Charles Austin-Groome

Year of Call 

2021

Education

- Law LLB, University of Birmingham 2016-2019

- Very Competent – Bar Practice Training Course, BPP 2020-2021

Attained the second highest mark for criminal advocacy at BPP countrywide (2020)

Areas of Work

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. He also drafted several letters of representation regarding data deletion requests and private TFL prosecutions. They have all resulted in out-of-court disposals.  

Charlie prosecutes and defends in cases involving sexual offences, drugs, offensive weapons and other criminal matters. He is currently instructed in the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court and Youth Court. Charlie has represented the Nursing and Midwifery Council on several occasions but also deals with complex POCA and enforcement matters. 

Cases:-

R v P [Kingston Crown Court] - Charlie was instructed as sole counsel to prosecute a domestic violence ABH trial. There were 7 counts. The trial lasted 6 days. The case involved a full day’s legal argument, 2500 pages of text messages, 330 exhibits and several live witnesses. 
The jury returned guilty verdicts. 

R v M [Snaresbrook Crown Court] - Charlie represented a Defendant charged with theft. After discussions with the Crown, the prosecution were persuaded to drop the charge. No evidence was offered. 

R v T [Woolwich Crown Court] - Charlie defended a client charged with possession with intent to supply cannabis and two counts of assault against emergency workers. Not guilty verdicts on two out of three counts were returned. 

R v W [Southwark Crown Court] - Charlie prosecuted a 4 day robbery trial involving multiple witnesses. The jury returned a guilty verdict.

R v R&H [Southwark Crown Court] - Instructed to prosecute a newton hearing and sentence of a two-handed possession with intent to supply class A case.

R v S [Wood Green Crown Court] - Appeared on behalf of the Crown at trial. The offence was possession of a bladed article. After successfully resolving several issues with disclosure, discussions were had with the defence and the defendant pleaded guilty on the day of trial.

R v C [Woolwich Crown Court] - Charlie represented a Defendant for sentence. He was charged with domestic abuse related offences. The Judge was minded not to impose immediate custody. 

R v G [Horsham Magistrates’ Court] - Part of the Insulate Britain protests, Charlie was the sole defence Counsel at trial. He acted in the interests of 7 protesters who had glued themselves to the M25. All 7 defendants were acquitted of unlawful obstruction following a successful Human Rights defence. 

R v D [Westminster Magistrates’ Court] - This case attracted large media attention. The defendant - who Charlie represented at sentence - pleaded guilty to assaulting an active member of Parliament. The sentencing Judge agreed with the defence’s submissions and a community order was passed. 

R v A [Romford Magistrates’ Court] - Charlie was privately instructed to act for a client charged with domestic assault allegations. 

Mr Charles Austin-Groome is regulated by the Bar Standards Board, holds a current practising certificate and his details can be found on the BSB’s Barrister Register https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/regulatory-requirements/the-barristers'-register/

Mr Charles Austin-Groome holds insurance cover for all legal services supplied through professional indemnity insurance with the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund (BMIF) The coverage is worldwide subject to their terms which are available on their website https://www.barmutual.co.uk/

Mr Charles Austin-Groome is registered with the Information Commissioners office under the Data Protection Act https://ico.org.uk/

If you are not satisfied with the service that Mr Charles Austin-Groome provides you can make a complaint to Chambers. Information on Chambers Complaints Procedure is available on Chambers website www.9kbw.com/about-us/complaints-procedure

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from Chambers you may complain to the Legal Ombudsman (This must be done within the time limits set out) The contact details can be found on the Legal Ombudsman’s website  http://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/

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