Robert Spencer Bernard

Practice Profile

I have appeared regularly in the Crown Court since its establishment both prosecuting and defending. I have defended as Leading Junior in murder and fraud cases. I have prosecuted numerous murders as a junior to Silk and attempted murder as a junior.

I have prosecuted on behalf of the Serious Crime Squad in very substantial drugs cases including one that involved being subject to security vetting so that I could advise on disclosure. I have prosecuted and defended in serious sexual cases (rape, buggery, incest and child pornography). It follows that I have considerable experience in Special Measures (in all its forms) and the use of intermediaries. I have prosecuted and defended in cases of very serious violence, kidnapping, false imprisonment, child cruelty etc.

As a Recorder I have also tried indecency cases involving children, using the video link, as well as such offences as Causing Death by Dangerous Driving and Securicor robbery.

I have appeared frequently in the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, in appeals against conviction as well as against sentence, again acting for both the Respondent and Appellants, including R.v. Allsop & Ors. an authority on RIPA.

I have appeared in the Divisional Court in firearms appeals. I have been instructed regularly by the Solicitor for the Metropolitan Police and by The Chief Constable of Humberside in firearms matters. On the recommendation of the Metropolitan Police I supervised a revision of practice for Humberside Constabulary. Advices I have written have been put before ACPO.

Professional Courses

• JSB Human Rights
• Bar Human Rights
• JSB Criminal Refresher Courses
• JSB Continuing Papers
• CBA - Excellence in Advocacy (2008)
  

Professional Memberships

• Inner Temple
• Criminal Bar Association
• Midland Circuit.