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

View our people

Find out about our services

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

View our people

Find out about our services

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

View our people

Find out about our services

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.

Section

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

View our people

Find out about our services

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

View our people

Find out about our services

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.

Nick Walsh

Nick has been qualified as a solicitor for nearly 30 years and has specialised in criminal law since qualification. He has been qualified as a Duty Solicitor for much of that time, and has held the solicitors’ Higher Court Qualification since 2006 which allows him to provide continuity or representation in the police station, Magistrates’ and Crown Courts.

As a result, Nick has a wealth of experience and as such is a well-respected and trusted solicitor, not only by his clients but also by his peers and other professional court users.

Nick is known for paying great attention to the detail of the case, coupled with an ability to identify the real and important issues in a case, whether it be for trial or mitigation following plea. This calm and structured approach furthers his aim to make what is often a very daunting experience as easy as possible by taking time to explain what is to happen in a simple and easy to understand way.

Nick is a partner and the departmental supervisor for Nottingham police station and Magistrates’ Court work. He is also a member of the Nottinghamshire Law Society Criminal Business Sub-Committee.

Recent cases and feedback for Nick can be found here and here.

Contact:

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

Tel: 0115 9599550
Email: nick.walsh@vhsfletchers.co.uk

View our people

Find out about our services

Noteable Cases

R v M Historic Appeal against Conviction. The client was convicted of a serious wounding of a police officer in the early ‘80’s. The appeal was allowed on the basis that the police conduct in obtaining confessions was, by modern standards, so poor that the confessions should not have been before the jury and therefore the conviction was unsafe.

R v L Sexual Assault. The client was a 13 year old boy of good character facing a charge of sexual assault on an 11 year old girl. The case involved cross-examination of two vulnerable witnesses via the video link, after which the client was acquitted.

R v B Potential Driving Disqualification. The client admitted 4 further speeding offences while already having 12 penalty points on his licence. It was successfully argued that the client would suffer exceptional hardship if the defendant was disqualified and the client kept his licence.

R v S Knife Point Robbery. Careful mitigation meant that an 18 year old of good character avoided what was apparently an inevitable custodial sentence by reference to the guidelines.

R v W Murder. The client faced an allegation of murder having thrown a metal pole at a neighbour during an argument. Thorough preparation, including liaising with the police and home office pathologist to recreate the level of force required to kill using a dead pig, persuaded the prosecution to accept a plea to manslaughter instead.

Laura Clarson

Laura first worked for VHS in 2006 during a placement year on her degree course. She began working full time as a Crown Court litigator in 2008 following graduation and then obtained her PSQ permitting her to represent any client facing any offence at the police station.

Laura has gained substantial experience over this period in all types of case. She builds a good rapport with clients and their families, particularly with younger clients. Anyone who meets her in relation to a case will know that she truly cares about the outcome and securing the best result for the client.

Laura passed her Legal Practice Course in the autumn of 2018 and completed her training in the summer of 2020. She qualified as a solicitor in August 2020 and as a Duty Solicitor later that year.

Her patience means that she is ideally suited to deal with those clients who may need extra care and attention, and all clients will be won over by her positive and optimistic approach to every case.

Contact:

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

Tel: 0115 9599550
Email: laura.clarson@vhsfletchers.co.uk

View our people

Find out about our services

Noteable Cases

R v F Public Disorder. Large scale public disorder between traveller families resulted in an 8 day trial. The client was acquitted despite forensic evidence on his footwear connecting him with the incident.

R v S Cannabis Production. Client accepted responsibility for a cannabis grow of over 150 plants with some cropped for onward distribution. A suspended sentence was imposed.

R v T and another. Both clients faced a serious allegation of aggravated burglary involving the taking of weapons into an occupied house and violence being inflicted on the occupants. Detailed preparation of the case allowed representations to be made to the Crown and no evidence was offered and the cases dismissed.

R v D Trafficking. A 15 year old was prosecuted for his role as a gardener for cannabis production. Careful enquiry demonstrated that the client was likely to have been illegally trafficked into this country for criminal purposes and as a result the prosecution accepted that it wasn’t in the public interest to pursue the case.

