Zoe Heron

In addition to her extensive experience in criminal defence, Zoe has a proven track when dealing with Military Law matters. These include assisting military personnel facing disciplinary action known as AGAI 67 and representing clients facing court martial proceedings. Her dedication to her clients means she works tirelessly to ensure her clients receive the highest level of service.

Below are the court martial cases she has been instructed on:

R v ex L.Cpl. F (2026) – Client accused of fraud by false representation

R v Capt. D (2025) – Client accused of three allegations of sexual assault.

R v J (2025) – Client was a teacher serving in an Armed Forces school in Germany in the 1980’s. He was facing multiple historic allegations of sexual assaults from his former pupils. The case was of considerable complexity and required extensive preparation.

R v AS1. T (2025) – Client was accused of two offences of sexual assault against a female friend whilst she stayed overnight in his bedroom.

R v L.Cpl. M (2025) – Client accused of rape whilst stationed in Kenya, he was acquitted after trial.

R v Flt Lt. R (2025) – Client accused of rape and sexual assault following a Mess Dinner.

R v Cpl. N (2024) – Client accused of importing psychoactive drugs from the Netherlands. The case involved detailed scrutiny of his internet activity.

R v Flt Lt. H (2024) – Client accused of sexual assault in a nightclub.

R v ex-Rfn S (2024) – Client accused of conspiracy to supply a substantial quantity (overall approx. 1kg) of class A drugs to other members of the services over many months. The case involved a considerable volume of phone messages and other such data from which the police.

R v AS1. J (2023) – Client faced charges of grooming children over the internet including possessing indecent images. Following an expert report and representations the prosecution could not prove the images were indecent as they could not prove the ages.

R v S.Sgt B (2023) – Client faced charges of assault of a subordinate. He was able to argue that he was not involved in any assault, and his interactions were reasonable and proportionate.

R v Tpr. R (2023) – Client faced allegations of possessing indecent images of children.

R v S.Sgt P (2023) – Successful appeal relating to a conviction of ill treatment of a subordinate.

R v Cpl D (2022) – Client accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

R v S.Sgt. H (2022) – Client accused of two offences of fraud arising from representations that he had made in connection with his Forces Help to Buy Loan and wrongful receipt of allowance of Get You home Travel.

R v G (2022) – Client accused of sexual assault.

R v Spr R (2021) – Client was one of three servicemen alleged to have assaulted senior officers in Austria.

R v AC JP (2020) – Client was one of three aircraftsmen charged with harassment and bullying of another during Phase One training.

R v AC K (2020) – Client and another aircraftsman were jointly charged with the rape of a female in her ground floor room in female accommodation.

Zoe has also assisted clients facing AGAI proceedings, ranging from an initial advice consultation to representation in person at a Review Hearing before an Army General.

Zoe also undertakes instructions with regards to pre charge engagement. Below are an example of her recent work:

R v SM (2026) – Representations made to the police resulting in no further action for client facing allegations of possessing indecent images.

R v DC (2026) – Representations made to the police resulting in no further action for client, a vulnerable adult, facing allegations of historic sexual abuse.

R v DC (2026) – Representations made to the police along with a defence bundle undermining the case resulting in no further action for client facing allegations of stalking and controlling & coercive behaviour.

R v MC (2025) – Representations and a defence bundle undermining the case, resulting in no further action for client facing false allegations of stalking, controlling & coercive behaviour and rape.

R v S (2024) – Successfully secured a “No Further Action” outcome for our client in a sensitive revenge porn investigation. Initially accused of threatening to disclose a private image, our client had been represented by another firm during the interview. Zoe was instructed to review the case and expertly advised on drafting a comprehensive letter of representations to the police regarding the law.

In addition to pre charge engagement Zoe often advises clients who have been offered a community resolution order. You can find out more about these here:

Community Resolution Solicitor | Expert legal advice

Below are a few matters Zoe has recently been instructed on:

Case One – 2026

Matter involving a 12-year-old with learning difficulties. He produced a ruler in his one-one class which had been broken and alleged to look like a knife. This was confiscated and the matter reported to the police. The police put considerable pressure on the family to accept a youth community resolution order. Significant representations were made by Zoe stating the criteria was not met, no admissions had been made and no crime had occurred, in addition to the fact the public interest test was not met. The matter resolved in no further action without an interview.

Testimonial received from the mother in this case:

“I really wanted to thank you for all you have done for *****. The last representations you sent to the police on his behalf was powerful and I am sure this made them reconsider the case. 

We are incredibly blessed as a family that people including yourself, went above and beyond in advocating for ***** on this matter and I am incredibly appreciative for all of your support.

You were very kind and professional when we contacted you and explained what Community Resolution Order meant. I am glad we did contact you and hope others in a similar situation do so to prevent their children inappropriately ending up in the criminal justice system as ***** nearly did.”

Case Two – 2025

A youth community resolution order had been issued to an 11-year-old following an allegation of assault whilst out playing with friends outside his home address. Significant representations were submitted to the chief commissioner of the police force to rescind the youth CRO on the basis it had been improperly issued, this included the submission of ring doorbell footage evidencing the police’s conduct and signed witness statements from the parents. The CRO was formally rescinded, and the matter resolved with no further action.

