS – Regulatory Law – The client was a pharmacist facing numerous charges of misconduct. Ultimately, detailed preparation allowed the bulk of the charges to be withdrawn prior to the hearing, and the majority of the remaining allegations were successfully defended resulting in the pharmacist keeping his licence to practice.
R v W Cannabis Production – Early preparation in the Magistrates’ Court allowed the client to take advantage of a negotiated basis of plea when sentenced before the Crown Court. The Crown Court judge reluctantly felt that his hands were tied and imposed a low level community order rather than the custodial sentence that would normally be associated with such offending.
R v K Dangerous Dog – The client was charged with possessing a dangerous dog. A top expert witness was enlisted to assist in the presentation of the case to the court and the dog was returned to its owner rather than destroyed.
R v S and another – Police Assault – A husband and wife were acquitted of police assault when it was demonstrated to the court that the legal formalities required prior to police entering a private address had been overlooked by the police at the time, and then by the Crown.
R v J – Police Powers – The client successfully challenged the police officer’s power of arrest resulting in his acquittal.
R v H – Assault – The client was charged with assaulting a taxi driver, denying the matter in police interview and putting forward an explanation that suggested that the driver had behaved improperly. Subsequent enhancement of CCTV on behalf of the defence showed that he was correct.
Archives
Vicky Clarson
Vicky has lived in Nottingham all of her life. She left college and became employed in a small Nottingham solicitors office where she qualified initially as a legal executive and then as a solicitor in 1993. She attended Nottingham Law School attaining her qualification as a solicitor. Vicky studied whilst working full time and bringing up a young family. She gained valuable experience in all aspects of legal work.
Vicky has worked in all areas of litigation including civil and family work. However it was criminal work that she became passionate about.
Vicky attained her duty solicitor qualification shortly after qualifying as a solicitor. She has a wealth of experience in all aspects of criminal work. Her experience is vast and she puts her all into her cases. Her experience ranges from representation of a homeless man who was arrested and put before the Court for stealing a sandwich to a 98 year old man who was charged with the murder of his wife.
She has a particular affinity towards dealing with those clients who are vulnerable and find the prospect of experiencing the criminal justice system as overwhelming and daunting. She puts them at ease and explains how the system works in great detail.
Vicky worked for many years in Nottingham and then moved to work in the Newark and Lincolnshire areas where she practised for a further 10 years. She has attended Magistrates Courts and Police Stations throughout the whole length and breadth of the country.
Vicky has returned to work in Mansfield where she will continue to represent clients in our local police stations and Magistrates Courts and is happy to travel to all areas of the country to represent clients.
Contact:
Nottingham Office:
Mansfield Innovation Centre
Oakham Business Park
Mansfield
NG18 5BR
Tel: 0115 959 9550
Email: vicky.clarson@vhsfletchers.co.uk
Archives
Georgia qualified as a solicitor in January 2021 having completed her period of training. She qualified as a Duty Solicitor in 2021 and became an Associate Solicitor in April 2023.
She grew up and lives in East Midlands. She graduated from the University of Chester in 2017 with an undergraduate degree in law, before continuing to study her postgraduate masters in law at Nottingham Trent University in 2018.
Georgia is passionate about access to justice for those involved in criminal cases. As part of her Masters, Georgia wrote her dissertation on miscarriages of justice arising from limited access to legal aid and disclosure failures. This piece of work has enabled her to gain a considerable amount of knowledge on the current restrictions of accessing justice and the importance of ensuring every client receives legal representation.
In addition to her studies, Georgia undertook work experience with VHS Fletchers and has volunteered at her local Citizens Advice Bureau. While engaged in the latter, Georgia assisted some very vulnerable clients giving her first hand experience of dealing with the most vulnerable in situations where her calm and caring manner is a great help.
Georgia is also an active blogger, posting articles about her experiences in the law, whether that be during the period of her studies or from her work experience and volunteering. You can find Georgia’s blog here.
Georgia works from our Derby office crime department.
Contact:
Derby Office:
8 St Mary’s Gate,
Derby,
DE1 3JF
Tel: 01332 546818
Archives
Nikki Carlisle
Nikki is an Associate Solicitor who has represented clients at police stations across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and surrounding areas since 2012 for a wide variety of offences, including; armed robbery, serious sexual offences, violence offences, drugs offences, theft, burglary and road traffic offences.
She holds the Law Society CLAS qualification and is a Duty Solicitor providing free and independent legal advice to those who do not have a particular solicitor in mind at both the police station and court.
Based in Newark where she has lived for most of her life, Nikki uses her knowledge of the local people and areas to ensure that some outstanding results for her clients which might not have otherwise been the case.
From her Newark base, Nikki will always travel wherever she needs to go in order to assist her clients, who are always grateful for her dedication.
Nikki’s attention to detail means that cases are prepared thoroughly and her clients always feel that they have had the best representation possible.
On a personal level, she is endlessly patient and understanding. She will always ensure that she takes the time to listen to a client’s personal circumstances without judgement. This allows her clients to feel more at ease when discussing the best way forward for their case. This is particularly important in domestic violence cases, where things may often not be as they seem.
Contact:
Newark Office:
Suite 11, Aura Business Centre
Manners Road
Newark, NG24 1BS
Tel: 01636 614013
Email: enquiries@vhsfletchers.co.uk
R v B. Sexual offence. Crown Court litigator in the case of a juvenile male with Asperger’s Syndrome. Nikki provided the client and his family with both emotional and legal support throughout this very difficult case. Thorough preparation meant that significant issues with the prosecution case were uncovered and after trial the client was found not guilty.
R v S. Sexual assault. Initially represented a client with severe health problems at the police station during interview. Later gave evidence at the Crown Court trial Nikki was required to give evidence as to what had happened in the police station. In the Judges’ summing up this was described as “compelling evidence”. The client was found not guilty.
R v D. Magistrates’ Court Advocacy. Nikki met with a client who had previously instructed another firm of solicitors and been convicted after trial. He was not happy with the service provided by that firm or how his case had been prepared. After just a short appointment in the office the client was able to say that she had showed more care and understanding than the other firm had throughout his entire case. Following successful application to transfer Legal Aid she conducted the sentencing hearing. Although the guidelines indicated that he should have received an immediate custodial sentence, Nikki’s mitigation persuaded the District Judge to sentence the client to suspend that sentence.
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