Felicity Payne

Criminal Barrister

Year of Call
2010

felicity.payne@walnuthouse.co.uk

Criminal Law

Overview

Felicity is a member of the Criminal Bar Association. Felicity is a Level 2 CPS prosecutor and has varied experience in prosecuting on behalf of Royal Mail, RSPCA and representing other public bodies like the DWP and the Insolvency Service. She also represents defendants in such prosecutions.

Felicity has a broad court practice that gained a strong footing in the Magistrates Court before making the transition into a varied and successful Crown Court practice. She represents both adults and youths. Felicity still regularly represents clients in the Magistrates Court and remains instructed on an individual case basis for the CPS.

Felicity has gained increasing experience in cases involving vulnerable witnesses, defendants and the use of intermediaries and/or interpreters. She has considerable experience in cases involving domestic violence and/or family connections and/or mental health.

Felicity regularly accepts instructions from the Police regarding applications in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court for Closure Orders, applications for Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Sexual Risk Orders, Domestic Violence Protection Orders and other applications. Felicity frequently represented clients at Parole Board hearings.

Non-fatal Offences Against the Person and Public Order Offences

Overview

Felicity has accumulated a rapidly increasingly amount of experience representing defendants and the prosecution in cases involving the full range of public order offences and non-fatal offences against the person in the Magistrates Court and Crown Court, from section 5 offences, through to section 18 and robbery offences. She has represented and prosecuted individuals charged with malicious communications and offences relating to harassment and non-molestation orders/ restraining orders.

R –v- K
Felicity represented a defendant charged with racially aggravated harassment against an e-partner and criminal damage. Felicity was unsuccessful in an abuse of process argument for the failure to retain and disclose voicemail evidence linked to the charges, but that process led to no evidence being offered for the racially aggravated harassment and one charge of criminal damage. The defendant received a low community order for the remaining criminal damage offence.

R –v- M
Case Felicity secured an acquittal for a defendant charged with breaching a restraining order (by using contact with the child to leave letters for the complainant) in a case where the mother had stopped contact and social services were using the circumstances of the breach to support the mother in restricting contact in private children act proceedings.

R –v- B
Felicity represented a defendant jointly charged with GBH with intent and criminal damage following a fight with the use of weapons linked to a long standing rivalry.

R –v- M
Felicity successfully defended a woman prosecuted for an assault against her partner of several years (with whom their was a long standing abusive relationship), who was facing the activation of a lengthy suspended sentence imposed just weeks before that alleged assault.

R –v- M
Felicity defended a mother charged with an assault by beating upon her young daughter. The court commended Felicity for her cross-examination of the child and overall approach on behalf of the client.

R –v- P
Felicity successfully appealed two of three charges for assault and secured a significant reduction in sentence on the third charge.

R –v- W & B
On the day of trial, Felicity secured a caution for a defendant jointly charged with assault ABH after a fight on a holiday park premises.

R –v- W
Felicity was instructed by the CPS in a charge of assault upon a baby to defend an application under section 76 of PACE to exclude an interview involving admissions where a vulnerable defendant had not been assisted by an appropriate adult or legal representative. Felicity cross-examined multiple experts in different disciplines upon their findings and how those related to the behaviour of the defendant during interview in a manner that was commended by the presiding District Judge.

R –v- M, M & P
Felicity prosecuted three defendants for Affray and various assault charges following an altercation with doormen at a public house that resulted in one doorman being struck with glass.

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Sexual Offences

Overview

Felicity continues to develop a practice involving prosecuting and defending charges for sexual offences, from outraging public decency and exposure through to making category A indecent images and indecent images generally.

Felicity also represents the prosecution and defence in applications made in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court (pre and post conviction) relating to Sexual Risk Orders and Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.

R –v- P
Felicity defended an individual charged with exposure, assaulting a police officer and trespassing on the railway. At the outset, Felicity challenged the legal standing behind the charge of exposure and alternative charges proposed, leading to the charge of exposure being dropped and no alternative charges being laid for the alleged conduct.

R –v- P
Felicity prosecuted a defendant for expose (stripping naked on the main access lane to a University campus and exposing himself to passing female students), having an offensive weapon (a homemade cosh), having a bladed article (Stanley lock-knife), and possession of a prohibited weapon (a home made Molotov).

R –v- K
Felicity prosecuted a defendant charged with multiple charges of breaching a restraining order through multiple means of communication, including social media and voicemail messages.

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Fraud, Commercial Crime, Confiscation and other Dishonesty Offences

Overview

Felicity is developing a steady practice prosecuting and defendant all dishonesty and fraud offences involving issues that are increasingly complex and challenging. Felicity receives regular instructions from the prosecution and defence in cases under the Proceeds of Crime Act and the Police (Property) Act 1897.

R –v- M
Felicity prosecuted a defendant who had been processing false cash refunds and retaining the cash during her employment for a major retail company.

