Olivia
Appleby

Barrister | Called 2017

Olivia May Appleby

Practice Summary

Olivia has a busy practice centred around serious and complex criminal cases. Recently instructed as junior counsel in a high-profile murder case, she has been led both prosecuting and defending in complex, multi-handed conspiracies, and has also defended alone in offences linked to murder. Olivia has a good rapport with both lay and professional clients and is approachable, assertive and persuasive.

A Grade 3 RASSO prosecutor, she has considerable experience of the handling of vulnerable witnesses in sensitive cases, skills that she puts to good use when instructed to defend.

Education

    • Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Birmingham City University (First Class)
    • Bar Professional Training Course, University of Law (Very Competent)
    • Master of Laws (LLM) Professional Legal Practice, University of Law (Distinction)

Olivia’s expertise

Criminal Law

Olivia is instructed across a broad range of offences including, inter alia, serious violence and homicide, sexual offences, and complex drugs matters.

Olivia accepts both private and publicly funded work.

Notable Cases

R v A (2024, Bristol Crown Court) – defence of a young man who was charged with affray linked to murder, successful submission of no case to answer.

R v M (2024, Birmingham Crown Court) – successfully prosecuted a man accused of raping his partner whilst unconscious.

R v S (2023, Wolverhampton Crown Court) – defended a young man for his involvement in a shooting in Walsall, led by KC.

Operation Scorecard – (2022, Warwick Crown Court) – Defending in trial 1 of 4, a multi-handed drugs conspiracy lasting four weeks.

Operation Arke – (2022, Shrewsbury Crown Court) – Defending in trial 1 of 3, a multi-handed drugs conspiracy with a young and vulnerable defendant.

R v C – (2022, Wolverhampton Crown Court) – Prosecuted assault with intent to rob, dealing with cell site and ID as focal points.

R v KJ – (2021, Shrewsbury Crown Court) – Defendant accused of ill treatment of a person lacking capacity in a care home setting. After a 5 day trial, the defendant was acquitted.

R v A – (2021, Shrewsbury Crown Court) – Successful submission of no case to answer after the prosecution case was heard.

Professional Memberships
    • The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
    • Crown Prosecution Service, Grade 3 RASSO Prosecutor
Awards
    • Hardwicke Entrance Award
    • Lord Denning Scholarship
    • University of Law Wig Scholarship