Timothy
Sapwell
Barrister | Called 1997
Practice Summary
Tim Sapwell’s practice covers homicide and other serious violent and sexual offending, and cases of the utmost sensitivity. As well as being adept at the careful handling of vulnerable witnesses and defendants, he has a specialist interest in firearms law arising out of his Army background.
Recent instructions include the successful prosecution of the stalker of Myleene Klass, in which the jury unanimously rejected expert evidence on insanity, and the high-profile prosecution of a case of religiously aggravated rape in Walsall.
Tim is a strong believer in the advantages to be gained from having a balanced practice composed of both prosecution and defence work, including being able to identify and understand the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent’s case. He has experience of conducting successful trials as the sole advocate against leaders, often Silks, and their juniors.
Tim is a Grade 4 RASSO prosecutor.
Tim’s expertise
Crime
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- General Crime
- Firearms (crime and regulatory)
Tim is a strong believer in the advantages to be gained from having a balanced practice composed of both prosecution and defence work, including being able to identify and understand the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent’s case.
His practice covers all areas of criminal law including homicide and other serious violent offending, firearms and other weapons, drugs and sexual offences.
He has a specialist interest in firearms law, including appeals against the revocation of firearms certificates.
Notable Recent Cases
R v H and G (2026) – prosecution of firearms case in the aftermath of an attempted murder. Case involving expert DNA and cell site evidence.
R v W (2025 – Birmingham Crown Court) – successful prosecution of the stalker of Myleene Klass. Insanity evidence of two psychiatrists rejected by jury after cross examination.
R v R (2025 – Leicester Crown Court) – prosecution of historic ‘DNA hit’ rape by taxi driver. Conviction secured.
R v M (2025 – Worcester Crown Court) – prosecution of rape of 16-year-old, by a 16-year-old offender. Conviction secured.
R v C (2024 – Leicester Crown Court) – prosecution of attempted murder, securing conviction of 15-year-old defendant against leader and junior counsel, before High Court judge.
R v C (2023 – Wolverhampton Crown Court) – defence rape, acquittal against opponent in Silk.
R v A (2023 – Warwick Crown Court) – prosecution of attempted rape of a child. Conviction secured. Life sentence imposed.
R v P (2022 – Wolverhampton Crown Court) – prosecution of child rape in absence of unrepresented defendant. Conviction secured. 25-year sentence imposed.
Professional Memberships
Criminal Bar Association
Crown Prosecution Service – Grade 4
Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Panel