R –v- K
Felicity represented a defendant charged with burglary and criminal damage for breaking into a dwelling and removing various items of furniture and white goods. There was a lengthy domestic background, arguments about ownership of the items and about tenancy rights and the issue of trespass. The defendant was convicted of the alternative charge of theft and criminal damage.

R –v- C
Felicity prosecuted a defendant charged with theft from a secure delivery vehicle where identification was in issue. The evidence tracking the movements of the defendant and linking him to the scene included ANPR, CCTV and cell site analysis.

R –v- M
Felicity represented a defendant charged with multiple counts of fraud by false representation for her part in a wider scheme linked to washed cheques. Felicity successfully defended some of the charges.

R –v- W
Felicity defended charges of handling stolen goods after the policed traced items listed on an online auction site by the defendant to recent burglaries. The defendant was acquitted.

R –v- F
Felicity represented a defendant charged with money laundering offences for allowing funds to pass through her bank account from another defendant linked to a major drugs conspiracy prosecution.

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Drugs offences

Overview

Felicity prosecutes and represents defendants across all types of charges and hearings involving drug offences and linked proceedings and continues to develop her experience in this area and the associated evidence, such as mobile analysis and forensic evidence.

R –v- D
Felicity represented a defendant jointly charged with PWITS (class A).

R –v- M
Felicity prosecuted a defendant charged with criminal damage, PWITS (class A) and attempting to convey articles into prison (mobile telephones).

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Motoring

Overview

Felicity has developed a broad practice representing clients for all types of motoring offences, from speeding through to dangerous driving and causing significant injury through careless/or dangerous driving.

R –v- H
Felicity represented a defendant charged with driving without due care and attention following a head on collision on a main road into the South West that resulted in significant and life changing injuries for multiple occupants of vehicles and the defendant.

R –v- H
Felicity represented a defendant charged with driving whilst unfit through drugs. The defendant worked for one of the emergency services, but was not on duty at the time and had been medicating for injuries received during the course of his employment.

R –v- E
Felicity represented an elderly lady prosecuted for driving without due care and attention. The defendant was convicted, but Felicity was successful in persuading the court not to disqualify the defendant from driving due to age and/or infirmity.

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Biographical and Other Information

Academic
LLB (Hons) University of Southampton- 2:1 (2009). Bar Vocational Course, the University of the West of England- Very Competent (2010).

Criminal Law team members

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Lee Bremridge

Year Of Call : 2003; Head of Chambers

Lee Bremridge is Head of Chambers at Walnut House and a criminal barrister experienced in all areas of complex and serious crime. Lee is known for dealing with serious cases, defending and prosecuting in equal measure.

lee.bremridge@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Simon Laws KC

Year Of Call : 1991

In May 2021, Simon Laws KC was instructed to represent the victims in a trial in The Hague in which the former President of Kosovo and three others are being tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The proceedings are ongoing and Mr Laws is therefore currently unable to accept other instructions.

Chambers and Partners 2026 Spotlight: International Criminal Law

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Dan Pawson-Pounds KC

Year Of Call : 2007; Head of Crime / Deputy HoC

Dan has wide experience in all aspects of criminal law, quasi-criminal regulatory law, corporate investigations and international war crimes, both prosecuting and defending. His practice encompasses all aspects of criminal litigation, with particular expertise in terrorism, violent and sexual offences, and large-scale fraud, both in court and in an advisory role. He frequently appears in the Court of Appeal and is consistently listed as a leading practitioner in the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 directories for Crime. Dan was appointed King’s Counsel in 2026.

Legal 500 2025 – Leading Junior Tier 1
Chambers & Partners 2025 – Band 3
Recorder (Crown Court) 2023

dan.pawson-pounds@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Bill Baker KC

Year Of Call : 1991; Door Tenant

Bill is a Door Tenant of Walnut House, with family connections to the South West. He is also a member of Lincoln House Chambers in Manchester. Bill has been a dedicated criminal advocate for more than 30 years. He prosecutes and defends the most serious, complicated and high profile criminal cases.

clerks@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Paul Cavin KC

Year Of Call : 1995; Door Tenant

Paul is a Door Tenant of Walnut House, with family connections to the South West. He is also Head of Chambers at 2 Harcourt Buildings in London. Paul specialises in homicide, fraud, corporate crime – particularly bribery and corruption but also money laundering, cyber crime, and proceeds of crime.
He is regularly instructed by the CPS and the SFO and was on the Attorney General’s Criminal List for many years. Before his call to the bar he trained as a solicitor at a city firm (where he gained experience in all aspects of commercial law before qualifying in the commercial litigation/fraud group). He is a member of the Private Prosecutors’ Association and the Fraud Lawyers Association.

paul.cavin@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Simon Burns

Year Of Call : 1992

Simon Burns is a specialist in criminal law undertaking prosecution and defence work.

simon.burns@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Peter Coombe

Year Of Call : 1993

Peter is regularly instructed in cases of murder, manslaughter, attempted murder and other cases of serious violence.

peter.coombe@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Heather Hope

Year Of Call : 1993

Heather was called in 1993 and after having practiced in a leading criminal set in London for 22yrs, moved to the South West in 2015. Heather has prosecuted and defended in large-scale drug cases, gang violence and firearms cases along with rape and serious sexual offences. Heather has also defended and prosecuted as a led junior in murder trials at the Central Criminal Court and as leading junior counsel in numerous trials more recently. Grade 4 and RASSO panel Counsel.

heather.hope@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Mary McCarthy

Year Of Call : 1994

Mary is regularly instructed in cases of murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, rape and fraud.

