Chaynee Hodgetts FRSA

Profile

A criminal defence and inquest practitioner, with a reputation for looking at cases differently, and her focus on each client as an individual. Chaynee’s further sub-specialisms include forensic science, maritime criminal law, maritime inquests, Higher Education inquests, and medical and mental health inquests. She currently accepts instructions nationally, with a focus on London and North Wales.

Chaynee is an Honorary Lecturer in Emergency Medical Law at QMUL and the Blizard Institute – and has been involved with providing legal teaching on their MSc Emergency & Resuscitation Medicine since 2019.

Chaynee is also Honorary Lecturer in Criminal Law (Department of Law), and Honorary Lecturer in Medicine: Medical Law (Department of Medicine) at Bangor University. She is also the new Subject Lead for Values, Law and Ethics (Head of Medical Law) at Chester University Medical School.

Chaynee provides lectures in Criminal Law, Medical Law, and Emergency Medical Law for medical students and experienced doctors, at Bangor University and QMUL. She also assists in annual Admissions interviews for the North Wales Medical School’s MBBCh Medical Degree, interviewing applicants to the Medical School.

She was the second contributor to the 5th edition of the leading national Undergraduate textbook in Criminal Law – Smith, Hogan and Ormerod’s Essentials of Criminal Law – assisting the principal author, Professor David Ormerod CBE KC.

Prior to practice, Chaynee spent over a decade as a University Law Lecturer and academic, teaching Criminal Law, Evidence, and Media Law, working as Head of Admissions for Law (Law Admissions Tutor), and as Director of an Innocence Casework Unit.

As a member of Middle Temple since 2012, she was Called to the Bar in 2019, and qualified as a Pupil Supervisor with Middle Temple in 2024.

She is Direct Access qualified, and able to accept instructions to act in suitable direct and public access cases.

She is the Adviser (Lay Non-Medic) in Teaching & Learning and Examinations for the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath), Full Member of the Medico-Legal Society (MLS) and Full Member of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences (BAFS).

She is also a member of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), the Inquest Lawyers’ Group (ILG), the Female Fraud Forum, the Honourable Society of Middle Temple, the Society of Legal Scholars (SLS), Women In Criminal Law (WICL), the Peer Review Panel of the International Journal of Emergency Services (IJES), and a Fast-Track Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).

Chaynee is reading for her PhD by Published Works, an analysis of criminal law and regulatory frameworks in maritime and medical investigation and education. She is also studying with Lloyds’ Maritime Academy for a Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Accident Investigation.

Before lecturing, she was a Deck Rating in the Merchant Navy, and, as a member of the Cruising Association, Young Cruisers’ Association, Royal Burnham Yacht Club, Royal Anglesey Yacht Club, and Bar Yacht Club, she maintains a keen interest in getting afloat whenever possible. Her seagoing qualifications and experience also provides useful insight in trials or inquests in maritime cases. She is also a Coastguard Rescue Officer (CRO), attending and assisting at 999 calls, emergencies, and Search and Rescue (SAR) on the coast of Anglesey.

Chaynee also has a keen interest in pre-hospital care and pre-hospital emergency medicine. In addition to her legal work in this area, she successfully completed the British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS) Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) Course, and is now an Associate Instructor on the PHEC. She is also a First Responder with GoodSAM for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Again, her qualifications and experience in pre-hospital care also provide valuable additional insight in trials or inquests of a medical nature.

Expertise

Criminal Defence

Fraud, drugs, conspiracy, organised crime, business crime and POCA:

R v YD & Others (2024-2025) – Operation Ravenclaw: Junior alone on this 13-handed conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin), with allegations of Organised Crime Group (OCG) County Lines activity, and a defence involving a potential s.45 defence and challenges to complex telephone evidence (Cell Site and attribution evidence).

R v MH & Others (2025) – Operation Monoxide Kilo: Junior alone on this 9-handed violent disorder, involving a group of young men in Sheffield City Centre in 2022, and captured on CCTV. Ms Hodgetts secured the Crown Prosecution Service’s offer of no evidence against her Client, at the start of trial, through two days of legal argument. After considering Ms Hodgetts’ written s.78 application to exclude all identification evidence, based on the failure to properly differentiate between her Client and a doppelgänger (amplified by the disclosure failings identified when an unserved, missing, 2022 statement was found to exist, in 2025, at court), the Prosecution offered no evidence – before HHJ had even ruled on the application.

