Thomas Worsfold

Tom is an established junior practitioner with a strong criminal practice, prosecuting and defending in equal measure in the Crown Court across the full spectrum of offences.

As a Level 3 CPS prosecutor, Tom is frequently instructed to prosecute cases concerning serious violence, drugs and dishonesty. Recent defence trials include wounding with intent, public disorder and sexual offences. Tom also frequently appears as led junior for prosecution and defence in serious and complex matters.

In court, Tom adopts a measured and pragmatic approach, which he combines with rigorous preparation. He is equally adept examining witnesses in a focused and incisive manner as he is arguing points of law, such as bad character, hearsay and disclosure. Tom has earned the praise of judges for his considered and well-judged approach at trial and sentence, as well as for the quality of his written advocacy.

Tom prides himself on his close attention to detail and thorough preparation of all cases. His strong work ethic means that no stone is left unturned, key advice is given promptly and important strategic decisions are fully informed. Whether prosecuting or defending, he is keen to build working relationships with clients as well as to construct a coherent and considered strategy from the start. Tom has experience of representing clients with mental health difficulties, both at trial and sentence. Tom has prosecuted and defended several youths charged with serious offences, and has a strong grasp of procedure and sentencing in such cases.

Tom continues to receive instructions on a private basis in the Magistrates’ Court, particularly in relation to road traffic offences. He has a particularly good record with exceptional hardship arguments, both in the Magistrates and on appeal to the Crown Court, and is frequently instructed for trials involving expert evidence, for example back calculations and collision reconstruction. Tom provides a professional and proactive approach in such cases, seeking to ensure that clients have the best advice at the earliest opportunity.

Tom has good experience of matters which require handling large quantities of evidence and excellent organisational skills. He has prosecuted and defended in VHCC cases, for fraud and conspiracy. Tom has also previously been instructed for the Department of Health on the Infected Blood Inquiry, where his work included disclosure, conducting conferences and drafting witness statements.

Tom is secretary of the Pupillage Committee in Chambers and assists in organising chambers’ advocacy sessions for its pupils.

Away from the law, Tom enjoys playing for his local football team, walking holidays and cooking.

Criminal Law

Tom deals with all aspects of Criminal Law. He is a Level 3 CPS prosecutor.

He has experience of: Violent offences, including domestic violence and child cruelty Drug-related offences, including conspiracies to supply and importation Sexual offences, including non-recent allegations Fraud and theft offences Youth offending, in both the Youth Court and Crown Court Road traffic offences.

In relation to road traffic offences, Tom has a particularly good record with exceptional hardship arguments, both in the Magistrates and on appeal to the Crown Court, and is frequently instructed for trials involving expert evidence, for example back calculations and collision reconstruction. Tom has been instructed privately on a number of matters and prides himself on his proactive approach, seeking to ensure that clients have the best advice at the earliest opportunity. In a recent case, Tom was instructed to defend an allegation of driving without due care and attention which was successfully discontinued following matters raised by Tom at the first appearance.

Notable cases include:

Prosecuting

Preston Crown Court: led junior for Crown in prosecution of 8 defendants for wounding with intent, violent disorder and witness intimidation. Case involved reluctant and hostile witnesses, bad character arguments and joint enterprise.

Minshull Street Crown Court: led junior for Crown in VHCC conspiracy to steal and handle motor vehicles, listed for 6 weeks.

Manchester Crown Court: led by Neil Fryman prosecuting a 6-defendant drugs conspiracy. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-59983661

Manchester Crown Court: prosecuted a fraud by a finance manager of a regional company. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/deviousfraudster-mum-swindled-55000-23871853

Manchester Magistrates’ and Crown Court: successfully prosecuted a taxi driver for sexual assault on a vulnerable woman. The conviction was upheld on appeal, with the Crown Court concluding the Defendant had deliberately targeted the victim due to her vulnerability. https://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/19083437.taxi-driver-sexually-assaulted-woman-picked-bury-town-centre/

Defending

Preston Crown Court: led junior in 6-week trial for allegations of grooming and familial sexual abuse.

Birmingham Crown Court: led junior in 6-week VHCC trial of financial advisor charged with £7 million investment fraud.

Liverpool Crown Court: conspiracy to cheat the public revenue through tobacco importation, valued at over £4 million.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court: defended a man charged with non-recent allegations of sexual abuse, involving applications under s.41 YJCEA and s.100 CJA and careful cross-examination of the complainant. Defendant acquitted on all counts.

Manchester Crown Court: defended a youth charged with 56 offences relating to the theft of vehicles, who ultimately received a youth rehabilitation order.

Minshull Street Crown Court: secured a suspended sentence for a defendant charged with blackmail due to the exceptional nature of the case. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/tenant-sentlandlords-series-angry-23815691

Manchester Crown Court: defended a woman charged with theft of a bank card from a deceased friend. The Defendant received a suspended sentence. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/woman-took-friends-bank-card-20589210