Sue always puts the client first. She has a vast experience of life which she deploys to the benefits of all she represents. Caring, compassionate and with plenty of common sense she is someone that any Defendant would want in their corner. Hard working and dedicated to her role Sue always gives her all. However, it is her kindness and good humour that, as an advocate, I value most. Essential characteristics in the increasingly challenging world of the criminal law.
Senior barrister
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Sue over the last 12 months or so. What really stands out is her attention to detail and overall grasp of her cases. She is incredibly organised which is another huge bonus! From what I have seen, clients love her. Sue makes the time to see her clients over and above the standard ‘taking a proof’ conference. It’s clear they trust her and listen to her, vital when we are dealing with serious and complex cases that often require us to give unwelcome advice. Her wraparound care for each client is exceptional; getting defence evidence together, ensuring we are trial ready, post-trial conferences, appeal advice and so on. From start to finish Sue is thorough and hands on, always available to talk over issues and discuss the next steps. A pleasure to work with from beginning to end.
Clare Evans, 4KBW
I have been instructed by Sue on a number of gritty and somewhat complex matters with Defendants who were either vulnerable and / or needed particular assistance and support throughout their trial. Sue is never phased by requests, no matter how last-minute from court or in the lead up to the trial dealing with disclosure issues and assisting with finding relevant material.
I was particularly impressed with a bail application Sue made for a client who had nowhere to live. She went above and beyond by contacting family members and eventually securing accommodation in a bail hostel. That level of dedication and effort is not something a lot of instructing solicitors will do. I don’t know where Sue finds the time to do everything that she does, but her work is always top quality and it’s obvious that she goes the extra mile.
Sue is realistic and pragmatic in her approach to the client and the case. She is warm, personable and professional, often bringing a much-needed air of calm, good humour and comfort. These are rare and much appreciated skills and qualities in our line of work, especially when dealing with the most serious of offences such as murder and GBH.
Charlotte Godber, QEBHW
I have recently worked with Sue Head on a case of utmost complexity involving life-threatening injuries to a baby. The defendant was a vulnerable young woman with difficulties of her own. Sue’s preparation of the brief was focused and meticulous, and her client care superb. The support and assistance she gave her client was outstanding.
Martin Rutherford KC, 15NBS
I have had the pleasure of working with Miss Head for a number of years on the most complex criminal cases. Her attention to detail is excellent and no task ever seems beyond her. Her experience means that she is frequently dealing with clients facing the gravest charges but her professionalism coupled with an empathetic approach always makes my task as an advocate so much easier. At ease talking with experts, defendants and their families, court staff and counsel’s clerks, she is a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended.
John Simmons, 36 Group
Sue Head and Tom Brymer instructed me in a ‘contract killing’ murder that was tried in August 2024. Sue is a diamond! She established a brilliant relationship with the client, took full instructions from him, and attended the trial regularly. In short, all the things that solicitors used to do! She was dedicated to the client, a great support and sounding board to counsel, totally professional in all she did, and a pleasure to work with.
David Jeremy KC, QEBHW
I am pleased to write this testimonial for Sue Head, paralegal/caseworker at Reeds Solicitors.
I am a barrister and have worked with Sue since she moved to Reeds several years ago. I recall that she had many years of experience but had taken a break from the work for a few years to pursue a different career.
At the time of her return to the law, I was head of the Crown Court department at Reeds until I returned to the Independent Bar. I have therefore worked closely with Sue for a number of years.
Sue is a hugely capable and dedicated professional. She seems to deal effortlessly with even the most challenging of clients. She is efficient and organised and nothing is too much trouble for her.
Quite simply, Sue is first class in every aspect of the work. I am always delighted when I learn that I am going to be working on a new case with her. Long may she continue.
Peter Du Feu, 36 Crime
The best caseworker. You want her on your team. Simple!
There isn’t a client she cannot connect with. There isn’t a case she cannot take on and prepare to a gold standard.
Sue is a dream to work with, she goes above and beyond and that’s why you absolutely want her on your team.
Kellie Enever, Deputy Head of Chambers - Cornwall Street Barristers
Sue Head joined Reeds in 2021 in our Crown Court department based in the Oxford Office. Before joining Reeds, Sue gained a large amount of experience, which she brought with her to Reeds, whilst working for other Defence firms on a multitude of different cases. Sue completed an Honours Degree in Psychological Studies and Criminology in 2019 which has helped her to be able to look at cases from a different perspective from others who have taken a more traditional route in their legal career.
Sue has worked on numerous serious cases, including homicide, serious sexual assaults, GBH, conspiracies and drugs matters. She has been the main point of contact for her Crown Court clients, routinely managing cases from their plea hearing all the way to Trial and/or sentence.
