Sexual Offences Defence Barrister
Fight false allegations with formidable advocacy. Charlie excels in historic rape, multi-complainant trials, and digital evidence cases. Sensitive yet uncompromising defence that exposes weaknesses, protects reputations, and secures justice in the toughest circumstances.
Contact CharlieSexual offence allegations threaten everything: liberty, career, reputation, and family. You need a KC who understands the stakes and has the courtroom authority to fight for acquittal. Charlie Sherrard KC has been defending serious sexual offence cases for decades—including the UK’s first Female Genital Mutilation trial—with a reputation for tactical brilliance and unwavering client care.
Why Instruct Charlie Sherrard KC for Sexual Offence Defence?
Proven track record in the most serious cases
Charlie has defended numerous historic rape allegations, multi-complainant trials, and cases involving vulnerable witnesses. His experience spans every type of sexual offence allegation, from recent complaints to allegations dating back decades. He understands the unique pressures and complexities these cases present.
Formidable cross-examination
Legal 500 notes Charlie’s “engaging style of advocacy” and ability to “charm a jury and judges to great effect”. His cross-examination is described as “like missile strikes”—precise, devastating, and effective. He exposes inconsistencies, undermines weak evidence, and builds compelling reasonable doubt without alienating juries.
Sensitive yet strategic approach
Sexual offence cases require absolute discretion and empathy. Charlie adapts his approach to each client’s needs—whether vulnerable, demanding, or complex—building rapport and confidence while maintaining fierce advocacy in court. His manner reassures clients during the most challenging period of their lives.
Command of complex evidence
From digital forensics and social media evidence to expert psychiatric testimony, Charlie digests vast quantities of technical material quickly and presents it persuasively. Chambers UK describes him as “brilliant and clever with the command of the courtroom and a quick thinker on his feet, able to digest a lot of heavy evidence very quickly.”
Protecting reputations and livelihoods
Charlie understands that sexual allegation cases devastate careers, families, and mental health even before trial. He works tirelessly to secure acquittals, understanding that the consequences of conviction extend far beyond the sentence imposed.
Notable Sexual Offence Cases
- UK’s first FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) trial – groundbreaking case establishing legal precedents
- Multiple historic rape allegations – acquittals in cases involving allegations dating back decades
- Multi-complainant trials – successfully defending cases with similar fact evidence and multiple alleged victims
- Professional misconduct cases – teachers, doctors, and care workers cleared of sexual allegations
- Digital evidence cases – dismantling Crown cases based on social media, messaging apps, and computer forensics
- Vulnerable witness trials – cases involving intermediaries, special measures, and ABE interviews
Areas of Expertise
- Rape and serious sexual assault – consent issues, intoxication, forensic evidence, credibility challenges
- Historic sexual abuse allegations – memory reliability, disclosure delays, contamination of evidence
- Multi-complainant trials – similar fact evidence, jury directions, cross-admissibility applications
- Digital and cyber evidence – social media, messaging apps, computer forensics, device examination
- Vulnerable witness cases – intermediaries, special measures, achieving best evidence interviews
- Professional sexual misconduct – teachers, doctors, care workers, sports coaches facing allegations
- Child sexual offences – grooming, indecent images, positions of trust
- Familial abuse allegations – intrafamilial sexual abuse, coercion, controlling behavior
Recognition and Results
Band 1 Crime Silk – Chambers UK Bar Guide (13 consecutive years)
Leading Silk – Legal 500
Recorder of the Crown Court (appointed 2019)
Chambers UK 2025: “Charles is the go-to barrister for the most serious offences and complex cases. He is an extremely safe pair of hands, a leader in every way and a really class act.”
Legal 500 2025: “He has a very engaging style of advocacy and is able to charm a jury and judges to great effect.”
Legal 500 2025: “His advocacy style is easy for the jury to follow and direct. He is able to bring to life the sometimes drier aspects of a trial.”
The Charlie Sherrard KC Difference
When instructed on sexual offence allegations, you’re not just hiring technical expertise—you’re securing a KC who genuinely cares about the outcome, prepares meticulously, and fights relentlessly. Charlie’s sustained reputation stems from painstaking preparation, assiduous attention to detail, and sympathetic client care that builds trust and delivers results.
Whether facing recent allegations or historic complaints, single or multiple complainants, Charlie provides the strategic firepower and courtroom presence needed to secure the best possible outcome. His work ethic and personal attention to detail have resulted in continual recommendations from solicitors and clients who know that in sexual offence cases, the quality of your barrister determines the result.