Robert Spencer-Bernard

Practice Profile:

November 1969: called to the Bar by the Inner Temple. Pupillages at 13 King’s Bench Walk (Lawrence Libbert, later Q.C.) and Francis Taylor Building (E. Monier-Williams) September 1970: invited to accept tenancy by Sir Edward Gardner, Q.C., M.P. at Francis Taylor Building, Temple. Joined the South-Eastern Circuit April 1984: moved to chambers at 4 King’s Bench Walk (Bruce Laughland Q.C.) and joined the Midland & Oxford Circuit August 1988: authorized to sit as Assistant Recorder, Midland & Oxford Circuit August 1992: appointed Recorder, Crown Court

Robert has appeared regularly in the Crown Court since its establishment both prosecuting and defending. He has prosecuted numerous murders as a junior to Silk. He has defended as Leading Junior in murder, attempted murder and fraud cases.  Robert is at home in multi-handed trials. He has prosecuted on behalf of the Serious Crime Squad in very substantial drugs cases including one that involved being subject to security vetting so that he could advise on disclosure. Robert has prosecuted and defended in serious sexual cases (rape, sexual assaults, offences against children and indecent images). It follows that he has considerable experience in Special Measures (in all its forms) and the use of intermediaries. Robert has prosecuted and defended in cases of very serious violence, kidnapping, false imprisonment, child cruelty etc.  He has appeared frequently in the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, in appeals against conviction as well as against sentence, acting for both the Respondent and Appellants, including R.v. Allsop & Ors. an authority on RIPA. He has appeared in the Divisional Court in firearms appeals. When still practising on the South-Eastern Circuit Robert was 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 Robert supervised a revision of practice for Humberside Constabulary. Advices he has written have been put before ACPO.

As a Recorder Robert has tried serious cases involving indecency with children as well as such offences as frauds, causing death by dangerous driving and Securicor robbery.

Education & Qualifications:

1969          Called to the Bar.

1986          Appointed Assistant Recorder of the Crown Court.

1992          Appointed Recorder of the Crown Court.

2000          Appointed Recorder of the County Court.

Professional Courses:

JSB Human Rights

Bar Human Rights

JSB Criminal Refresher Courses

JSB Continuing Papers

CBA – Excellence in Advocacy (2008)

Judicial College criminal law seminars

Professional Memberships:

Inner Temple

Criminal Bar Association

Midland Circuit