On 4 April 2019, Alex Young represented the prosecution in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division in R v Rooney, one of the biggest modern slavery cases ever brought in this country. Five defendants appealed their convictions on multiple grounds, following a five month trial in 2017. The case raised difficult issues concerning jury irregularities and the correct legal definition of the offence of ‘forced or compulsory labour’.
Alex has been instructed on this case as first junior, along with Chris Canning as second junior, since the end of 2015 and both were led by Riel Karmy-Jones QC, of Red Lion Chambers, at trial and in the preparation of the appeal. Today’s dismissal of the appeals follows a hearing in March 2019 where confiscation orders exceeding £1 million were made against the defendants (for media coverage please click here). Having previously been led by Queen’s Counsel at trial and in the March 2019 confiscation proceedings, Alex alone represented the prosecution at April’s Court of Appeal hearing, facing two Queen’s Counsel and seven junior counsel for the appellants. All appeals against conviction were dismissed.
Click here to read the judgment in full.
For help or advice please call +44 (0)20 7242 3555 or complete the form below
A member of the Clerking team will help you resolve your request.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have an out of hours number?
Yes, please call Chambers mainline number +44 (0)20 7242 3555 and you will be directed to the out of hours phone lines.
How can I find out whether 7BR can take my case?
As a direct access client, please visit our direct access page and complete the initial form, a member of the clerking team will then be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Will my barrister deal with all the correspondence?
Some barristers have the ability to “conduct litigation” for direct access clients. Our clerks will be able to assist you as to which of our members are trained and accredited to do so.
How do I instruct a barrister?
Please visit our direct access page for the initial steps on instructing a barrister, or contact our clerks on +44 (0)20 7242 3555.