Case Three – 2025

Following a family argument between a father and son (both adults) the police were called to a home address whereby they arrested the son who was interviewed denying the allegation of assault, citing self defence, furthermore no statement or accusation had been made by the father. A CRO was offered as a resolution which was opposed on the grounds the criteria had not been met as no crime occurred and no admissions made. The matter resolved with no further action.

The Police Misuse of Community Resolutions – Reeds Solicitors

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Zoe is a highly experienced private client lawyer specialising in defending individuals accused of sexual offences. With a focus on historic sexual offences, serious sexual allegations, and cases involving indecent images of children.

Zoe’s commitment to providing robust and strategic defence makes her a trusted advocate for individuals facing serious criminal charges.

An Example of Zoe’s Sexual Offence Work

R v LB (2024) – Successful Defence Against Sexual Assault Allegation Captured on CCTV.

Zoe Heron (litigator) and Lucy Tapper (advocate) successfully defended a client facing serious sexual assault allegations, with key evidence captured on CCTV. In this high-profile case, a conviction could have ended both his career and business. Our expert legal team demonstrated there was no sexual intention, leading to a complete acquittal after trial at Northampton Crown Court.

R v S (2024)
Zoe successfully secured a “No Further Action” outcome for her client in a sensitive revenge porn investigation. Initially accused of threatening to disclose a private image, her client had been represented by another firm during the interview. Zoe was instructed to review the case and expertly advised on drafting a comprehensive letter of representations to the police.

R v M (2022) – Zoe successfully litigated on behalf of a soldier facing serious allegations of sexual assault. Through expert legal representations made to the Service Prosecution Authority (SPA), Zoe secured a discontinuation of the case, ensuring that the charges were dropped. Her strategic litigation and in-depth knowledge of military law led to a favourable outcome for the client.

R v G (2022) – Zoe successfully represented a soldier facing two charges of sexual assault in a high-profile Court Martial case tried at Court Martial Bulford. After a two-day trial, the client was acquitted of all charges.

R v F (2020) – Zoe successfully represented a client facing a four-count indictment for historic sexual abuse dating back to 2002. After a comprehensive five-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court, the client was acquitted of all charges. Her strategic approach and meticulous case preparation assisted counsel in securing the acquittals, highlighting her expertise in handling complex and sensitive criminal cases involving historical sexual abuse allegations.

Zoe has extensive experience representing individuals accused of a wide range of offences against the person, from Common Assault to Murder. Zoe has successfully achieved not guilty verdicts after trial in serious cases, including both Murder and Attempted Murder charges. Zoe is dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for her clients, regardless of the complexity or severity of the allegations.

An Example of Zoe’s Work Covering Offences Against the Person

R v W (2024) – Successful Defence for Serving Soldier in Assault Case

Zoe successfully litigated a case involving a serving soldier in a multi allegation domestic case against his ex-partner. After a rigorous trial at Oxford Crown Court, our client was acquitted of all charges. With expert legal strategy and detailed case preparation, we ensured a favourable outcome for our client, preserving his reputation and career.

R v K (2024) – Made successful representations to the police in an assault by beating case, where a community order resolution had initially been offered. By highlighting the lack of evidence and demonstrating that the case was not eligible for such a resolution, Zoe secured the dismissal of the case, resulting in no further action being taken.

R v D (2022) – Successfully litigated a case involving a soldier facing a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a colleague. After a two-day trial at Court Martial Catterick, the client was acquitted after successfully raising self-defence.

R v W (2022) – Expertly represented a soldier charged with fighting under the Armed Forces Act 2006. Through strategic representations to the Service Prosecution Authority (SPA), Zoe secured the dismissal of the case just one week before the trial was set to begin.

R v T (2021) – Successfully litigated on behalf of a client facing a three-count indictment, including charges of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, and grievous bodily harm without intent. After a nine-day trial at Luton Crown Court, Zoe, along with counsel, achieved a full acquittal on all counts, securing a favorable outcome for her client.

R v S (2019) – Successfully litigated a high-profile case at Oxford Crown Court, defending a client charged with murder, conspiracy to murder, fraud, and burglary. Through expert legal strategy, Zoe, along with junior counsel and Queens Counsel secured a full acquittal on all charges, ensuring a favorable outcome for her client.

Zoe has a keen expertise in cross-examination and delivering compelling closing speeches, she effectively presents her client’s case with clarity and conviction. Zoe is also highly respected for her strategic legal arguments, particularly in cases involving “no case to answer” submissions, where her persuasive representations can lead to favourable outcomes.

R v D (2022) – Zoe successfully represented a client charged with driving without insurance at High Wycombe Magistrates Court. The client was facing a driving disqualification due to totting up penalty points. Zoe skilfully argued exceptional hardship, highlighting the impact of a disqualification on the client’s livelihood and family. As a result of her persuasive legal representation, the court decided not to impose a driving disqualification, allowing the client to retain their driving license.

R v C (2022) – Zoe successfully submitted an abuse of process legal argument for a client charged with drug driving at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court. Through her expert legal strategy, Zoe demonstrated significant flaws in the prosecution’s case, leading to the prosecution offering no evidence. This resulted in the charge being dropped, showcasing Zoe’s skill in challenging legal processes and securing favourable outcomes for her clients in complex motoring offence cases, including drug driving charges.