Charles Austin-Groome

What professional clients say about him:

“One of the most accomplished junior barristers I have ever had the pleasure of briefing!”
 
“... courteous, hard-working, detail orientated and unafraid... he has secured excellent results through his hard work, intellect and dedication to the case.”

“It is rare to see such dedication and fight, in one so young.” 

Prior to life at the Bar, Charlie worked as a paralegal at Blackfords (crime). He was directly involved in the preparation of serious criminal cases. In addition to his own case load of general crime matters, Charlie spent many months assisting with the preparation of materials and argument on behalf of a number of clients represented by the firm in the Grenfell Inquiry.
 
Charlie joined Chambers in 2022, having been offered tenancy immediately following pupillage. He specialises in the defence and prosecution of cases involving serious assault, sexual offences and confiscation matters in addition to general crime. Regularly instructed in complex cases well beyond his call, Charlie leaves no stone unturned in his preparation. He is known for putting in the extra mile.
 
Notable Cases: -
 
R v A [Snaresbrook - 2024] - Prosecuted at trial a section 18 offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The jury returned a guilty verdict.
 
R v D and D [Lewes - 2024] - Defence trial counsel for the second defendant charged with intimidation on a murder indictment.
 
R v B and E [Woolwich - 2024] - Prosecuted a joint enterprise stabbing. Following trial, both defendants were convicted of section 18 causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
 
R v P [Norwich Crown Court - 2023] - Charlie represented a client charged with section 20 wounding. After a four-day trial, the jury returned a not guilty verdict.
 
R v M [Central Criminal Court - 2023] - Sole prosecution counsel in a two-week trial at the Old Bailey. The case related to 23 historic allegations of violent and sexual offences. Guilty verdicts were returned on all counts. The defendant was found dangerous, requiring an extended sentence.  
 
R v L [Bradford Crown Court - 2023] - Instructed at trial to defend in a four-week conspiracy to defraud involving 16 defendants. Charlie represented the first defendant in the second trial listing. The defendant was found not guilty.
 
R v P [Kingston Crown Court - 2022] - Instructed last minute to prosecute a six-day trial, involving numerous allegations of historic domestic violence. The case involved 2500 pages of text messages, over 330 exhibits and several live witnesses. 
The jury returned guilty verdicts.
 
R v I [Maidstone Crown Court - 2022] - POCA - Represented a defendant who faced confiscation proceedings. The prosecution alleged a total benefit figure of £491,000, with the defendant having an available amount of £91,000 that was payable. After legal argument and defence evidence, the defendant was ordered to pay a total of £1.
 
R v W [Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court - 2022] - Instructed to represent a defendant who had pleaded guilty to offences of a sexual nature involving minors. The prosecution invited the court to grant an onerous Sexual Harm Prevention Order. After defence submissions on proportionality, no order was made.  
 
R v G [Horsham Magistrates’ Court - 2022] - Defended in the ‘Insulate Britain’ protests - Acted in the interests of seven protesters who had glued themselves to the M25. All seven were acquitted of unlawful obstruction following a Human Rights defence.