Crown Advocates

As part of our commitment to prosecuting cases to the highest standards the CPS routinely deploys its own lawyers, known as Crown Advocates, to deliver high quality in-house advocacy across the full range of cases in all courts.

Crown Advocates prosecute a whole range of cases heard in the Crown Court, from straightforward thefts and assaults to serious sexual offences, complicated frauds and murders. We expect our Crown Advocates to acquire expertise in the highest profile areas of criminal law where the intellectual and professional challenges are greatest such as gun crime, violence, rape and hate crime, with increasing involvement in both complex and serious cases.

In 2011, CPS South West set up a dedicated unit of in-house Crown advocates to prosecute cases in Crown Courts across the Area. We aim to maximise the quality and value for money provided by our Crown advocates across the full range of cases, paying particular attention to the care of and communication with witnesses.

Our advocates work as a team with investigating officers and reviewing lawyers, bringing their experience together to build the best possible cases for court. In-house advocacy improves continuity of case ownership and enables CPS advocates to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of cases to victims and witnesses.

Siân-Elin Sullivan, Head of Crown Advocacy Unit

After graduating, Siân returned home to Wales to complete her articles and was admitted as a solicitor in 1986. She then joined the Gloucestershire CPS as a Crown Prosecutor and transferred to Bristol CPS in 1995.Siân was one of the first CPS solicitors to obtain the Higher Rights qualification in 1998 and has since managed teams of Magistrates and Crown Court lawyers.

In August 2011 Siân was instrumental in setting up the South West Crown Advocacy Unit and now heads the unit, supported by Robert Prosser (District Crown Prosecutor) and Stuart Fletcher (Paralegal Business Manager). Siân is also a rape specialist and the Hate Crime Co-ordinator for the South West.

Robert Prosser, Crown Advocacy Unit Manager

Robert joined the West Midlands CPS as a Crown Prosecutor In 1991, following a period in private practice predominantly focusing on commercial work. He gained his higher rights accreditation to appear in the Crown Court in 2000.

Robert moved to the South West in 2003, where he became District Crown Prosecutor in Taunton. In 2012 he was appointed to his current position as the District Crown Prosecutor lead for the South Wests Advocacy Unit in 2012.

David Gittins, Senior Crown Advocate

David has many years of advocacy experience and has prosecuted numerous offences of murder, manslaughter and rape.

He completed his pupilage with Five Fountain Court Chambers in Birmingham and was called to the Bar in 1971. David then practiced as a Defence/Prosecution barrister in Birmingham before joining the CPS in Plymouth in 1985.

He frequently advises the police in cases involving death, serious violence, fraud, drug dealing and assault and has prosecuted many times in the Court of Appeal.

David also makes a significant contribution to the training of other Crown Advocates.

James Ward

James was called to the Bar in 1999, having completed his pupillage at Lamb Building in London. Whilst practicing on the Northern Circuit, James appeared in a number of high profile cases, including defending the West Yorkshire terrorist Bilal Mohammed and the notorious Hamlet of Horrors case against Jeanne Wilding.

James joined the CPS as a Crown Advocate in 2008 and is highly experienced in prosecuting rape, child rape, sexual abuse, child cruelty, historic sexual allegations and domestic violence, often dealing with vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, including children. He is also a specialist youth prosecutor, specifically responsible for serious cases brought against youths in the Crown Court.

James has appeared for the Crown as both lead advocate and junior counsel in high profile murder cases and in the Court of Appeal before the Lord Chief Justice. He has prosecuted attempted murders involving vulnerable and disabled victims and those caught up in gang related crime, as well as serious drugs conspiracies and large scale mortgage fraud.

Julian Howells

Julian was called to the Bar in 1985 and practised on the Western Circuit until joining the CPS in 2002. He has a wide range of experience in criminal law, including as junior counsel in murder cases. Julian has a particular interest in proceedings under Proceeds of Crime legislation and is an approved pupil supervisor.

Lisa Hennessy

Lisa was called to the Bar in 2003, having completed a pupilage with the CPS in Bristol. She then practiced as a Defence barrister in Birmingham before re-joining the CPS in Gloucester in 2007.

Lisa has since gained a wealth of prosecution experience, including acting as junior on several murder cases and successfully prosecuting numerous offences of fraud, drug dealing and assault.

Before moving to the West of England and starting her legal career, Lisa worked in the media in London for more than 20 years, including London Weekend television and the BBC.

Philip Lee

Philip was admitted as a solicitor in 1988, having completed articles in St Albans, Hertfordshire. He then practiced as a solicitor in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire before joining the CPS in Cornwall in 1993. He has since acted as a junior in cases of murder and fraud and successfully prosecuting numerous offences of assault, robbery, drug supply, road fatality and sexual offences including historic child abuse.

Julian Kesner

Julian completed a pupilage with Edmund Lawson Q.C. in London and was called to the Bar in 1984. He then became a solicitor and practiced as a defence solicitor in London and Bristol before returning to the Bar in Bristol.

Julian joined the Gloucester office of the CPS in 2007. He has successfully prosecuted numerous offences of fraud, drug dealing and assault and acted as junior council in several murder cases. 

John Penny

John completed his pupilage in London and was called to the Bar in 1995. He moved to Bristol in 1998 and joined Veritas Chambers. He transferred to Brain Sinnott solicitors in 2002 before joining the CPS in 2004.

Alistair Verheijen

Alistair joined the CPS in 1993 and qualified as a solicitor in 1995. Based in our Plymouth office, he regularly deals with GBH, sexual assault, burglary and indecent image cases.