Olivia
Appleby

Barrister | Called 2017

Olivia May Appleby

Background

Olivia has a busy practice across a broad area of criminal law. Olivia was called to the Bar in 2017 with a Very Competent grade from the Bar Professional Training Course which she completed at the University of Law Birmingham.

Prior to completing pupillage at Cornwall Street, Olivia worked for West Midlands Police as Contact Officer, at the front line answering 999 emergency calls from members of the public.

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 has developed a strong criminal practice both prosecuting and defending in and around the Midlands.

She is regularly instructed across a broad range of offences, including inter alia sexual offences, violence, theft and drugs matters.

Olivia has completed her vulnerable witness training, and therefore she is experienced in dealing with vulnerable witnesses including conducting s.28 hearings, and is regularly instructed to represent vulnerable Defendants.

Olivia regularly deals with Crown Court matters which include trials, PTPH, appeals, sentences and a variety of applications. Olivia has a good rapport with lay and professional clients and is approachable, assertive and persuasive.

Olivia accepts both private and publicly funded work.

Notable Cases

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 Prosecutor
Awards
  • Hardwicke Entrance Award  
  • Lord Denning Scholarship  
  • University of Law Wig Scholarship