Lydia Stephens

Lydia is a Grade 2 prosecutor for the CPS. She has prosecuted trials and lists in the Magistrates’ Court across a wide range of offences.

Lydia has also prosecuted a full range of hearings in the Crown Court including: PTPHs, complex sentences, ground rules hearings and proceedings brought under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Recent cases include R v AG where she prosecuted a complex series of committals for sentence involving a young defendant who crossed several relevant age thresholds and had committed a large and significant range of offences including violence, weapons and motoring. Lydia produced a 35-page sentencing document outlining the relevant law, guidance and ancillary matters to assist in the sentencing hearing; and R v SYF where she successfully prosecuted a hearing brought under s.22 of the Proceeds of Crime Act. The Crown sough a variation of a previous confiscation order after it was found that some of the seized assets had a value higher than originally thought.

Lydia has defended a wide range of offences in the Magistrates Court at first appearance, trial and sentence including drugs; weapons; violence and sexual offences. She has also appeared in the Youth Court representing youths at first appearance and other types of hearings.

Lydia has often been instructed in trials at short notice and is able to deal with the information quickly and effectively in order to provide a high level of advocacy. She is able to advise on applications which might be appropriate and to prepare those quickly. 

In addition, Lydia has appeared regularly in the Crown Court for PTPHs, bail applications and sentences, delivering concise and persuasive submissions to achieve the best outcome for the client.

Recent cases include:

• R v LR: Represented a young defendant charged with a domestic assault by beating at trial in the Magistrates’ Court. During cross-examination of the complainant and an independent witness Lydia was able to note inconsistencies between their accounts. Following a compelling closing speech on those inconsistencies the Court acquitted the defendant.
• R v AK: Represented a defendant in the Crown Court for breach of a suspended sentence order. Notwithstanding the accepted breach, Lydia mitigated on the defendant’s behalf and persuaded the Court not to activate the SSO. The breach was instead marked by way of a fine and the order allowed to continue with reduced conditions.
• R v VD: Represented a defendant at a special reasons hearing in the Magistrates’ Court. The defendant had driven a significant distance whilst over the legal alcohol limit. Lydia presented the defendant’s case as to how she drove whilst drunk to escape a domestic assault at her home. Special reasons were found and the defendant was not disqualified.
• R v ST: Represented a defendant who was charged with common assault upon a family member in the Magistrates’ Court. The evidence of the alleged assault was captured in part on the BWV of an officer and was of a tenuous but compelling nature. Lydia succeeded in persuading the Crown to offer no evidence in exchange for an agreed non-conviction restraining order under s.5 Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
• R v RD: Represented a defendant charged with obstructing a police officer at a first appearance. The defendant had provided a false alibi on behalf of another who was under police investigation. After the defendant pleaded guilty Lydia mitigated on the defendant’s behalf and they received a conditional discharge.
• R v RM: Represented a defendant charged with common assault at trial in the Magistrates’ Court. During cross-examination of the complainant Lydia was able to undermine their account by noting inconsistencies in their two witness statements and their evidence in chief. The Court found there was room for doubt and the defendant was acquitted of that charge.
• R v AB: Defended a sentence in the Crown Court whereby the defendant faced a significant period in custody for strangulation. Lydia persuaded the Court to accept an adjournment for the preparation of an expert report to assess the defendant for any mental health issues and the impact they may have had on his culpability. 

Lydia regularly represents clients in applications for non-molestation orders and private children proceedings. 

Prior to pupillage Lydia gained extensive pro bono experience as a volunteer at Support Through Court at the Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre. She also has a long-standing interest in family law and she actively welcomes instructions in this area.

Lydia’s practice in criminal law where she deals with highly emotive issues, clients from a wide range of backgrounds who are in very stressful circumstances, and allegations of domestic abuse, has equipped her with the skills needed to undertake instructions in this area.

Lydia is building her experience in civil cases. Lydia has experience of prosecuting and defending regulatory matters in the Magistrates’ Court. She has prosecuted and defended cases arising from failure to adhere to licensing conditions under the Housing Act 2004. Her familiarity with the rules and procedure in the Magistrates' Court makes her a natural choice for work of this type. 

Before commencing pupillage Lydia undertook pro bono at Support Through Court at the Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre. She gained experience of helping and advising clients on their cases which included housing and personal injury matters.

To instruct Lydia in criminal matters, please contact Stephen Bush.

For family instructions, please contact Jay Dorton. 

In civil cases, please contact Rob Johnstone.