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

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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

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Noteable Cases

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.

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:

Derby Office:
8 St Mary’s Gate
Derby
DE1 3JF

Tel: 01332 546818

Email: sarah.green@vhsfletchers.co.uk

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Noteable Cases

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.

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

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Contact:

Chesterfield Office:
5 Beetwell Street,
Chesterfield,
S40 1SH

Tel: 01246 387999
Email: georgia.collins@vhsfletchers.co.uk

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Nikki Carlisle

newark criminal defence solicitor Nikki Carlyle — Newark Associate Solicitor 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

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Noteable Cases

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.

Asif Munir

Contact:

Nottingham Office:
111 Carrington Street,
Nottingham,
NG1 7FE

Tel: 0115 9599550
Email: asif.munir@vhsfletchers.co.uk

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Siobhan McGuinness

Siobhan Moore (nee McGuiness) has extensive experience as a Crown Court Litigator. She works tirelessly with clients to ensure thorough preparation of their cases.

She has experience in dealing with complex cases including cases arising out of the summer of public unrest in 2012. These cases involved detailed knowledge and analysis of telephone call date and cell site information. She has continued to assume responsibility for other complex and sensitive cases including those of clients charged with historic sexual abuse. Such cases involve Siobhan undertaking careful planning, as well as demonstrating a sensitive approach and attitude towards clients and building up a relationship of trust in order that full instructions may be taken in very difficult circumstances.

Siobhan has been praised by clients as being easy to talk to and considerate, as well as thorough in her approach.

Siobhan has built on her knowledge of criminal law by passing the PSQ accreditation which allows her to represent clients in the police station who have asked for VHS Fletchers or the Duty Solicitor to represent them.

Contact:

Derby Office:
8 St Mary’s Gate,
Derby,
DE1 3JF

Tel: 01332 546818
Email: siobhan.mcguinness@vhsfletchers.co.uk

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Noteable Cases

R v H Violent Disorder. The client was one of 11 defendant’s in a case, a 16 year old, pleaded guilty and received maximum credit

R v S Historic Sexual Abuse. Successful application to dismiss in relation to six counts of indecent assault.

William Bennett

William qualified as a solicitor in 1995 and specialised in criminal law. He built up a formidable Magistrates’ Court reputation before achieving his Higher Rights Qualification in 2010.

He joined VHS Fletchers in 2011 in order to expand his experience and caseload before the Crown Court. Over the last five years he has gained extensive experience across the range of criminal law cases including firearms offence, robbery, major drugs conspiracies, sexual assaults, fraud, burglary and other dishonesty offences. He has undertaken the confiscation proceedings that flow from such cases.

He has successfully represented clients before the Court of Appeal in relation to arguments as to manifestly excessive sentences.

William’s particular strength is his ability to communicate to a jury.

He is a member of SAHCA (The Solicitors Association of Higher Courts Advocates).

Contact:

Derby Office:
8 St Mary’s Gate
Derby
DE1 3JJ

Tel: 01332 546818
Email: william.bennett@vhsfletchers.co.uk

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Noteable Cases

R v D Sexual Assault. Acquittal of man accused of sexual assault – Leicester Crown Court.

R v L Court of Appeal. Reduction of a manifestly excessive sentence imposed for breach of restraining order by Derby Crown Court.

R v P Robbery. Client acquitted of knife point robbery of a taxi.

R v H. Domestic Assault. Client acquitted of GBH said to have been caused when client’s behaviour forced the complainant to climb out of a window.

R v H Robbery. Court of Appeal. Successful expedited appeal for a vulnerable youth who initially received a custodial sentence.

R v B Derby Crown Court. Successfully argued for a non-custodial sentence leading to positive client feedback. More detail here.

R v J Aggravated Burglary Lead advocate in multi-handed trial. Client was found not guilty after trial for allegations of aggravated burglary and kidnap. More detail here.

R v M Class A drugs offences. Sheffield Crown Court. Significant reduction in sentence following mitigation in a case where drugs were taken into prison. More detail here.

R v K Class A drugs offences. Nottingham Crown Court. Mitigation secured a deferred sentence for client on a late plea to possession with intent to supply two types of Class A drug. More detail here.

R v P Class A drugs offences. Derby Crown Court. Successful challenge to the expertise of a police ‘expert’ witness leads to not guilty verdict for possession with intent to supply charge. More detail here.

