Our Manchester sexual offences team takes a proactive approach when representing individuals under investigation. At this early stage, careful strategy can be critical in shaping how a case develops and whether a prosecution can be avoided altogether. We work closely with clients to examine the full context of an allegation, identify defence material such as digital communications or independent witnesses, and highlight evidential weaknesses that can be raised directly with investigators.
Our team has extensive experience preparing detailed written representations to Greater Manchester Police, often leading to cases being discontinued before charge.
If you have been interviewed and released on bail, or placed under investigation without charge, we offer clear fixed-fee packages which may include:
- Representation at any further police station interview in Manchester
- A detailed review of your initial interview, together with advice on next steps
- Assessment of potential defence evidence and early case strategy
- Support in identifying and securing material that has not been pursued or has been overlooked during the investigation
- Preparation of written representations to the police, including challenges to weak evidence or requests for an out-of-court disposal such as a caution, supported by relevant mitigation
- Direct communication with the officer in the case, including updates on bail extensions
- Applications to vary or remove bail conditions where necessary
- Practical guidance on preparing for potential outcomes and protecting your position throughout the investigation
The police sometimes request a voluntary interview, even for sexual offences. This often usually involves historic sexual allegations, where an arrest is not necessary in order to secure evidence. Due to the serious nature of sexual offences, we strongly advise you to obtain legal representation for any voluntary interview.
When instructed, we seek to obtain disclosure from the investigating officer about the allegation in advance. A pre-interview conference with your solicitor before attending the police station can significantly reduce understandable anxiety and help ensure you are properly prepared.
We regularly attend interviews across Manchester, including at:
- North Manchester (Central Park) Police Station
- Cheadle Heath Police Station
- Swinton Police Station
- Pendleton Police Station
- Ashton Police Station
- Middlewich Police Station
- St Anne’s Police Station
- Belle Vale Police Station
- Blacon Police Station
- Blackpool Police Station
- Preston Police Station
- Bury Police Station
- Longsight Police Station
- Copy Lane Police Station
- St Asaphs Police Station
Our lawyers regularly represent clients before Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Tameside Magistrates’ Court and Salford Magistrates’ Court, and our team has extensive experience across the full spectrum of sexual offence cases.
Being instructed at an early stage allows us to obtain court papers as soon as they become available and to carry out a detailed review of the prosecution evidence, helping clients understand the process and prepare effectively for the hearing ahead.
Careful preparation and clear advice can ease some of the uncertainty that often comes with attending court for the first time and place clients in the strongest possible position when their case is called on.
Whether your case proceeds to Manchester Crown Court (Crown Square), Manchester Crown Court (Minshull Street) or Bolton Crown Court for trial or sentence, our team can provide specialist representation at every stage of the proceedings. We work closely with a number of highly regarded barristers’ chambers and always instruct advocates with significant experience in defending serious sexual offence cases.
We offer flexible advocacy options – from experienced in-house advocates and junior counsel through to leading King’s Counsel – enabling us to recommend a barrister whose expertise, style and fee structure are aligned with the needs of your case.