After taking on the case close to the trial date, Ms Hodgetts found a Police Digital Media Investigator’s (DMI) statement contained a link to a Facebook photo which looked remarkably like the Client (but who was not him). This individual, a doppelgänger for the Client’s Custody photograph, was identified as being “Male 4” by this Officer. The doppelgänger’s name had also arisen in some of the phone evidence, but the Officer who found the Facebook image was apparently unaware of this. There was no other evidence at all referring to a “Male 4” – but nor was there any statement actually identifying the Client. HHJ directed the Crown take urgent steps overnight to look into how the Client had even come to be involved in the investigation and trial in the first place.

At court, the Crown produced a statement from the former OIC, made in 2022. It had never been served at all, in error, stating that she had requested analysis of social media to try to identify 4 male suspects (of which “Male 4” was one). The DMI had identified the doppelgänger on the Facebook link. Despite this, when the former OIC accidentally received personal details of Ms Hodgetts’ Client due to a systems error, she sought a copy of his ID card, before deciding she was certain he was “Male 4”– disregarding the other Officer’s identification of the doppelgänger. After contact with a Reviewing Lawyer, the Crown received written confirmation of a decision to offer no evidence (which was communicated to the Defence). However, as parties assembled in court to formalise this, a Police Officer entered, with the news that the former OIC (now a gardener in the USA) had been contacted by telephone, and could assist the Prosecution. Ms Hodgetts made representations that the decision to offer no evidence was irreversible. After further legal argument, the Crown offered no evidence. A Not Guilty verdict was entered, with a Defence Costs Order. The trial against Co-Defendants, including Ms Hodgetts’ Client’s brother, continued.

R v PS & Others (2022/24) – Operation Destin: Defence Junior on this complex multi-handed £27m fraud trial involving timeshare and travel businesses. Led by Gerard Hillman KC, Ms Hodgetts represented a Senior Client Adviser (SCA) who was employed in the selling of “Monster Credits” when he worked for Sell My Timeshare and Monster Travel, run by D1. This trial had a time estimate of 3 months, but ran for over a year, with millions of Exhibits and Unused Evidence to review. Reporting restrictions prevent any further commentary on this trial until further notice.

R v IA & Others (2023/24) – Operation Vansfare: Defence Junior on these complex multi-handed charges, where 8 Defendants faced charges of human trafficking of sex workers, conspiracy to control prostitution for gain, and money laundering of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Ms Hodgetts represented D1 in Trial 1, who only became D3 after two Co-Defendants were extradited.

The case concerned an established escort agency in London (run by a related Co-Defendant and former sex worker). Operation Vansfare (the Metropolitan Police investigation) involved Undercover Officers (UCOs), and hundreds of thousands of pages of telephone and financial evidence.

As part of a detailed legal argument on the interpretation of “control” in a sex work context, the Crown argued that it was made out by the agency allocating work (for the payment of a commission on bookings), a minimum hourly rate of pay, provision of a driver / personal guard for sex workers, and a recommended smart dress code for call-outs. Sex workers with the agency had full and free choice as to whether or not to see a client, what services were performed, and whether to leave a booking at any time. The Crown acknowledged there was no evidence of violence, force, threats, or coercion, and abandoned the human trafficking charges (potentially attracting life imprisonment) prior to jury empanelment, with the jury returning acquittals on all remaining counts at trial.

This case had 3 trials. The first trial (2022) was abandoned due to inadequate Prosecution disclosure. The first retrial (2024) had the jury discharged after a third party inadvertently adduced inadmissible material. In the second retrial, or third trial (2025), the jury acquitted on all counts at trial.

EA v JF (2023) – Defence Counsel (Junior alone) for a Defendant facing environmental charges for waste haulage in a multi-million pound Environment Agency prosecution.

R v AA (2021) – Case discontinued in full, in all courts, on PWITS (cannabis), after the Client was detained and produced in the Magistrates’ Court in error on matters for which he was already due to be tried in the Crown Court. All matters discontinued.

R v JM & LM (2023) – Sentence: Represented two Defendants on charges of being concerned in the supply of Class B: cannabis (D1) and permitting the use of premises for the supply of a controlled drug of Class B: cannabis (D2).
Sentence for D1: SSO: 18 weeks suspended for 12 months (150h UPW and 15 x RAR).
Sentence for D2: Community Order: 12 months (EM curfew for 8 weeks and 15 x RAR).

