Overview
Robert is Leading Junior experienced in both defending and prosecuting serious criminal matters. This allows him to approach all cases in a balanced and informed way, benefiting those whom he represents. He has built up a wealth of talent, having been involved in Criminal Law for over 20 years. He has considerable and genuine skill in connecting with, and conveying messages to juries.
As part of Robert’s defence practice, he accepts a range of instructions. His cases span high profile murder cases to private matters in the Magistrates Court. He has defended in landmark cases in the Old Bailey. He has considerable expertise in cases involving allegations of serious violence and offences of a serious sexual nature.
Robert is also Grade 3 prosecutor. His prosecution practice includes, but is not limited to, murder, cases involving high value drug offences (including multi handed conspiracies) and cases involving the most serious of sexual offences. He has significant experience in prosecuting matters concerning very serious violence against young children, including offences of murder.
Client care and witness handling, particularly in regards to vulnerable clients and witnesses, is a talent that Robert has mastered. This has led to him having an excellent reputation in this field. With all clients and witnesses, Robert can bridge the all too often wide gap between the legal system and the lay client, whilst instilling confidence in those whom he represents.
Having previously worked at a firm of solicitors, very early on in his career, Robert has experience in all aspects of the legal profession. This allows him to provide an excellent service to all those he is instructed by, be it lay or professional.
Robert is well versed in providing sound and practical advice at various stages of proceedings, resulting in effective case management.
He also accepts instructions for the defence in Court Martial matters.
Crime
Examples of previous Cases
R v J
Murder. Nationally reported.
R v T
Drugs conspiracy. Nationally reported.
R v H
Rape. Not reported due to reporting conditions.
R v E, E, E, and Dr O
Junior defence counsel in the first case in the country involving international organ harvesting. Internationally reported.
R v Z, T, A, C, B, B
Lead counsel in a drugs conspiracy.
R v J J M
Junior counsel in a murder which involved multiple robberies in the Dorset area. Nationally reported.
R v LB
Junior counsel in a murder involving a stabbing in Oxford, involving complex legal issues. Nationally reported.
R v CB
Defence counsel in a case involving false imprisonment and torture.
R v AA
Defence counsel in a highly publicised GBH involving the running over of another using a vehicle. Nationally reported.
R v K
Junior prosecution counsel involved from the early stages in a case, which resulted in the mother pleading guilty to Manslaughter further to her daughter having starved to death over 5 days. Nationally reported.
R v C & J
Junior prosecution counsel in a case whereby both parents were charged with Causing or Allowing the Death of a Child and the father with Murder. The father was convicted of murder and the mother the section 5 offence. Reported in the national news.
R v R & T
Junior prosecution counsel in a case whereby both parents were charged with Causing or Allowing the Death of a Child and the father with Murder. The father was convicted of Murder. Reported in the national news.
R v D & others
Defending in a case when acting for a convicted murderer involving an allegation of serious violence in prison with weapons.
R v BS
Instructed in a matter whereby the defence of non-insane automatism was being advanced.
R v DD
Representing a client accused of a high value fraud against the employer and achieved a suspended sentence for his client despite the value of the theft being in excess of £180,000.
R v JS
Successful in obtaining a Community Order for a defendant convicted of possession of illegal ammunition and cannabis plants.
R v W
Represented a professional who was charged with historic offences sexual offences, including rape. The accused remained of good character after trial.
R v B
Representing a Defendant who was charged with a sec 18 GBH, regarding a charge involving prison violence. Despite having a conviction for murder which went before the jury, they were acquitted.
R v W
A prosecution of a dangerous driving and GBH case whereby a Highway Officer was injured and the case ended with a guilty verdict.
R v I
Prosecution of health and safety offences which posed a serious risk to Public Health.
R v I
Defending a person charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Despite being found in possession and having previous convictions for possession with intent to supply, and this being made known to the jury, the jury acquitted.
R v M
Successful defence of a person charged with serious cruelty to animals.
R v O
Acted in a case for a well-known film director whereby a driving ban was avoided.
News
Operation Telstar: Salisbury man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of father pushing son in buggy – Barry McElduff led Rob Harding for the Crown
Maurice Jones, 25, fatally stabbed Tsvetomir Genov in August 2023 after confronting him in the street where he lived, whilst Mr Genov pushed his...
Dad murdered whilst pushing infant son in buggy – Barry McElduff led Rob Harding for the Crown
Maurice Jones, 25, from Salisbury, fatally stabbed Tsvetomir Genov on 22 August 2023 whilst he was walking his son in his buggy along the...
Rob Harding and Charles Ward-Jackson secure conviction of drug dealer who fatally stabbed client
Lewis Brown knifed Lee Butler in the chest after a drug deal in Oxford in 2021. The court heard Brown was a known crack...
Teenage mother jailed for 9 years for manslaughter of daughter – Sally Howes QC and Robert Harding prosecute
Verphy Kudi admitted the manslaughter of her 20-month old daughter after leaving her alone for 6 days whilst she celebrated her 18th birthday. The...
Barry McElduff and Rob Harding secure client’s acquittal following 8 week drugs conspiracy trial
Barry McElduff, leading Rob Harding, was successful in securing the acquittal of his client who was said to be one of 8 men running...
Crime Team
crime@2kbw.com
+44 20 7353 1746