Sian Hukin is a Solicitor working in our complex crime team in Manchester.
Sian regularly represents clients in the initial stages of their cases, advising clients in police station interviews and at the Magistrates Court. She also undertakes Crown Court work and has particular interest in violent crime and sexual offences. Sian puts empathy at the centre of her work and aims to make clients feel listened to and respected throughout their engagement with the Criminal Justice System.
Sian is passionate about accommodating and supporting vulnerable clients. She carefully tailors her interactions with clients to be mindful of how any mental health issues, disabilities or neurodivergence may impact their communication needs. She prides herself on regularly attending conferences and seminars to further her knowledge on how particular conditions may impact a client’s experience of the Criminal Justice System so that she can appropriately approach and support her clients throughout their cases.
While undertaking her masters degree, Sian volunteered at Greater Manchester Law Centre to represent clients in Social Security Appeals. She is therefore familiar with the many ways the social care system can fail to adequately support people with disabilities or additional needs. She has also previously completed voluntary work for JENGbA and the Prisoner’s Advice Service. Sian is diligent and doggedly driven to challenge injustice and fight for her clients’ best interests.
Sian is also a committee member of Young Legal Aid Lawyers and sits as a member of the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board. She hopes to be a driving force for change within the Criminal Justice System, aiming to improve the experience of all her clients through both her advocacy and work on influencing Ministry of Justice Policy.
Sian received the Brachers Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Access to Justice by a Kent Law Clinic Student in 2016 and received the Social Sciences Faculty Prize in 2016. She was granted a scholarship for academic excellence during her undergraduate degree at the University of Kent.
Recent and notable cases
R v CC – Client with FASD facing a charge of burglary while already serving a custodial sentence. Sian took time to carefully and methodically advise the client about the case against him before his hearing commenced. She accounted for the fact that his FASD meant he could take longer to absorb information and relayed her advice in a clear and concise manner to avoid any confusion.
In his hearing, Sian managed to persuade the magistrates that the client’s vulnerabilities had played a large role in his involvement in the crime in question. The client was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment to be served concurrently to the sentence he was already serving in custody. This meant that he did not have to serve any additional time in custody for this offence and his release date was unaffected by these proceedings.
R v KB – Client with autism charged with Intentionally Interfering with a the Performance by a Member of Cabin Crew Member’s Duties. Sian worked closely with Sarah Hussell of Lincoln house Chambers to help this client feel adequately prepared and supported ahead of her sentencing hearing. A video conference was arranged in advance of her hearing to allow her to meet her barrister and ask questions outside the stressful environment of the court .
Sian recognised the huge detrimental impact delays and uncertainty could have on this client as a result of her autism. She and Sarah therefore tailored their advice to reflect the client’s needs and carefully took her through what to expect from the hearing including the procedure and potential outcomes. This led to the client experiencing less anxiety about her sentencing hearing, enabling her to remain composed within the court room.
R v SQ – Client with OCD charged with Conspiracy to Import Class A Drugs. Sian supported a senior solicitor and two senior barristers in preparing this complex VHCC case.
As a result of his OCD, this client wanted the bundle for his case to be prepared in a very specific way. Sian was the daily point of call for the client throughout his trial and liaised with him and the other members of the team to prepare his trial bundle in accordance with his instructions. Sian made sure to clearly explain to the client why some of the client’s proposals and requests could not be actioned, keeping him up to date on the daily workings of his case. This enabled the client to retain a sense of control over his case whilst in custody, ultimately helping to improve his relationships with his barristers. Clearly explaining why things could not be presented in a specific format or may not ultimately further his case, helped to alleviate some of the anxiety experienced by the client in relying on others to prepare materials on his behalf.
Testimonials
Very Good. Don’t Sugar coat nothin'. Tell you as it is. Highly recommend. 10/10
CC, Client
Very Good. Don’t Sugar coat nothin'. Tell you as it is. Highly recommend. 10/10
CC, Client
Very Good. Don’t Sugar coat nothin'. Tell you as it is. Highly recommend. 10/10
CC, Client
Very Good. Don’t Sugar coat nothin'. Tell you as it is. Highly recommend. 10/10
CC, Client
Very Good. Don’t Sugar coat nothin'. Tell you as it is. Highly recommend. 10/10
CC, Client