R v AE (2023) – Sentence: Concerned in the supply of drugs (cannabis), possession (cannabis), and acquisition/use/possession of criminal property: HHJ stepped outside of the Sentencing Guidelines (custody or SSO indicated) to instead sentence: 12 month Community Order (150h UPW & 35 x RAR days).

R v HO (2022/23) – Operation Alaska: Case involving a Newton hearing and sentence in this case of online romance fraud, and subsequent extensive jurisdictional challenge to POCA on the statutory time limit in s.14 POCA 2002.

R v DD & Others (2022) – Defence Junior on this case of multi-handed acquisition/use/possession of criminal property charges. The case against our Client cracked when, at trial, the Prosecution offered no evidence and discontinued, before proceeding with the rest of the trial against others:


Misconduct in public office:

R v LY (2022) – Misconduct in public office (Prison Officer in relationship with a prisoner: Sentence: SSO: 12 months suspended for 18 months.

 

Malicious communications:

R v PS (2022) – Malicious communications (2 x angry calls to staff at an MP’s office): Sentence: SSO: 8 weeks suspended for 12 months (120h UPW and 30 x RAR days, and £100 compensation to each of the two calls’ recipients).

R v ABN (2022) – Malicious communications (3 x angry calls to ex-partner) and drunk & disorderly (in an airport): Sentence: For malicious communications: 12 month Community Order (200h UPW and 20 x RAR). For drunk & disorderly in the airport: Fine: £833.

 

Assaults and offences against the person:

R v QN (2025): Secured the Crown Prosecution Service’s offer of no evidence, before trial, against a prisoner accused of assaulting a Prison Officer. The incident, captured on CCTV, involved the Prison Officer alleging the Client had spat at him following a disagreement. The Client, a devout Christian, maintained that he was refused permission to leave his cell to attend Church for Sunday worship (and subsequently was not even allowed out to empty his bin). BWV of another Officer, initially marked as “Not Disclosable” on the basis of there being “no material of relevance” therein, confirmed that he had not been unlocked for Chapel. There then followed some discussion as to whether the Client, who is Autistic, should have been unlocked “for meds.” Later on, the Complainant Officer could be heard on the recording to make an inappropriate remark about the Client. This footage was incorrectly marked as “Not Disclosable” on the basis of “no material of relevance” therein – but the inappropriate comment was edited out from the version relied upon by the Crown. The Police Occurrence Report (from the Unused Material) included the observation that the CCTV was not conclusive and did not show any spitting. After reviewing the case, the Crown offered no evidence, resulting in a Not Guilty verdict.

R v CC (2024) – Controlling or coercive behaviour; Stalking involving serious alarm or distress; Theft (x 2); Criminal Damage; Intimidation: Prosecution offered no evidence on all charges upon considering the Defence’s written application to dismiss, before the application was even heard in court. The Prosecution did not pursue any application for a Restraining Order on acquittal (so none was imposed), and a Defence Costs Order was granted. This case involved representing a military veteran living with PTSD and mental health matters, who was being assisted by the Royal British Legion and other support services. (and the Complainant was in support of this outcome).

R v MA, HS, OH & MM (2023): Organised theft outside Harrods (acted for D1): Case discontinued against all four Defendants, 3 ¼ years on, the day before trial (and discontinued in absence against D1, despite breach of a Bench warrant not backed for bail, and absconding).

R v RT (2023) – Operation Plusdoor: Represented a young Defendant in this case of conspiracy to commit armed robberies on couriers.

R v FA (2021) – Not Guilty verdict at trial for alleged assault of an emergency worker: Offence not made out. Police actions were also found to be potentially unlawful.

R v PP (2021) – Assault(s) of SIA security guards and criminal damage: Acquittal.

R v NC (2021) – Assault on emergency worker and drunk and disorderly: Case discontinued at court by the Prosecution, part way through trial. Prosecution offered no evidence after Defence cross-examination of Police Officer showed the account was inconsistent with CCTV.

R v CC (2021) – ABH reduced to common assault at court by the Prosecution on day of trial, then Client acquitted of two such charges. Restraining Order successfully opposed.

R CWC (2022) – Assault by beating (x 2): Acquittal. Restraining Order on acquittal successfully opposed.

R v TZ (2022) – Assault by beating (in a complex set of circumstances): Acquittal.

R v A Youth (2022) – Assault with intent to rob: Case discontinued at court by the Prosecution by lunchtime on Day 1 of a 2-day trial.