R v S Youth Defendant. A 15 year old defendant was before the Crown Court for allegations of kidnap, false imprisonment and assault of another youth. Case eventually compromised with a plea to false imprisonment and the case was sent back to the Youth Court for a non-custodial sentence.

R v N Rape. Detailed analysis of mobile phone material persuaded the prosecution that there was no realistic prospect of conviction and the case was dropped.

R v J. Conspiracy to Defraud. Nottingham client avoids immediate prison sentence for offending at Nottingham Crown Court. Read more here.

R v P. Historic sex allegations. Not guilty verdict for client at Derby Crown Court. Read more here.

R v M. Firearms Offences. Specialist counsel and expert witness instructed to secure not guilty verdicts before Wolverhampton Crown Court. Read more here.

Julia Haywood

Julia undertook her training with VHS solicitors, qualifying in 2000 and becoming a Duty Solicitor in 2001.

After building a reputation for diligent and methodical preparation in the police station and Magistrates’ Court, Julia has brought her attention to detail to bear on a significant number of serious, high profile cases, including some notable Very High Cost Cases. These include allegations of contract killings, international fraud and complex confiscation proceedings.

Julia is always in demand due to her sympathetic and understanding manner with her clients, who have sought her advice over the years and are always happy to recommend friends and associates to her.

Contact:

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

Tel: 0115 9599550
Email: Julia.haywood@vhsfletchers.co.uk

View our people

Find out about our services

Noteable Cases

R v R. and others. Murder. High profile executions style double murder of an elderly couple said to have been retribution following a shooting in Nottingham the previous year.

R v H. Confiscation proceedings. Proceeds of Crime application following another high profile trial. Crown initially seeking £15M in benefit, but matter eventually compromised with an agreed assets of £283K.

R v M. Drugs Conspiracy. Client was a sales rep for a pharmaceutical company who was charged as part of a global conspiracy to import fake Viagra. Investigations in Sweden, the Caribbean and the Far East had generated a substantial amount of evidence. Following careful analysis the Crown was persuaded to offer no evidence at the start of the trial.

R v K and others. Drugs Conspiracy. Client was part of a multi-handed case involving 12 members of the same family. Client’s ultimate sentence reflected constructive dialogue with the Crown as to a realistic basis of plea.

R v S and others. Drugs Conspiracy. Complex confiscation proceedings where matters were dealt with by agreement to the satisfaction of all clients.

R v D Domestic Assault. Client was arrested for wounding with intent after she stabbed her violent ex-partner with scissors. She was living in a refuge at the time with her young son due to his violence. The case involved extremely careful handling due to the client’s distress, and the risk that she might lose care of her child. The client was not charged having satisfied the police in interview that she was acting in self-defence.

Jon Hullis

Jon qualified as a solicitor in 1997 and was a Duty Solicitor from 1999. He is a Higher Courts Advocate who is qualified to represent his clients before the Crown Court and Court of Appeal.

As a result, Jon has substantial experience defending every type of criminal case, providing advice and representation in police stations, Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, and has appeared in several cases in the Court of Appeal and in the High Court.

In addition to his criminal defence cases, Jon has worked on Regulatory Law cases representing the Health and Safety Executive in prosecutions relating to breaches of all aspects of health and safety legislation throughout the country. He has represented the Health and Safety Executive at Coroner’s Inquests.

Jon represents healthcare professionals in matters of professional misconduct and Fitness to Practise proceedings. This includes advice on investigations by the professional regulators and representation at hearings for Interim and Final Fitness to Practice proceedings.

He also represents clients in cases relating to firearms law.

He has extensive experience of defending clients charged with driving offences, from speeding to causing death by dangerous driving. Jon has represented professional drivers and those whose livelihoods depend on having a driving licence. Jon is an expert in the technical defences in cases such as drink and drug driving, including post-driving consumption and spiked drinks. He regularly represents clients in putting forward evidence of “exceptional hardship” to avoid disqualification for having twelve or more penalty points. Jon has successfully made legal arguments for the court to use its discretion not to impose mandatory driving disqualifications on the basis of “Special Reasons” for cases involving drink/drug driving, dangerous driving of Large Goods Vehicles and drink driving on e-scooters.