Tim Haines

Tim qualified as a solicitor in 1993, initially practising in all areas of litigation. In 1995 he began to concentrate solely on criminal defence work and soon found himself heading the Criminal Department of his then employer, a position he held for 6 years before joining VHS solicitors in 2001.

He was made a partner in 2006, and undertook an important role in the merger of two firms to form VHS Fletchers. Thereafter, he has been instrumental in developing the Derby and Mansfield areas of our successful practice.

Tim has a key role in practice development, as combined with his strong leadership qualities, he provides the best quality advice and assistance at the police station and is a much respected Magistrates’ and Youth Court advocate. His many years of experience have involved him representing clients being investigated or charged with all forms of matters from road traffic offences through to murder.

He is renowned for his straight talking pragmatic style, an approach highly valued by his clients. A personable and committed defence specialist, Tim is a Duty Solicitor.

Tim is a member of our Regulatory team and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him. He is able to provide a complete service to the clients he represents. His skills allow him to give comprehensive advice to professionals who find themselves subject to investigations by statutory bodies. He is one of a very small band of solicitors who is competent to advise individuals who are subject to both regulatory and criminal investigation/prosecution.

He has many years experience of undertaking advocacy before the Magistrates Court and is an expert litigator in healthcare cases before the Crown Court. Recently he played an integral part in successfully defending a client in a multi-handed bribery and fraud trial which lasted 7 weeks before the Crown Court.

Tim has developed the appropriate skills and knowledge to represent individuals and companies called as interested parties in Coroner’s enquiries. He is able to advise the client throughout the process including preparing statements and undertaking the advocacy at the full Inquest.

Over the years Tim has advised individuals facing investigations and proceedings before the General Pharmaceutical Council; not only has he prepared full responses to investigations, but he has also undertaken the advocacy and represented clients facing matters before both the Investigating Committee and Fitness to Practise Committee of the GPhC. Tim uses his experience and skills as a well-established criminal defence advocate to thoroughly prepare responses to emergency applications for Interim orders.

Tim brings together the various attributes required in the field of regulatory law. He is approachable, caring and will stand his client’s corner whilst giving rounded and detailed advice.

Positive feedback for Tim can now be found here.

Contact:

Nottingham Office:
111 Carrington Street,
Nottingham,
NG1 7FE

Tel: 0115 9599550

Email: tim.haines@vhsfletchers.co.uk

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Noteable Cases

R v C Murder. An elderly client with dementia killed his wife. The Crown Prosecution Service were ultimately persuaded that a finding of fact hearing rather than a trial was the most appropriate way for such a sensitive case to proceed. Ultimately the client received a hospital order.

R v R Excess Alcohol. The client was a schoolteacher who collided with a vehicle while on school grounds whilst significantly over the legal limit to drive. Following a guilty plea and the advancement of careful and sensitive mitigation the case resolved by way of a low tariff community order despite the presence of significant aggravating features.

R v H Criminal Behaviour Order. The client was an extremely vulnerable individual with longstanding mental health issues. The case involved a high level of care and compassion and resolved by way of a conditional discharge and a Criminal Behaviour Order in terms very much reduced from those originally being sought by the police.

R v W Abuse of Process. The client was accused of physically assaulting a 3 year old child as part of a long running neighbour dispute. Following lengthy submissions to the Crown and a successful abuse of process argument the Magistrates dismissed the charge.

R v M Joint Enterprise. The client was a youth jointly charged with a street robbery. Following a full evidential trial before a District Judge which included extensive legal argument on the issue of joint enterprise the client was acquitted whereas the co-accused separately represented was convicted.

R v J. Bad character evidence. Not guilty verdict for Mansfield client despite poor record for similar offending. Read more here.

R v S. Domestic violence. Not guilty verdict for Mansfield client alleged to have assaulted his partner. Read more here.

R v B. Drink driving. Prison sentence avoided for Mansfield driver four times over the limit. Read more here.

R v P. Drug driving. Not guilty verdict for Mansfield client said to be driving whilst under the influence of drugs. Read more here.

R v P. Drink Driving. Client sentenced to a community order following mitigation demonstrating a wish to change. Read more here.

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Declan Smith

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Hannah Spicer-Short

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Sarah Green

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Vicky Clarson

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Nikki Carlisle

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Asif Munir

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Siobhan McGuinness

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William Bennett

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Tim Haines

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