R v SR (2022) – Use of threatening / abusive / insulting words / behaviour with intent to cause fear of / provoke unlawful violence (s.4(1) & (4) Public Order Act 1986) – against a Police Officer: Case discontinued at court after the Prosecution offered no evidence, following the service of an abuse of process application.

R v EC (2022/24) – Case of GBH with intent (s.18) and self-defence in the context of an NRM (a complex case, given the s.45 MSA 2015 defence is not available as a stand-alone defence to this offence).

 

Stalking & Harassment

R v CC (2024) – As above (including stalking involving serious alarm or distress): The Prosecution offered no evidence on all charges, upon considering the Defence’s written application to dismiss, before the application was even heard in court.

R v PD (2021) – Harassment: Case discontinued at court by the Prosecution.

R v MR (2021) – Stalking: Case dismissed by the court (No Case to Answer).

R v CGB (2021-22) – Harassment and criminal damage: Long-running case, with much support provided for the Client. The Prosecution eventually offered no evidence on the harassment charge, and it was discontinued. The criminal damage proceeded to trial, during which it cracked, with the Prosecution offering no evidence and discontinuing the case. The defence here was the provision of a blessing of thanks (“puja” or “pooja”) – in this case, the provision of some soup to a vehicle. The court apologised to the Client for the number of times he had to come to court before the case was discontinued.

 

Offensive Weapons

R v TD (2022) – Possession of an offensive weapon in a private place (“Zombie knife”): Case discontinued at court by the Prosecution, on the morning of trial.

R V NN (2022) – Possession of a bladed article in public place: Dismissed as an abuse of process, after D was able to eventually retrieve a long-lost NFA letter.

R v PL (2022) – Possession of a bladed article in a public place (“second strike”): Case dismissed at court (No Case to Answer) after it came to light that the BWV showed a sign saying “private property”. A charge of going equipped was discontinued at court by the Prosecution at a previous hearing (same counsel).

 

Driving Offences

R v CE (2023) – Dangerous driving: Case discontinued the day before trial of a defendant charged with allegations of dangerous driving after his 4 x 4 truck collided with a car, following a confrontation. Vacated the original trial listing, in order to prepare a refined version of the originally provided Defence Statement (taken on as a return), expanding upon the defence proposed (duress of circumstances and self-defence), and to seek more disclosure. This led to Prosecution disclosure of police BWV footage, which then led to a s.8 application for further disclosure, and the Prosecution serving a further dossier of disclosure and reviewing the case. This ultimately led to the case being discontinued by the Prosecution the day before the new, relisted, trial.

R v KM (2021) – Aiding, abetting, counselling and procuring a person disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence to drive a motor vehicle: Case discontinued by the Prosecution after First Appearance.

R v LM (2021) – Driving with BZE (cocaine) over specified limit: Withdrawn at court by the Prosecution, leaving sentence on driving while unfit through Δ-9-THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabis), and exceeding temporary speed restriction.

R v KBW (2021) – Driving with drugs in excess of the prescribed limit (Δ-9-THC – (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabis): Case discontinued at court by the Prosecution.

R v HK (2021) – Driving with excess alcohol, TWOC, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance: Case discontinued at court by the Prosecution on driving with excess alcohol (no plea entered until the Prosecution were able to produce EBM printout, and MGGD papers), and TDA/TWOC (taking vehicle without consent). Plea on the driving otherwise than in accordance with valid licence and driving with no insurance resulted in a fine and licence endorsement.

R v MB (2022) – Driving with alcohol above legal limit (77μg in 100ml breath): Sentence: Fine of £349. Disqualification: 12 months and 3 weeks (with drink drivers’ course).

R v KY (2022) – Driving with alcohol above legal limit (107μg in 100ml breath): Sentence: 12 month Community Order (120h UPW). Disqualification: 19.5 months (with drink drivers’ course).

R v IL (2023) – Driving without insurance and possession of Class A (Cocaine): Sentence: Fine of £120 for possession of Cocaine. No separate penalty for driving offence. Licence endorsed with 6 points (the minimum), avoided disqualification.

R v HJ (2023) – In charge of a motor vehicle with proportion of specified controlled drug above the specified limit (ketamine, 195 μg: legal limit 20 μg): Sentence: 12 month Community Order (10 x RAR days), and a 6 month disqualification.

 

Protest Law

Protest cases: instructed, primarily by Kellys Solicitors and ITN Solicitors (but accepting instructions from any relevant firms), representing protesters and campaigners, including Extinction Rebellion (XR), MBR Beagles, and Just Stop Oil (JSO).