Working closely with Barristers from across the Southeast and London, Sue arranges conferences with clients and Counsel as well as attending prison visits to take instructions. This is a crucial part of the preparation and requires careful consideration of the evidence to ensure that key parts of the case are identified. She has significant experience in drafting documents such as bail applications and witness statements. She also identifies and instructs experts in various fields, as well as preparing other applications to the Court. She attends prison or Court where needed, attends conferences to support clients and advises them during their case to ensure that they can get the best possible results.
Sue is very approachable and believes that client care is at the forefront of the service Reeds provide. She has excellent communication and interpersonal skills always being compassionate and showing empathy to people who find themselves in the Crown Court. Sue has superb knowledge of dealing with youths who has been sent to the Crown Court, including those with neurodiverse diagnoses and clients with mental health difficulties.
Recent and notable cases
R -v- BR (2023) – representing a Defendant accused of attempted Robbery and GBH. BR was unanimously acquitted of all counts after Trial at Reading Crown Court. The case was originally reported in the local press and can be accessed here.
R -v- SK (2024) (Operation Ilchester) – representing a defendant accused of a contract killing murder after a hit and run, heard in Reading Crown Court.
R -v- AJR (2024) – Litigating on behalf of a vulnerable female whose ex-partner and Co-Defendant caused serious injuries to their 9 month old daughter. AJR pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court to allowing the child to suffer serious physical harm. Her Co-Defendant pleaded guilty to Causing/Allowing a Child to Suffer Serious Physical Harm, and three Counts of Section 18 GBH with intent. Their sentence is pending.
R -v- SG (2024) – Representing a Defendant who pleaded guilty to false Imprisonment and S18 GBH. SG pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 9 years custody, with 3 years extended licence.
R -v- SP (2022) (Operation Sedate) – Representing a young mother jointly charged with 7 others in a large scale supply of high purity cocaine. She received a sentence of 5 years imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court. Following a successful Appeal her sentence was reduced to 4 years. Oxfordshire woman jailed for storing cocaine at Banbury flat | Oxford Mail Drug supplier Richard Gray’s girlfriend wins jail time appeal | Oxford Mail
R -v- CW (2024) – following a guilty plea to the allegation of possession with intent to supply Cannabis in 2022, CW was given a Suspended Sentence Order at Oxford Crown Court.
R -v- KA (2024) – representing a client who had raped a university student in a graveyard. He received a custodial sentence of 12 years and an extended licence period of 5 years. Oxford churchyard rapist jailed for 12 years – BBC News
R -v- RV (2024) – Sue represented a client who had allegedly blackmailed the complainant, but was acquitted after Trial.
R -v- TA (2024) – ABH, criminal damage, intentional strangulation and sexual assault – The client pleaded guilty to the majority of the offences and was acquitted of the sexual assault. He was sentenced to 2 years in custody.
R -v- MO (2023) – Representing a client facing allegations of rape x7, indecent assault x5 and incest.
R -v- BH (2024) – litigating for BH who was alleged to have committed controlling coercive behaviour. He was acquitted after Trial.
R -v- LC (2024) – LC was charged alongside her son, RC, of being Concerned in the Supply of Class A Drugs. An application was made to the Crown to reassess their case against LC and the matter against her was dismissed.
R -v- NE (2024) – representing the client who pleaded guilty to Causing/Allowing a Child to Suffer Serious Physical Harm which included several injuries to his 11 week old son. He was sentenced to 16 months in custody.
R -v- RZ (2024) – the client had been accused of assault against his partner. After significant representations made to the Crown Prosecution Service they offered no evidence and the client was immediately released from custody.
R -v- KK (2024) – Represented a vulnerable 17 year old for Possession with Intent to Supply in Reading Crown Court. The client received a Suspended Sentence Order.
R -v- RE (2023) – client pleaded guilty to a series of burglaries, fraud and possession of heroin in July 2022. He was sentenced to a 3 year Community Order, including time in a rehabilitation placement.
R -v- AS (2020) – representing a client charged with Assault by Penetration and Rape. AS was acquitted of all matters.
R -v- LM (2022) – litigating for a client charged with Theft x 2/Theft of Motor Vehicle/Fraud by False representation. Following a psychiatric assessment, the client was deemed unfit to plead and stand Trial and the Crown determined that it was not in the public interest to continue with the case and no evidence was offered.
R -v- ** (2024) – representing a youth with learning difficulties facing allegations of rape of his girlfriend. The client received a 36 month Youth Rehabilitation Order.
R -v- CR (2023) – representing a vulnerable female with learning difficulties charged with engaging in Sexual Activity in front of a child. Having pleaded guilty, she rec
Testimonials
Very good service, they knew exactly what they were doing, very friendly service. They got my life back.
Client
Got me all my evidence instead of bits and pieces. Friendly, fair and good service, will definitely be using in the future.
Client