Claire Holmes specialises exclusively in criminal law in the Magistrates’ and Crown Court and acts for both the Prosecution and the Defence.

Prior to the bar, Claire trained as a Solicitor at Myer Wolff Solicitors and thereafter practised at Payne and Payne Solicitors before transferring to the Bar in 2009.

Claire is a Level 4 Crown Prosecution Service Panel Advocate and is also a Rape and Serious Sexual Offences specialist Prosecutor.

Claire is a member of the Specialist Prosecution panels for Counter Terrorism, Fraud and Serious Crime at Level 3.

Claire’s practice encompasses the wide range of criminal offences including: Attempted Murder, Serious violence, Rape, Child Sexual offences, Drugs, Dishonesty.

Claire is highly regarded for her thorough approach to case preparation and her ability to engage well with clients.

Claire has a well-established reputation for being a capable advocate and has a wealth of experience in conducting jury trials.

Claire is familiar with advising on and drafting applications in relation to bad character and hearsay evidence, section 41 issues, third party material and disclosure issues.

Notable Cases

R -v- Muhammed and Molloy Court of Appeal [2021] Prosecution.  Conviction upheld following successful argument that an incorrectly fitted car seat could form basis for death by dangerous driving.  

R-v- Carroll [2020] Defence.  Female charged with rape and robbery together with male co-defendant acquitted.

R -v- Muhammed [2019] Prosecution.  Mental Health S37/41 Order made following a finding by a jury that he did the act.

R -v- Daubaras [2020] Prosecution.  Male Defendant convicted of predatory rape.

R -v- Newlove [2018] Defence.  Male Defendant charged with rape.  Prosecution put to proof and Defendant acquitted.

R -v- Marrow [2020] Prosecution.  Defendant convicted of multi-generational familial abuse

R -v- Grigg [2018] Prosecution.  Priest convicted of serial sexual abuse of young boys.