Jessica Strange is a specialist criminal practitioner who has a well balanced practice defending and prosecuting in all types of criminal cases. She has a wealth of experience including cases involving serious violence, serious sexual offences and drug supply.

Many of the cases Jessica deals with involve young and vulnerable people. Her down to earth approach enables her to reassure defendants and bring out the best in them at trial particularly when representing those who are inexperienced or have additional needs.

She also regularly cross examines young and vulnerable witnesses in line with the appropriate tool kits which are now used in all courts. She is now very experienced in the pre-recorded cross examination of young and vulnerable witnesses at Leeds Crown Court as part of the national pilot scheme of the provisions of section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (YJCEA).

Jessica is a very able advocate and is known for fighting hard for those she represents both in court and during negotiations. With a thorough grasp of the law she gives sound, comprehensible legal advice. She is hardworking and believes in thorough case preparation. She provides an early written advice in all appropriate cases and deals with applications and other paperwork promptly.

She also accepts instructions from the Probation Trust and from local authorities.

Notable Cases

  • R -v- F - Rape

    Representing a defendant in relation to historical charges of rape against his then wife, when he was a village vicar.  Acquitted of all counts after a five day trial.

  • R -v- H - Rape

    Representing a young man accused of rape following a night out with friends, where he and others then went to the complainant’s house.  Acquitted following a five day trial.

  • R v M - Rape

    Representation of a man accused of rape and other sexual offences against his seven year old step daughter. Cross examination of the child was pre-recorded in line with section 28 YJCEA. The defendant was acquitted on all counts after trial.

  • R v B - Sexual offences

    Representation of a young female defendant accused of offences of inciting sexual activity with a child. Involved a young complainant and witnesses with learning disabilities. The cross examination of three witnesses was pre-recorded in line with section 28 YJCEA. The defendant was acquitted on all counts after trial.

  • R v S - Wounding

    Representation of a 16 year old defendant with similar previous convictions accused of section 18 wounding of a 16 year old and possession of a knife. Cross examination of the complainant was pre-recorded in line with section 18 YJCEA. The defendant was acquitted of all counts after trial.

  • R v B - Sexual offences

    Representation of a man accused of six counts of indecent assault. Historic allegation made by his step daughter who would have been aged between 8 and 11 at the time. Defendant acquitted on five of the six counts after trial.

  • R v T - Sexual assault

    Representation of a man accused of multiple sexual assaults on a child over years. Historic allegation made by his grand daughter who would have been aged between 11 and 16 at the time. Defendant acquitted on all counts after trial.

  • R v C - Sexual offences

    Representation of a young defendant of good character accused of historic sexual assaults against his younger sister. Defendant acquitted after trial.

  • R v B - Abduction

    Representation of a defendant with mental health difficulties accused of abducting a number of young children. Demonstrated to the jury’s satisfaction that whilst the defendant had committed the act he was accused of he was ‘insane’ at the time according to the ‘McNaghten Rules’.

  • R v G - Robbery

    Representation of a young and vulnerable Defendant accused of robbery. Demonstrated at a pre-trial hearing that defendant was unfit to plead due to severe learning difficulties. Ultimately demonstrated to the jury that defendant had not committed the act he was accused of in any event.

  • R v T - Racially aggravated harassment

    Representation of a defendant of good character accused of racially aggravated harassment against an employee. Defendant acquitted after trial.

  • R v S - Wounding

    Prosecution of a young female defendant accused of stabbing a woman she discovered in bed with her ex-boyfriend. The defendant was convicted of wounding after a trial.

  • R v S - Assault

    Prosecution of a care home worker accused of assaulting a vulnerable, elderly resident who was suffering from dementia. Complainant had passed away before the case came to trial. Defendant convicted after trial and sentenced to immediate custody.

  • R v CW - Armed robbery

    Prosecution of a man accused of robbing supermarket cashier at knifepoint. Case concluded with the entry of a late guilty plea.

  • R v H, W & L - Assault

    Prosecution of three defendants accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a soldier after a night out. Claims of self defence were rejected by the jury and all three defendants convicted.

  • R v K & Others - People trafficking

    Defence of one of twelve defendants accused of people trafficking and modern slavery offences over a five year period. After several weeks of evidence had been heard some defendants pleaded guilty and the Crown offered no evidence against Miss Strange’s defendant.

  • R v L - Assault

    Defence of man who pleaded guilty to poisoning his wife on more that one occasion, and of secretly taking photographs of her in their bedroom whilst she was dressing and undressing. A suspended sentence was secured following lengthy and detailed mitigation.

Practice Areas

Appointments & Memberships

  • CPS Level 4 Prosecutor
  • Criminal Bar Association
  • North Eastern Circuit
  • Inner Temple

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