Profile

SPECIALIST AREAS OF PRACTICE
Criminal Law

PROFILE
Vanessa Thomson has prosecuted and defended cases of the utmost gravity and complexity.
As junior counsel she has regularly been led in murder and manslaughter trials over the past eight years. She is fully conversant and confident with issues of disclosure, complex case preparation and advocacy in cases of this nature.
When instructed as sole counsel, Miss Thomson has prosecuted offences of:
• Attempted murder
• Historic sexual violence
• Sexual assaults and rape
• Serious violence
• Fatal road traffi c off ences
• Conspiracy
• Mortgage fraud on behalf of SOCA

She has also defended those charged with:
• Serious sexual off ences
• Conspiracy
• Firearms offences
• Fraud

Miss Thomson has extensive experience working with young and vulnerable witnesses.
In a high profile murder trial in 2010, she dealt with the evidence of a five year old child who was the youngest witness to give evidence in a murder trial in Manchester. In a recent rape trial, the complainant suffered from severe
learning and communication difficulties. As a result of a number of pre-trial meetings to look at aids to communication, and with the assistance of an intermediary, this witness’ evidence was presented with surprising clarity
before the jury.
During a three year period as a Senior Crown Advocate with the Crown Prosecution Service, Miss Thomson had the opportunity to be involved in the investigation and prosecution of serious crime from a very early stage. This
included advising investigating officers prior to arrest and dealing with the appropriate level of charge post arrest.

In her spare time, Miss Thomson is the President of her local Women’s Institute. Through her involvement with that organisation, she is involved in fundraising in her community and for local charities.