Gang and Organised Crime Groups

Our members prosecute and defend those involved in gangs or organised crime groups, who are charged with offences of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, the Manufacture and Distribution of Drugs, Possession and use of Firearms, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking and Financial Crime.

In recent years Chambers members have been instructed increasingly regularly in cases where the defendant or client is a member of a gang, or a victim has been subjected to violence or exploitation by a gang.

Serious and Organised Crime refers to criminal activities that are planned, co-ordinated, and committed by individuals or groups. The aim of any such gang or organised crime group is to acquire large sums of money or other forms of wealth through the exploitation of others. That exploitation can be in the form of threats of violence to victims or their families, actual physic al harm and sexual exploitation, often of very young adults or children.

There has been a rapid growth of “County Lines” cases, which  the NPCC defines as a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas [within the UK], using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”. The drugs are distributed through the use of vulnerable and exploited vulnerable people.  These runners, who are often very young, and sometimes only children, are forced to hold and sell the drugs for the gang by the use of violence and intimidation (including sexual violence).

R -v- H & Ors – Croydon Crown Court
John Clifford currently instructed by CPS Serious Organised & Violent Crime Division in attempted murder case involving an armed confrontation and violent disorder between two Albanian gangs. The case involves the use of CCTV, ring doorbell footage and firearms experts.

R v C and Others (Defence): Jonathan Mole Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs. 7 week trial at Woolwich CC. The leader of an Organised Crime Group which distributed Class A drugs throughout South London, was imprisoned. She continued to run her operation from prison. Recorded telephone calls from her to her ‘network’ – which required drug expert witness ‘interpretation’ were a core part of the prosecution case.

Stephen Wells defended at Bristol Crown Court in a case investigated by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit. The allegation was of conspiracies to import, export and supply large quantities of spice (a controlled drug of class B). There was extensive evidence of social media messages, phone contacts, and communications with international co-conspirators. Client was acquitted.


John Clifford prosecuted case in which the Defendant acted in an aggressive and threatening manner as the leader of a gang with a, 'Rambo-style' knife when he was challenged by the victim who was defending his friend at a party attended by nearly 400 young people at the Andover Community Centre. The victim was then dragged along the ground and stabbed in the thigh. Fifteen similar knives were seized from the Defendants room as well as rap lyrics which were of a violent and sadistic nature.
The Defendant was convicted and sentenced to 51 months imprisonment.
The case involved an anonymity and voice modulation application under s.88 Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/news/crime-court/thug_threatened_party_goers_with_rambo_knife_on_holloway_estate_1_3779228

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