Prosecution QC
Jonas Hankin QC - Crime
Leading criminal Silk. Described in Chambers UK as an “extremely talented” advocate who has “a commanding presence in court and a profound understanding of complex cases”, and in the Legal 500 as "a heavyweight homicide practitioner”.
Homicide specialist with acknowledged expertise in cases involving complex pathology. Has established himself as one of the country’s leading prosecutors in the field of child homicide, having prosecuted a succession of high profile cases including the murder of
Daniel Pelka, described by the Vice-President of the Queen’s Bench Division as “one of the most serious offences of murder to come before the courts”.
Recent cases include the successful prosecutions of:
Endris Mohammed, for the murders of his two children aged 6 and 8 years (by smothering) and attempted murder of his partner (by arson);
Cody-Ann Jackson, for the murder of her daughter aged 2 years (by smothering);
Wayne Dale and
Lisa Passey, for the grossly negligent manslaughter of their baby aged 13 months (by drowning);
Brian Kandare and
Precious Kandare for the killing by neglect of their daughter aged 8 months (by a combination of starvation and denial of medical aid);
Tomas Driukas, for the murder of his daughter aged 4 months (by shaking);
Easton Robinson, for the manslaughter of his daughter aged 2 months (by shaking); and
Keith Brown, for the murder of his son aged 2 years (by shaking).
As well as appearing in court, advises on law and strategy, both pre-charge and at an early stage in proceedings. Advisory work tends to concern cases where clinical and/or pathological evidence is particularly complex.
Strong defence practice in challenging and high-profile cases. Recent instructions include representing:
Stephen Boorman, acquitted of the murder of a fellow inmate at HMP Long Lartin;
Frederick Gazeley, acquitted of murder of his wife (convicted by his own plea of manslaughter diminished); and
Aaron Barley, who pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, arising from a multiple stabbing at a family home in Stourbridge.
Invited to address the British Association in Forensic Medicine, the British Society of Paediatric Radiologists and the National Police Chiefs’ Council on medico-legal issues arising in child homicide cases. Selected by CPS to present a ‘Masterclass’ to prosecution advocates on the presentation of expert medical evidence.
No5 - Jonas Hankin QC - Crime