Jon’s forensic approach to cases means that his skills have also been successfully brought to bear on the more technical kinds of proceedings before the Magistrates’ Court. He has considerable success in defending the more complex cases including prosecutions for Dangerous Dogs and applications for Criminal Behaviour Orders.

Jon has provided in-house training to businesses who operate fleets of vehicles, and given talks to motoring groups and clubs.

Contact:

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

Tel: 0115 9599550

Email: jon.hullis@vhsfletchers.co.uk

View our people

Find out about our services

Noteable Cases

Not guilty of failing to provide driver’s details. Business owner found not guilty of failing to provide driver’s details (section 172 Road Traffic Act 1988) after a single written demand from a police officer. Client gave evidence that he had returned the notice with the required information. Magistrates acquitted as they could not be sure that the reply had not been sent.

Representation of Estate Agent – 12 points but no driving ban. Busy and successful estate agent faced a penalty points ban for accumulating 12 penalty points within 3 years. Thorough preparation of evidence to successfully argue that no ban should be imposed due exceptional hardship based on the inevitable impact on the business and the consequent risk of staff redundancies.

Representation of nightclub Door Supervisor. Represented SIA-badged door supervisor charged with assaulting a customer who had been ejected from the nightclub. Video evidence showed that the doorman had not acted in self-defence and would have been convicted if he had a trial. Guilty plea entered and the case then turned on getting the best possible outcome for the client. Thankfully, the court agreed with the mitigation and character references and imposed a Conditional Discharge – the lowest sentence possible.

Possession of shotgun without certificate. Representation in the magistrates’ court of a young farmer whose shotgun certificate had been revoked. Due to an oversight, his change of address had not been notified, meaning the notification had been sent to his former address and he was unaware of the revocation and was therefore in possession of a shotgun without a certificate. Guilty plea and significant mitigation led to a small fine of £93 being imposed.

Representation of shotgun licence holder charged with transferring a shotgun to a non-licence holder and failing to notify the transfer. Successful representations to the prosecutor resulted in one charge being withdrawn. Powerful mitigation persuaded the Magistrates to impose a Conditional Discharge for the remaining offence.

Representation of a retired gunsmith following a police search warrant being executed at his home and the seizure of his collection of more than a hundred antique firearms. Represented at formal police interview under caution. Presentation of evidence and detailed expert submissions to the police led to the return of every seized firearm.

R v P. Court of Appeal. Appeal against sentence. Four year sentence reduced to two years on appeal.

R v W. Court of Appeal. Appeal against sentence. Sentence of 36 months for offence of unlawful wounding reduced to 28 months on appeal.

R v H. Court of Appeal. Appeal against sentence. Sentence of 4 years 8 months for drug trafficking reduced to 4 years on appeal.

R v E. Court of Appeal. Appeal against sentence. Successful appeal for offences of supplying Class A drugs. Sentence reduced from 3 years 4 months to 2 years 9 months.

R v J. Court of Appeal. Appeal against sentence. Successful appeal against prison sentence for historic sexual offence. Replaced with Community Order.

High Court Appeal by Case Stated. Appeal on a point of law against the conviction by Magistrates of client charged with domestic assault. Client was accused of a physical assault on his estranged wife. Following cross-examination of prosecution witnesses by Jon Hullis, Magistrates did not find the physical assault proved, but nevertheless went on to convict of a non-physical assault. Jon lodged an appeal and appeared at the High Court, resulting in the conviction being quashed.

Representation of e-scooter rider for “driving” with excess alcohol. Successful argument of Special Reasons with no driving ban imposed for a student who rode the council-hired e-scooter a short distance with no other vehicles around.

Representation of Large Goods Vehicle driver charged with dangerous driving after his vehicle overturned on an urban roundabout. Successful argument of Special Reasons with no driving ban imposed based on the unusual circumstances involving the operator not supplying appropriate load restraints and wrongly telling the driver that it was safe, with a threat of being sacked if he didn’t obey.

