Unlawful Killing Defence Barrister

When life and liberty hang in the balance, you need more than legal expertise—you need a KC with proven authority in the UK’s most serious criminal trials. Charlie Sherrard KC has defended murder and manslaughter cases for decades, earning recognition as a Band 1 Crime Silk for 13 consecutive years and a reputation as “the go-to barrister for the most serious offences and complex cases.”

Why Instruct Charlie Sherrard KC for Homicide Defence?

Commanding presence in high-stakes trials
Charlie has led the defence in some of the UK’s most notorious murder cases, including the Bournemouth Beach double murder, “Murder on the Dancefloor” (the killing of Cody Fisher at Birmingham nightclub), the random fatal stabbing of Jodie Chesney, and the murder at HMP Pentonville. His courtroom command and tactical brilliance deliver results when stakes are highest.

Cross-examination described as “like missile strikes”
Chambers UK notes Charlie’s ability to switch from “fierce, aggressive cross-examination to incredibly sensitive” advocacy. His questioning exposes flaws in prosecution evidence, challenges forensic experts, and builds reasonable doubt with surgical precision.

Proven track record securing acquittals
Charlie has secured not-guilty verdicts in gang-related murders, joint enterprise stabbings, prison killings, and domestic homicide allegations. His success stems from painstaking preparation, assiduous attention to detail, and an eye for the weakness in the Crown’s case that others miss.

Strategic mastery of complex evidence
From pathology and forensic science to psychiatric defences and cell-site analysis, Charlie digests vast quantities of technical material quickly. Legal 500 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.”

Client care under extreme pressure
Murder trials are life-changing for defendants and families. Charlie’s adaptable, personable manner builds trust with clients across all backgrounds—whether vulnerable, young, or demanding. His calm, reassuring approach generates confidence backed by results.

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Notable Murder & Manslaughter Cases

• R v NS (Winchester Crown Court, 2024) – Bournemouth Beach case: defended 20-year-old accused of double murder and attempted murder following fatal stabbings on packed beach
• R v KC (Birmingham Crown Court, 2024) – “Murder on the Dancefloor”: lead defendant in killing of Cody Fisher at nightclub
• R v NY (Coventry Crown Court, 2024) – horrific child cruelty case involving family living in shipping container
• Jodie Chesney murder trial – random fatal stabbing in East London park
• HMP Pentonville murder – prison gang-related killing
• Multiple joint enterprise cases – acquittals in multi-handed stabbing trials
• Youth knife crime murders – series of cases involving zombie knives that led to “Ronan’s Law” legislation

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Areas of Expertise

• Murder – premeditated killing, joint enterprise, gang violence, domestic homicide
• Manslaughter – loss of control, diminished responsibility, gross negligence, unlawful act
• Infanticide – complex psychiatric defences involving mothers
• Corporate manslaughter – health and safety failures resulting in death
• Forensic challenges – pathology, DNA, blood spatter, cell-site, digital evidence
• Psychiatric defences – diminished responsibility, abnormality of mental functioning
• Joint enterprise – secondary liability, withdrawal from common purpose

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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)
Mental Health Restricted Patients Tribunal member

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: “Charlie is brilliant and clever. He has the command of the courtroom and is a quick thinker on his feet, able to digest a lot of heavy evidence very quickly. His advocacy style is easy for the jury to follow and direct.”

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The Difference in a Murder Trial

In homicide cases, preparation and attention to detail separate acquittal from conviction. Charlie’s sustained reputation is built on meticulous case analysis, strategic cross-examination, and persuasive jury advocacy. His work ethic and personal attention have resulted in continual recommendations by word of mouth from solicitors, clients, and professional contacts who know that when life is on the line, Charlie Sherrard KC delivers.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Murder & Manslaughter Defence

What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?

Murder requires proof of intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. Manslaughter can be voluntary (where a partial defence like loss of control or diminished responsibility reduces murder to manslaughter) or involuntary (unlawful act manslaughter or gross negligence manslaughter). The distinction is crucial as murder carries a mandatory life sentence while manslaughter sentencing is at the judge’s discretion.

What is joint enterprise and how can it be defended?

Joint enterprise (now called secondary liability) means being convicted of murder even if you didn’t strike the fatal blow, if you participated in a joint attack foreseeing that serious violence might occur. Defence strategies include proving withdrawal before the fatal act, lack of foresight of weapons or violence, or that you were merely present without participating.

Can I be convicted of murder if I didn't intend to kill?

Yes. Murder requires intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. If you intended serious harm (e.g., stabbing someone in the body) but didn’t specifically intend death, you can still be convicted of murder if death results. This makes expert defence crucial to explore partial defences and challenge the prosecution’s case on intent.

What are partial defences to murder?

Partial defences reduce murder to manslaughter: loss of control (provocation), diminished responsibility (abnormality of mental functioning substantially impairing ability), and suicide pact. These require expert psychiatric and psychological evidence and careful presentation to the jury.

How important is forensic evidence in murder trials?

Critical. Pathology, DNA, blood spatter, cell-site analysis, CCTV, and digital forensics often form the backbone of the Crown’s case. Charlie has extensive experience challenging forensic experts, exposing flaws in methodology, and presenting alternative interpretations that create reasonable doubt.

What happens at a murder trial?

Murder trials typically last 2-6 weeks at Crown Court. They involve jury selection, opening speeches, prosecution evidence (witnesses, forensics, experts), defence case, closing speeches, judge’s summing up, and jury deliberation. The standard of proof is “beyond reasonable doubt” and verdicts must be unanimous (or 10-2 after extended deliberation).

Should I give evidence in my own defence?

This is a critical tactical decision made with your barrister. Giving evidence allows you to tell your story but exposes you to cross-examination. Not giving evidence means the jury may draw adverse inferences. Charlie advises clients carefully on this decision based on the strength of the Crown’s case, your account, and likely jury perceptions.

What sentence will I face if convicted of murder?

Murder carries a mandatory life sentence. The judge sets a minimum term (tariff) before you can apply for parole, based on starting points: 15 years (standard), 25 years (knife/weapon taken to scene), 30 years (particularly serious), whole life (most serious). Manslaughter sentencing varies widely based on culpability and harm.