Crime
Jodie specialises in crime. She has broad range of experience in both prosecution and defence work. Jodie's attention to detail and her meticulous approach to preparation are the key to her busy criminal practice.
She deals with all forms of general CPS prosecution matters and has been led on two major conspiracy cases (involving animal rights activism and bogus building contractors) as well as dealing with jury trials in her own name. Jodie has been instructed in Crown Court trials involving matters of dishonesty, harrassment, driving offences, public order matters, offences of violence and offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Jodie is also regularly instructed on behalf of Local Authorities in a wide range of cases including Benefit Frauds which she also prosecutes for the Department of Work and Pensions. The overpayments involved in these matters have been substantial (up to around £100 000). Often Jodie is instructed to advise at the outset of the case and to maintain an advisory role throughout the court process as well as appearing at the hearings. The nature of the allegations vary from cases involving living together (where there are often evidential difficulties) to those involving excess capital (when there might be a significant number of financial documents to absorb and interpret).
She has particular experience in conducting work on behalf of Revenue and Customs Prosecution Office, the National Probation Service, Youth Offending Team and the Department of Health and Education Welfare.
Jodie undertakes all aspects of defence work representing adults and youths in all courts.
She has also been instructed on a number of occasions to deal with PII applications in the context of criminal proceedings. In particular these instructions have involved the consideration of sensitive social service documents in the context of serious sexual allegations and require a careful and considered approach to the issues arising.
Confiscation
Jodie has been instructed to deal with confiscation proceedings on behalf of prosecuting authorities and when defending. She attends regularly at the POCA Forum which has been running in Chambers since 2006 and which attracts the attendance of local professionals and investigators in this field. Jodie has been able to benefit from the considerable experience of other colleagues in Chambers and has used these forums to keep herself appraised of the latest developments affecting practitioners in this area.
Regulatory
Jodie has a specialist interest in trading standards and regulatory offences. She is acquiring considerable experience of the installation and maintenance of due diligence systems by travelling across the country and representing a number of large retail companies.
In addition, Jodie has been instructed on behalf of Local Authorities and the Environment Agency in respect of environmental matters.
Prison
Jodie has started to develop her practice in prison law and has made applications for release on behalf of prisoners serving life sentences before the Parole Board. She has also appeared in respect of prisoners who have been recalled to prison foloowing release. Further, Jodie has appeared at adjudication hearings. This is an area which she has a particular interest in and is keen to develop it further and is willing to travel to prisons across the country in order to do so.
Courts Martial
She has also has experience in Courts Martial matters representing soldiers in a number of serious allegations including desertion. This is an area which Jodie would like to develop further and she is willing to travel in order to gain more experience in this field.
Police Work
Jodie has been instructed to represent the police in respect of a number of areas including applications for Sexual Offences Prevention Orders, the Detention of Seized Cash. Forfeiture proceedings, Crack House closures and PII applications.
Notable Cases
R v Avery : conspiracy to blackmail - Jodie was the second led junior for the prosecution involving a three month trial at Winchester Crown Court. Seven animal rights activists were convicted for their involvement in a six year campaign by the organisation SHAC against companies linked to Huntingdon Life Sciences. Jodie continues to be instructed in respect of a further seven defendants who await trial.
R v Smith & Others : Jodie is currently instructed as junior for the prosecution in a seven handed prosecution involving allegations of defrauding elderly homeowners in respect of bogus building works.