Murder and Manslaughter

Valerie is frequently instructed to defend youths and those with mental health issues who are charged with murder and manslaughter. She has a profound understanding of the mental health problems faced by witnesses and defendants.

Her cases include ones where defendants have suffered from mental illness or various mental disorders including Asperger Syndrome, Alcohol Dependency Syndrome, Battered Woman Syndrome and psychosis.

She has many years’ experience of questioning mental health professionals on the most serious cases in the Crown Court and in First Tier Tribunal (Mental Health) proceedings.

She assisted in drafting the response to the Government’s consultation on unfitness to plead on behalf of the Criminal Bar Association and the Bar Council. She has also responded on behalf of the Criminal Bar Association and South Eastern Circuit to the Crown Prosecution Service and the Sentencing Council consultations involving mental health issues.