“She’s an extremely good advocate, brilliant at cross-examination and very good tactically; she knows how to destroy the opposition.”
Chambers and Partners 2018

mary.mccarthy@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Nikki Coombe

Year Of Call : 1994

Nikki is a well – respected, diligent and persuasive jury advocate, having practiced criminal law since 1994 in London and Oxford before moving to the Western Circuit.
Nikki has substantial experience and expertise, both prosecuting and defending the full range of serious criminal offences including rapes, violence (including murder and manslaughter), the importation and supply of drugs, firearms and frauds. Nikki is regularly instructed in complicated or multi-handed cases, sometimes appearing against King’s Counsel (either alone or as leading counsel).

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Mary Aspinall-Miles

Year Of Call : 1999; Door Tenant

Mary is a door tenant at Walnut House.

We are happy to accept instructions on her behalf for any matters that are relevant to the Western Circuit. Her main Chambers are 12 College Place Barristers in Southampton and Mary’s full profile can be found through their site.

Mary accepts instructions for the defence and is a Grade 4 Prosecutor and on the RASSO Panel.

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Kelly Scrivener

Year Of Call : 2001

Kelly appears for both the Prosecution and Defence in all matters before the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division).

kelly.scrivener@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Bathsheba Cassel

Year Of Call : 2005

Bathsheba is a criminal barrister with a wealth of experience across all areas of complex and serious crime.

bathsheba.cassel@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Joss Ticehurst

Year Of Call : 2006

Joss Ticehurst is instructed to defend and prosecute in cases involving the most serious criminal offences in the Crown Court, particularly those relating to allegations of rape, attempted murder, multi-defendant cases involving drugs and murder, and multi-defendant cases of fraud and drug conspiracies.

joss.ticehurst@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Will Parkhill

Year Of Call : 2015

Defends serious crime.

will.parkhill@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Brian FitzHerbert

Year Of Call : 2008

Brian prosecutes and defends in all areas of criminal law. His practice encompasses murder, manslaughter, sexual offences, serious violence and organised crime. He is a Grade Four advocate on the Crown Prosecution Service Advocate Panel and is also on the RASSO and Serious Crime Panels.

brian.fitzherbert@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Felicity Payne

Year Of Call : 2010

Felicity is a criminal barrister with an established and varied practice. Felicity is thorough, practical and robust in her approach, whilst remaining personable.

felicity.payne@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Frederick Hookway

Year Of Call : 2011; Door Tenant

Frederick is a door tenant at Walnut House and lives in the South West. We are happy to accept instructions on his behalf for any matters that are relevant to the Western Circuit. His main Chambers is 5 King’s Bench Walk in London and his full profile can be found through their site.

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Catherine Daly

Year Of Call : 2015; Door Tenant

Catherine is a Door Tenant at Walnut House, accepting instructions in criminal and parole cases.

catherine.daly@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Evie Dean

Year Of Call : 2019

Evie accepts instructions in both criminal and family law. She regularly appears in the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts where she prosecutes and defends in all stages of proceedings. She also acts for parents in both private and care proceedings from application stage through to contested interim and final hearings.

Since joining Walnut House after successfully completing a twelve-month pupillage in chambers, Evie has continued to enjoy a busy and varied practice. She has been complimented on her pragmatic and personable manner with her clients.

evie.dean@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Zoe Kuyken

Year Of Call : 2021

Zoe joined chambers after successfully completing a 12 month pupillage in 2022.

Zoe accepts instructions in criminal and family law.

zoe.kuyken@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

Azzam Bhatti

Year Of Call : 2017

Azzam has a mixed Civil, Criminal and Family practice at Walnut House.

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Bethany Rickerby

Year Of Call : 2024

Beth has recently joined chambers after working for the Crown Prosecution Service for the past two years as an in-house barrister.
Prior to becoming a barrister, Beth was a solicitor for 7 years holding both civil and criminal higher rights. During her time as a solicitor Beth gained experience in criminal defence and private family work.
Beth now regularly appears in the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts where she prosecutes and defends all criminal cases.
Beth is a Level 2 CPS prosecutor. She is regularly instructed by the CPS and the police.
Beth accepts instructions in both criminal and family law.

bethany.rickerby@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile

William Glover

Year Of Call : 2025

Will is currently a second six pupil with Walnut House.

He accepts instructions in Criminal, Family and Civil Law cases.

william.glover@walnuthouse.co.uk View Profile