Successful representation of business owner to keep his driving licence. Representation of the owner of a chain of pharmacies who had accumulated 12 penalty points for speeding offences. Thorough preparation and gathering of evidence resulted in successful argument of “exceptional hardship” and the client being able to continue driving.

Speeding – Special Reasons found – No ban or points. Represented director of a security company who overtook an unmarked police car and was seen to drive at over 90 MPH in a 50 limit. Careful preparation of case and supporting evidence. Successful argument of Special Reasons as a result of client’s genuine fear for his safety from the occupants of another car after well documented threats to his life. Resulted in no ban, no penalty points, no fine and no prosecution costs.

VOSA Prosecution. Representing five clients who were HGV drivers accused of a conspiracy to falsify tachograph records resulting from alleged driving without tacho cards inserted.

Security Industry Authority prosecution. Clients were directors of a security company prosecuted by the SIA for using unlicensed security operatives.

Careless Driving. Client was a motorcyclist charged with careless driving after he was involved in a collision that left him with serious spinal injuries.

Dangerous Driving. Client was a type-1 diabetic driver charged with dangerous driving after he suffered a sudden hypoglycaemic episode while driving, resulting in numerous collisions on the M1 and adjoining roads and culminating in a serious collision with a building. A report was commissioned from the country’s leading expert on ‘hypoglycaemia unawareness’ resulting in the Crown Prosecution Service offering no evidence and the charge being dismissed.

Causing Death by Dangerous Driving. Client was a farmer investigated after a motorcyclist died following a collision with his vehicle as he made a right turn. Representation at investigation stage resulted in no charges being brought.

Represented off-duty police officer accused of using Disorderly Behaviour towards police officers. Trial involved cross-examination of police prosecution witnesses and detailed presentation of CCTV evidence that proved the client’s innocence. Client acquitted.

Representation of driver charged with causing the death of a motorcyclist by dangerous driving and whilst uninsured. Also, representation of her husband for permitting her to drive whilst uninsured.

Jim Buckley

Jim joined VHS Fletchers in 2001 having qualified as a solicitor in 1991. After gaining years of experience dealing with clients from the police station through to the conclusion of Crown Court cases, he now specialises in representing clients across the country in the police station and the Magistrates’ Court.

Since joining the firm, Jim has worked on a number of serious criminal cases which, of note, involve murder, manslaughter, rapes and serious sexual assaults.

Jim has concentrated his time predominantly on appearing on a daily basis in the Magistrates’ Court.

His substantial experience allows him to boast of an excellent reputation as an intelligent advocate, securing an impressive acquittal rate at trial as well as notable results when dealing with sentences and bail applications, which no doubt influences clients when they return to him for advice and representation or recommend him to friends and associates. A particular specialism is the forensic analysis of the legality of police behaviour in any given case, analysing whether there are opportunities to exclude evidence secured by unlawful means.

Jim is an expert on offences relating to football matches. He has considerable success in representing clients charged with offences alleged before, during or after matches. He is experienced in defending applications for Football Banning Orders.

He also has a reputation for being able to represent clients who can be considered challenging and with clients with mental health difficulties.

Jim is a Duty Solicitor and has held the Higher Rights Qualification permitting him to provide representation to his clients before the Crown Court.

Contact:

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

Tel: 0115 9599550
Email: jim.buckley@vhsfletchers.co.uk

View our people

Find out about our services

Noteable Cases

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 murder of his partner and whose first court appearance was therefore on a murder charge.

R v T. Successful Defence in Football Law case. Our client was charged with a public order offence for allegedly shouting a homophobic insult at a Nottingham Forest player. Successful representation at trial led to acquittal after expert cross-examination of police officer witnesses.

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

Nikki Carlisle

Contact:

Archives

Asif Munir

Contact:

Archives

Tim Haines

Contact:

Archives

Rob Lowe

Contact:

Archives

David Gittins

Contact:

Archives

Nick Walsh

Contact:

Archives

Laura Clarson

Contact:

Archives

Julia Haywood

Contact:

Archives

Jon Hullis

Contact:

Archives

Jim Buckley

Contact:

menu