R v Nicholas Onley (2024) – Secured suspended sentence for Just Stop Oil (JSO) M25 protester Nicholas Onley (known for his previous prominent protest activities), before HHJ Francis Sheridan DL, for public nuisance, following JSO M25 protests in November 2022, with protesters climbing gantries. This protest occurred in the JSO “M25 blockade” week in November 2022, which also led to R v Hallam (Roger), where JSO co-founder and the “Whole Truth Five” received up to 5 years’ immediate custody. Mr Onley received a 12 month Suspended Sentence Order (SSO), suspended for 24 months. HHJ Sheridan DL remarked: “Ms Hodgetts’ conduct in this case shows the Criminal Bar is still alive, even though it is broken.”

Media reports include: https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/just-stop-oil-metropolitan-police-m25-essex-police-cop27-b2223173.html

MBR Acres Limited v Free the MBR Beagles [2021] EWHC 2996 (QB) – High Court injunction challenge, representing protesters (assisting Mr James Nieto and Cohen Cramer Solicitors): https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MBR-Acres-Ltd-v-Free-the-MBR-Beagles-101121.pdf

R v MW (2022) – Assaulting an emergency worker (Police Officer) and s.4A Public Order (in activist context): Case cracked when the Prosecution offered no evidence and discontinued the case on the assaulting an emergency worker, remitted the Public Order offence back to the Magistrates’ Court, and then a few days before that trial, offered no evidence and discontinued the case in full.

R v EK (2022) – Representing a Defendant from the Norwich Livestock Market protests: https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/crime/20664316.women-stand-trial-anti-meat-protest-city-livestock-market/

R v GB & LA (2023) – Representing a Defendant from the M&S milk protests: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23272157.m-s-milk-incident-women-face-trial-criminal-damage/

R v AH & AL (2023) – Representing two Defendants from the Extinction Rebellion (XR) Barclays protests: https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/people/kettering-barclays-bank-graffitied-and-posters-stuck-to-windows-as-men-84-and-59-arrested-on-suspicion-of-criminal-damage-3917955

R v AG (2022) – Aggravated trespass: Representing an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protester charged with aggravated trespass at an Amazon warehouse: Conditional Discharge (12 months).

R v CI (2022) – Assault by beating (in activist context): Representing an activist charged with assaulting an emergency worker (Police Officer): Case cracked when the Prosecution offered no evidence and discontinued the case.

R v BM (2022) – Assault by beating (in activist context): Representing an MBR Beagles activist charged with assaulting an emergency worker (Police Officer): Case cracked when the Prosecution offered no evidence and discontinued the case.

R v TU (2023) – Assault by beating (in protest context): Sentence: Representing a fox hunt protester: Conditional discharge (12 months).

R v SP (2023) – Representing Riz Possnett, a prominent protestor for the Extinction Rebellion (XR) Tower Bridge protest.

Media coverage:
https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/extinction-rebellion-london-tower-bridge-b2053766.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-61029511

 

Abuse of Process & Procedural Challenges To Prosecution

Experienced in drafting and making applications to stay a case as an abuse of process in the Magistrates’ Court. Also experienced in successfully applying to vacate Guilty pleas in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court, and withdrawing consent to summary trial in the Magistrates’ Court.

 

Police Pursuits

Experienced in challenging cases of police pursuits and TPAC resulting in charges against pursued parties, including those involving “decamps” and collisions.

 

Fitness To Plead

Experienced in disentangling complex cases of fitness to plead, including retrospective challenges to fitness.

 

Changes To Defence Approach

Experienced in undertaking pre-trial reviews of the Defence case where there has been a change of representation, including drafting and serving updated or amended Defence Statements, refining the defence, seeking additional disclosure, pursuing undisclosed material further through s.8 CPIA 1996 applications, and, if needs be, seeking to “rewind” the case to Stage 2 afresh to provide better defence prospects.

 

Clinical Legal Education

Previous experience of CCRC work as a Director of a University Innocence Casework Unit, reviewing serious crime cases where a miscarriage of justice had been alleged. including murders and attempted murders, including the CCRC application for Jordan Cunliffe (with Mr Simon Natas FRSA of ITN Solicitors): https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/case-blind-15-year-old-16170951


Bail Breaches

Strong track record of successfully defending bail breach, and/or securing release on bail on the same conditions.

A range of Defence work is undertaken, representing adults and youths facing charges of sexual offences. Due to the sensitive nature of this area of practice for all parties affected, Ms Hodgetts does not list cases of this nature publicly. However, further details of her practice experience can be obtained from the Clerks if needed.

