Anthony Horsfall joined Lincoln House Chambers in November 2023 and has rapidly established a strong criminal and regulatory practice on the Northern Circuit and beyond.

Anthony’s defence practice spans the full spectrum of criminal cases. Notably, he has been instructed in cases involving gang-related offences, s.18s, arson with intent, s.5 firearms, Class A drugs trafficking and importation, serious sexual offences, fraud and business offences and armed robbery. His extensive experience in criminal and regulatory roles prior to coming to the Bar has equipped him well to undertake very serious work that would otherwise be considered beyond his call.

As a Level 3 General Crime, Level 2 Serious Crime and RASSO prosecutor, Anthony is also instructed to prosecute a broad range of criminal cases before the Crown Court. His Crown Court prosecution work also extends into regulatory work, acting on behalf of the Insolvency Service and Information Commissioner’s Office in document-heavy cases.

Anthony enjoys a strong success rate in both jury trials and in mitigating at sentence, with the outcomes he secures frequently well beyond the expectations of his professional and lay clients. His persuasive and compelling style has also led him to success before the Court of Appeal.

Anthony is known for his ability to develop rapport quickly with his clients regardless of their background. His calm, sensitive and adaptable style often proves an invaluable asset when representing individuals with long-standing mental health issues, learning difficulties and/or chronic drug misuse issues. Anthony frequently advises on the instruction of psychiatrists and psychologists, as well as other experts, and is experienced in s.28 cross-examination, including where a witness is significantly impaired.

Anthony has been led as junior and is regularly specifically requested by senior members of Chambers due to his outstanding work ethic and his positive and useful contribution to the team.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Anthony worked for a number of years at two ‘Magic Circle’ law firms, where he specialised in financial crime, sanctions and risk management. He was graded ‘Outstanding’ in the Bar Course and was Called to the Bar as a Middle Temple Major Scholar.

NOTABLE CASES

R v DM (and ors) – Defendant faced charges of 2x s.18, affray, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage in relation to a violent incident in which 2 individuals suffered life-changing injuries. Following the submission of a detailed application to dismiss addressing identification, the Crown agreed to resolve proceedings with a plea to a s.4 Public Order offence. The defendant was released as time-served.

R v LS (and ors) – Defendant was acquitted at trial of 2x attempted s.18 following a successful submission of ‘no case to answer’ touching on joint enterprise and intent. Defendant was the front-seat passenger in a vehicle that had been driven at members of a rival gang.

R v DT (and ors) – Defendant pleaded guilty to s.18 on the day of trial for his role in widespread violence at a sporting event. Around 40 individuals were involved in the armed disorder, which involved the use of firearms and other highly dangerous weapons. Defendant received 5 years, 4 months for his participation in a sword and axe attack, which was caught on video and resulted in life-threatening injuries to the victim. The case was reported on internationally.

R v MH – Defendant faced 2x sexual assault against a young woman in a train station. The defendant was acquitted by the jury at the direction of the Judge before the close of the Crown’s case following a devastating cross-examination of the complainant.

R v CH (and ors) – Defendant pleaded guilty to s.18 on the day of trial for his involvement in a machete attack that left the victim with numerous very serious injuries. The defendant had multiple previous convictions for violence and had also appeared in a ‘drill’ music video which glorified knife violence and had been filmed, in part, at the scene of the offence. Defendant was sentenced to 4 years, 3 months but avoided the imposition of an extended determinate sentence.

R v GM – Defendant acquitted of s.20 by a jury. Complainant suffered serious head injuries whilst alone with the defendant at home.

R v LH – Defendant faced charges of arranging the commission of a child sexual offence (rape) and sexual communications with a child. Following lengthy negotiations, the Crown agreed to accept a plea to the lesser offence. Defendant ultimately sentenced to serve only 2.5 weeks beyond his time on remand.

R v AH – Defendant faced multiple charges relating to the possession of a s.5 handgun, a shotgun and compatible ammunition. Following negotiation, the Crown accepted a plea on a basis to carrying a firearm in a public place (shotgun alone). Defendant ultimately sentenced to serve only 6 weeks beyond his time on remand.

R v JD – Instructed to represent a defendant in relation to several allegations of historic sexual assaults against his then stepdaughter when she was 10 years old. Currently awaiting a re-trial following a hung jury in the first trial.

R v KT – Defendant faced charges of s.18 and robbery relating to 2 separate incidents. Discussions with the Crown resulted in acceptable pleas to s.20 and theft. Defendant received an 18-month suspended sentence.

R v PT – Defendant acquitted of s.20 by a jury. Complainant sustained multiple shin bone fractures following a struggle with the defendant outside the defendant’s home address.

R v JH – Defendant pleaded guilty to sexual assault by penetration on a child under 16 and 2 further sexual assaults on the same victim. Defendant was sentenced to 2 years, 3 months following lengthy mitigation.

R v NB (and ors) – Defendant faced charges of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article following an incident in which a man sustained serious injuries. Negotiation with the Crown resulted in an acceptable plea to criminal damage. Defendant sentenced to a 28-day curfew as part of a 12-month community order.

R v JF – Defendant faced 2 counts of robbery and possession of a bladed article (produced in the course of one of the incidents). The Crown accepted pleas to robbery, theft and the bladed article. Defendant received a 2-year suspended sentence.

R v JD – Instructed to represent a defendant with mental health issues in relation to an alleged sexual assault in public against a highly vulnerable individual with learning difficulties.

R v  TE – Sentencing of a defendant in relation to an offence of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (3x offences), alongside offences of burglary and possession of a bladed article. All offences were committed on separate occasions, with the latter 2 offences committed whilst on bail for the drugs matters. Defendant received a 2-year suspended sentence.

R v DA – Threats with an offensive weapon in a private place. Defendant acquitted by a jury following close cross-examination of the complainant.