Lorna Settle
Lorna began working in criminal defence over 20 years ago. She quickly progressed to the role of senior paralegal. Lorna manages our Crown Court department dealing with the most serious and complex cases. She assists barristers across the country in preparing cases for trial or appeal. She is approachable, conscientious and has been praised by leading Counsel for her diligent preparation.
Lorna takes the time to get to know her clients and often their families too. She will reassure and explain when clients are at their most anxious.
Lorna has also achieved her level 1 in British sign language.
Notable Cases
R -v- J – WOUNDING AND FITNESS TO PLEAD
Lorna noted mental health and learning difficulties during her initial conference with the client. Lorna arranged for psychiatric and psychological reports to be prepared. At the age of 50 the Defendant was found to have an IQ of a 9yr old, something which had gone unnoticed and undiagnosed throughout her life. The client was unfit to plead however the prosecution continued with the case. The jury found the defendant not guilty.
R-v-W – MURDER
Acquitted following a jury trial – no intention to do really serious harm.
R-v-A – RAPE
The client was a youth when initially arrested, the police investigation took 2 years, the first trial resulted in a hung jury, the second an acquittal. The case took 5 years to conclude.
R-v-D – DEATH BY DANGEROUS DRIVING
The defendant suffered severe brain injury in same crash that killed his friend.
R-v-G – ABH
The defendant was charged with assault on cell mate whilst in custody. The defendant had not received his epileptic medication which caused him to be in trance like state. Lorna obtained an expert report which indicated that failure to provide medication on time could lead to the Defendant acting in the way described. The prosecution withdrew the case as they could not establish that the medication was given by prison staff
R-v-T – HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE
A retired policeman accused of historic sexual offences. Acquitted after trial
R v C- RAPE – DISCLOSURE FAILINGS
Documents which cast doubt upon the victim’s truthfulness had been incorrectly marked as unused material by the police. Applications for disclosure made and the defendant was acquitted.
R v A – CLASS A COUNTY LINES – OPERATION BACKYARD
Successful defence in cocaine and MDMA conspiracy – Prosecution asked for offence to lie on file following guilty plea of co-accused.
R-v-E – RAPE
Trainee teacher accused of rape, acquittal after trial.
R-v-B –RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT – OPERATION LENTON
Operation dealing with network of young men grooming underage girls and inciting sexual activity with a child. Prosecution offered no evidence.
R-v-F – RAPE
Liverpool taxi driver accused of raping passenger acquitted after trial.
R-v-E- RAPE
Rape following drunken night out and house party. Jury acquitted after considering their verdict for 25 minutes
R-v-H – HISTORIC RAPE
Acquitted after trial.
R-v-N – DANGEROUS DRIVING
Alleged road rage incident with motorcyclist. Acquitted after trial
R-v-R – GBH
Following the end of the Prosecution case and the Prosecutor considered their position and confirmed that they no longer intended to proceed with the case. Not guilty verdict recorded
R-v-E – ATTEMPT MURDER
Teenager accused of attempting to murder another teenager. Not guilty plea entered to attempt murder and section 18 however a guilty plea to Section 20 as an alternative was entered and accepted by the Prosecution.
More Of Our Team
Testimonials
Thank you for everything that you have done for me
Mr A, Chester
Thank you so much for everything – you went above and beyond – forever grateful
Ms A, Chester
I’d just like to thank you personally for all your help in these difficult times and getting me the result we did. If I know anybody who could use your help- I most certainly will pass your info on. Once again thank you from myself and my family
Mr B, North Wales
Thank you very much for the service you offered and most of all for the way in which I was treated
Anon
I would like to thank you for all the hard work, I really appreciate everything you have done for me
Mr P, Stockport