Some notable cases include:

R v CH: Case of rape allegations between two teenagers, adjourned upon Ms Hodgetts taking over the case immediately before trial, in order to seek detailed disclosure of previously undisclosed telephone evidence, which ran to thousands of pages. Following careful and considered cross-examination of youth and adult witnesses based on this disclosure, the Defendant was acquitted of all charges.

R v SA: Case of rape allegations between two teenagers, involving the careful cross-examination of a number of youth witnesses, in a very delicate and difficult case.

Numerous cases challenging charges of IIOC, indecent communications, and/or extreme adult pornography, where the Defendant denies that the images are theirs – with cases often requiring Cell Site Analysis of phones, expert analysis of phone contents, or other technical considerations to support the Defendant’s case.

Numerous cases involving assisting the court in achieving the most appropriate sentence in cases of a Guilty plea for possession of IIOC, indecent communications, and/or extreme adult pornography.

R v MB (2023) – Old Bailey case involving conspiracy to murder charges.

R v LD (2023) – Case involving murder charge involving an alleged collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian: https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/plymouth-businessman-luke-dann-speaks-8289549

R v Isaac Ramsey [2022] EWCA Crim 971 – Junior to Mr Leonard Smith KC, in the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) in a successful appeal against sentence (with the sentence on the second count of 8 years being reduced to 5 years – and the overall notional determinate

Re IWL (2017) – Inquest (voluntary mental health patient): Issues raised with the Health Authority on A&E out-of-hours provision. Changes made to policy by the Health Authority on police officers’ access to psychiatric wards. Represented the family at inquest. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-38521798 and https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-police-criticised-inappropriate-12412889

Re MBJ (2017) – Inquest (voluntary mental health patient): Changes made to policy by the Health Authority on A&E out-of-hours provision. Also examined police practices for searching for vulnerable adults. Represented the family at inquest.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/michael-bryn-jones-inquest-hears-13043531,
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/michael-bryn-jones-feared-somebody-13045416 and
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-39953806

Re SLB (2019): Application for a fresh inquest under Attorney-General’s Fiat (inquest then voluntarily granted by the Coroner): Secured inquest 25 years on, after the death was certified by a hospital, following errors in medical treatment (signs of Acute Tumour Lysis Syndrome (ALTS) missed, and Potassium administered when contraindicated). Represented the family at Pre-Inquest Hearing (PIH) and inquest.

Case received national press coverage:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-49082411

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9569326/blood-cancer-patient-mistook-anxiety/

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/timely-blood-tests-could-helped-16634533

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/parents-fight-answers-over-how-16619412

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/missed-opportunities-treatment-cancer-patient-16640668

Re MTF (2021) – Inquest into the death of a Cardiff University student, following the automatically generated issue of an inaccurate “degree fail” exam transcript.

Successfully applied for Cardiff University to give evidence at, and become party to, the inquest, and represented the family at Pre-Inquest Hearing (PIH) and inquest.

Resulted in a Regulation 28 Preventing Future Deaths report: https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Mared-Foulkes-Prevention-of-future-deaths-report-2021-0378_Published.pdf, and a statutory response from Cardiff University: https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-0378-Response-from-Cardiff-University_Published.pdf, followed by a public apology.

Case received international press coverage:

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/totally-bereft-22001995

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59080475

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/mared-foulkes-cardiff-university-inquest-21998345

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10142029/Student-fell-death-bridge-getting-email-WRONGLY-telling-failed-exams.html

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/devoted-student-21-killed-herself-25324708

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1513360/Student-dead-bridge-Cardiff-University-email-gaffe-blunder-exam-results

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/7919561/devoted-university-student-killed-herself-email-wrongly-failed-exams/

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/devoted-student-21-killed-herself-25324708

https://metro.co.uk/2021/10/28/student-21-killed-herself-after-wrongly-being-told-she-failed-exam-15505656/

https://www.ibtimes.sg/mared-foulkes-21-yr-old-student-jumps-off-bridge-after-university-wrongly-tells-her-she-failed-60995

https://nypost.com/2021/10/29/mared-foulkes-took-own-life-after-being-wrongly-told-she-failed-exam/

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/cardiff-university-sorry-mared-foulkes-23033128

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10211899/Coroner-says-Cardiff-University-change-results-policy-student-killed-mix-up.html

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-60306702

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/university-apologises-over-death-anglesey-23036515

https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2022-02-09/uni-makes-changes-after-suicide-of-student-wrongly-told-shed-failed-exam

Recommendations

"Chaynee’s vast knowledge of criminal law and procedure is matched by a commitment and determination to get into the detail of every case."—Professor David Ormerod CBE KC, Deputy High Court Judge, and Editor-in-Chief of Smith & Hogan and Blackstone's Criminal Practice.

