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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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.

Rob Lowe

Rob has been representing clients at the police station for the last 13 years. Born and bred in Chesterfield, he works from our Marsden Street office, having spent half his life working at that site.

He has experience of dealing with the full range of offences from minor thefts to complex frauds and murder, with all other offences in between. In terms of clients, he has represented serving police officers, company directors, animal rights action groups and serving forces personnel. Rob will go into any case, whether at 3am or 3pm, wanting to do the very best for the client.

Rob will provide representation nationwide and has done so, travelling to London, Wrexham, Skegness, Blackpool, Windermere and Lancaster police stations.

Clients get on well with Rob as he has an easy going nature, which also allows him to have an excellent working relationship with the investigating officers from which the client benefits. He is no afraid to do battle with the police when circumstances require.

Rob tries to be different from other police station representatives, and exudes a calm which puts a suspect at ease. He gives very clear advice that is always appropriate to particular circumstances, and can provide advice in a way that any client can understand.

An example of how Rob will approach a case can be found here and he is mentioned in client feedback here. Examples of Rob’s working week providing police station advice can be found here and here.

Contact:

Chesterfield Office:
5 Beetwell Street
Chesterfield,
S40 1SH

Tel: 01246 387999
Email: rob.lowe@vhsfletchers.co.uk

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Noteable Cases

W. Theft. Leader of animal rights organisation accused of misappropriating funds belonging to the organisation. Case required detailed analysis of the evidence at the investigation stage coupled with very lengthy interviews. The client was eventually refused charge.

P. Indecent Images. School teacher found with a large number of indecent images of children on his computer. A great deal of care and attention was needed, as the client was very vulnerable once the reality of his situation hit home.

A. Murder. Client accused of being involved in a joint enterprise killing of a member of the travelling community.

M. Attempted murder. Serving prisoner accused of attempting to murder a prison officer by wrapping a ligature around his neck.

J. Road Traffic Fatality. Young man involved in a road traffic collision for which he was at fault resulting in the death of his brother. The case involved a great deal of client care and attention, particularly in liaising with distraught family members.

D. Impersonating a Police Officer. High profile client accused of impersonating a police officer by wearing clothing that wrongly led members of the public to believe he was a police officer. Other lawyers and the police felt that the client should accept a caution but the client had a defence. In the event the client was refused charge.

R v B. Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm. Police station advice provided the starting point for a successful argument for a suspended sentence for this Chesterfield client. Read more here.

R v J. Police Interview. Police station advice given to this Chesterfield client even when the police investigation moved to Skegness police station. Read more here.

David Gittins

Partner and criminal defence solicitor David Gittins is a perfect example of this firm’s wish to recruit with a view to training the Solicitors and Partners of the future. After an initial period as a paralegal, David undertook his training as a solicitor with Fletchers solicitors before qualifying as a solicitor in 2008 following the creation of VHS Fletchers Solicitors.

David has always specialised in criminal law, becoming a duty solicitor shortly after qualification and in more recent years has had responsibility for training a number of trainee solicitors within the firm, all of whom are flourishing in their roles as Criminal Defence Solicitors.

David has partnership responsibility for managing our Chesterfield office and wider involvement in the managing of the firm, notably across Derbyshire. His organisational skills mean that he can divide his time effectively between his management role and providing representation for his clients at the Police Station, Magistrates’ and Crown Courts.

Our clients will know that David is diligent, efficient, and hard-working. Often, he will spend time outside office hours to get work completed to ensure clients cases are fully prepared for the next hearing. David has embraced the introduction of digital and remote working. As a result, he can respond to clients quickly wherever he is in order to answer questions, deal with concerns and put clients at ease.

Once a client has met David, they will value the fact that he is straight talking and approachable, whether they meet him in a formal setting such as in the Police Station, in Court, or in Chesterfield town centre simply passing the time of day.

David will explain any case without the need to use complex legal terms. This ensures that clients fully understand all aspects of their case and feel comfortable in the often unusual environment in which they find themselves.

David’s strengths as a lawyer include examining each case on its own merits. He will make sure that there is evidence to prove each aspect of a case rather than taking the police or prosecution word for it. He will identify and focus on the true issues in any case, rather than becoming distracted by issues that cannot influence the outcome. His advocacy also invites any tribunal to identify with his client, meaning that each case is about his clients’ unique set of circumstances, whether that is a defence, the often complex reasons for committing a crime, or their family or other relevant situation. Each case becomes more than a simple application of any relevant guideline.

Contact:

Chesterfield Office:
5 Beetwell
Chesterfield,
S40 1SH

Tel: 01246 387999
Email: david.gittins@vhsfletchers.co.uk

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Noteable Cases

R v C Public Order Offence. Magistrates’ Court prosecution arising from the national unrest during the summer of 2012. Despite allegations by police witnesses that the client was involved, he was acquitted.

R v D Manslaughter. Dealt with the preliminary stages of the case at the police station and the Magistrates’ Court. Bail was granted despite opposition from the prosecution, notwithstanding the fact the client had left the country between the incident and arrest.

R v K International Drug Conspiracy. Dealt with the investigation stage of a multi-handed drug conspiracy involving the importation of drugs into the UK through Columbia, Costa Rica, Belgium and Holland. The clients were interviewed in various police stations and prison locations during the complex investigation.

R v N Assault. The client was a long term prisoner who on the day he was due to move prisons was accused of assaulting an officer in his cell. The majority of the incident was witnessed by another prison officer, and both officers gave evidence at trial. The client was acquitted.

R v S Road Traffic Sentence. The client had 208 offences on his record including 58 instances of disqualified driving. For this most recent offence of disqualified driving he received a community order.

R v S Robbery Flawed Facebook identification exposed in this Youth Court trial leading to not guilty verdict. Read more here.

R v J Grievous Bodily Harm. Suspended sentence order in the Magistrates’ Court for GBH allegation. Read more here.

R v P Suspended Sentence Order Court persuaded to allow a further chance despite offending during the currency of a suspended sentence order. Read more here.

R v D No Case to Answer Careful preparation of trial and limited questioning allows successful submission of no case to answer. 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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Tim Haines

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Rob Lowe

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David Gittins

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