Appointments/Memberships

  • Honorary Lecturer in Emergency Medical Law, Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London
  • Subject Lead for Values, Law and Ethics (Head of Medical Law) at Chester University Medical School
  • Honorary Lecturer in Law: Law Department, Bangor University (after over a decade lecturing)
  • Honorary Lecturer in Medicine (Medical Law): School of Medical Sciences, Bangor University
  • Lecturer in Law for Pre-Hospital Emergency Medics (MSc Emergency & Resuscitation Medicine): Centre for Trauma Sciences, Blizard Institute, QMUL
  • Lecturer in Law for Medical Students: MBBCh: C21 (Bangor University)
  • Contributor: Smith, Hogan and Ormerod’s Essentials of Criminal Law
  • SOAS University: Criminal Law Examiner, assessing Undergraduate Law students’ essays and exam papers (including Final Exams).
  • CILEx CPQ Advanced Criminal Litigation Course Designer (fixed-term): Designed the new CPQ practitioner course in full.
  • Bangor University Law School, North Wales (August 2012 – December 2020):
  • - Lecturer & Module Leader: Criminal Law; Evidence; Media Law: School of Law, Bangor University: Designed, lead & deliver all lectures, seminars & tutorials, marked assessments, & line-managed a Welsh-medium Tutor
  • - Research Supervisor (LLB, LLM, PhD): Supervised Undergraduates up to journal publication, & mentored Lecturers.
  • - Head of Admissions for Law (Law Undergraduate Admissions Tutor), Bangor University: Half a decade in post, including Clearing Lead & Open Day Lead.
  • - Director of Pro Bono Legal Casework & Staff Director: Innocence Casework Unit (ICU): Appeals & CCRC cases.
  • - Course Director: LLM Law with Criminology; LLB Law with Criminology/Creative Writing/Media Studies.
  • - Personal Tutor: Pastoral care duties to 1st, 2nd and 3rd year Undergraduate, and LLM Postgraduate Law students.
  • - University Gender-Based Violence Committee: Criminal Law Adviser.
  • - Criminal Trial Advocacy & Moot Coach.
  • BPP University Law School, Waterloo: Visiting Lecture in Constitutional & Administrative Law (QLD LLM, 2018-19)
  • University of Portsmouth School of Law: Lecturer in Legal System & Public Law (LLB, 2011-2012)
  • Nominated and/or shortlisted for legal teaching awards, including: LawCareers.Net Law Lecturer of the Year Award (for 4 years running); University Teacher of the Year Award and University Dissertation/Thesis Supervisor of the Year Award (SLTA 2019-20), and was shortlisted for University Outstanding Pastoral Support Award (SLTA 2018-19).
  • Lay Adviser: Teaching & Learning and Examinations: Royal College of Pathologists
  • Member: Peer Review Panel, International Journal of Emergency Services (IJES)
  • Nautilus International: Nautilus Champion
  • Reverse Mentor, HMCTS Judicial Reverse Mentoring Service (mentoring judges)
  • OU Law School Employability Mentoring Scheme: Professional Mentor
  • Schools Outreach: Formerly as Admissions Tutor, now as practising barrister
  • Member: The Honourable Society of Middle Temple
  • Fellow (Fast-Track): The Royal Society of Arts (FRSA)
  • Member: Criminal Bar Association (CBA)
  • Member: INQUEST Lawyers’ Group (ILG)
  • Women In Criminal Law (WICL)
  • Member: Female Fraud Forum (FFF)
  • Member: The Society of Legal Scholars (SLS)
  • Member: The Medico-Legal Society (MLS)
  • Member: British Association of Forensic Sciences (BAFS)
  • Member: Nautilus International
  • Member: Zumba Instructors’ Network (ZIN)
  • Instructor Training: Yoga, Pilates, and Barre (ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in Sports Psychology (ongoing)
  • Instructor Training: Level 2 & 3: Personal Trainer (ongoing)
  • Member: UK Coaching
  • Member: The Women’s Institute (WI)
  • Member: British Film Institute (BFI)
  • Member: Equity
  • RYA Yachtmaster (study ongoing)
  • Member: Cruising Association (CA)
  • Member: Young Cruising Association (CYA)
  • Member: Royal Burnham Yacht Club (RBYC)
  • Member: Royal Anglesey Yacht Club (RAYC)
  • Member: Bar Yacht Club (BYC)
  • Member: Coastguard Association (CA)

Miscellaneous

Client Support Skills
  • Introduction to Humanitarian Aid (Deakin University)
  • Foundations in Dementia (Nottingham University)
  • Autism Awareness Certification (Autism Wales)
  • Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence (Sheffield University)
  • Identifying & Responding to Domestic Violence in Pregnancy (Coventry University)
  • Women’s Health After Motherhood (Trinity College Dublin)
  • Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence (Bangor University)
  • Unconscious Bias Training (Bangor University)
  • Suicide Prevention Training (Zero Suicide Alliance)
  • Suicide Prevention in the Global Context (Glasgow University)
  • Managing Difficult Behaviour: Developing Young People’s Behaviour (Fairbridge)
  • Facilitation, Participation & Group Dynamics (Fairbridge)
  • Safeguarding Children (multiple qualifications)
  • Safeguarding Adults: Level 3 training (ongoing)
  • Understanding ADHD (King’s College London – ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in Counselling (ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in Counselling for Adolescents (ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in Counselling for Sexual Abuse (ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in Relationship Counselling (ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in PTSD Counselling (ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in Counselling for Anger and Aggression (ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in Depression Counselling (ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in Addiction Counselling (ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in Counselling for Suicidal Clients (ongoing)
  • Professional Diploma in Counselling for Grief and Bereavement (ongoing)
  • Honorary Lecturer in Medical Law, and Emergency Medical Law
  • Violence and Aggression Management Qualified (All-Wales Passport Training: Modules A, B & C)
  • ACT Action Counters Terrorism Awareness Certified (NaCTSO)
  • Effective Questioning for Call Handlers (UEA)
  • Introduction to Critical Care Medicine (University of Glasgow)
  • GDPR UK Essentials and Cybersecurity Awareness (iHASCO).
  • Level 1 Forensic Science & Fingerprints (OU)
  • Introduction to Forensic Sciences (University of Strathclyde)
  • Member: Peer Review Panel, International Journal of Emergency Services (IJES)
  • Lay Adviser: Teaching & Learning and Examinations: Royal College of Pathologists
  • Member of the British Association of Forensic Sciences (BAFS)
  • Lloyds’ Maritime Academy Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Accident Investigation (2025, ongoing).
  • PhD by Published Works, an analysis of criminal law and regulatory frameworks in maritime and medical investigation and education (ongoing).
  • STCW 95 Merchant Navy Qualified: Proficiency in Medical Care; Medical First Aid at Sea; Elementary First Aid; Advanced Firefighting; Fire Prevention and Basic Firefighting; Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats; Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities; Personal Survival Techniques.
  • Merchant Navy Steering Certificate: Experienced in helming (steering) ships of 50 tonnes and 688 tonnes (GRT).
  • RYA Certificates: Day Skipper (Theory); Level 1 Sailing; Competent Crew; Marine Radio Operator; National Powerboat Certificate (Level 2 Coastal, having previously trained up to and including Commercial Certificate).
  • Study for RYA Yachtmaster (Offshore) ongoing.

Professional Qualifications

  • Direct Access qualified (can accept instructions to act in suitable direct and public access cases)
  • Qualified Pupil Supervisor (Middle Temple, 2024)
  • Advocacy & the Vulnerable Qualification (Advocacy for Vulnerable People and Children: Crime (Inns of Court College of Advocacy, ICCA, 2024))
  • Enhanced DBS Certification

 

Postgraduate Qualifications

  • LLM by Published Works on Maritime Criminal Law (Bangor University): Distinction
  • Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), BPP Holborn, Very Competent
  • Lloyds’ Maritime Academy Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Accident Investigation (2025, ongoing)
  • PhD by Published Works, an analysis of criminal law and regulatory frameworks in maritime and medical investigation and education (ongoing).

Fluent English and French, and competent Welsh. Passed North Wales Fire & Rescue Service Firefighters’ Welsh Test (Level 2). Learning Italian, Irish, Russian, Gaelic, Hebrew, Polish, Arabic, Greek, and Latin.

Instruct ChayneeTo instruct Chaynee please contact our clerks by phone on +44 (0) 20 7036 0200 or email us at clerks@libertaschambers.com