Sumita Mahtab-Shaikh

Sumita predominantly defends, however occasionally undertakes prosecution work too, which includes acting on behalf of the Crown, probation and Serco Monitoring Service. Sumita’s crown court practice includes trials in all areas including: Robbery, burglary, fraud, deception, threats to kill, GBH, rape, sexual assault and supply of drugs.

Recent notable cases

R v F 2007 Wood Green Crown Court

This case involved four defendants who were facing trial for conspiracy to defraud. The gang were involved in credit card cloning and skimming involving large sums of money. The trial involved evidence of a technical nature including the construction of the skimming device and mobile telephone analysis. After a four week trial the jury were unable to reach a verdict in relation to the defendant F.

R v. G 2007 Snaresbrook Crown Court

Sumita held the junior brief in this three week trial. This involved a defendant who was facing trial on a twelve count indictment for a series of stranger rapes and sexual assaults in the east London area. The trial involved numerous legal arguments including bad character, hearsay and cross admissibility.

R v. R 2007 Reading Crown Court

Sumita was instructed as junior counsel in this case which involved 6 defendants who were facing trial for conspiracy to supply cannabis on a large scale involving shipments from Holland and transfer through the UK. This case also involved various legal submissions, forensic and mobile telephone analysis. R was acquitted after a five week trial.

R v. H 2008 Oxford Crown Court

This case involved a three count indictment in relation to rape and sexual activity with a child. Cross examination of young and vulnerable complainant and witnesses had to be undertaken. The defendant was acquitted.

R v. R 2008 Oxford Crown Court

R faced trial for an allegation of conspiracy to rob. The case involved ten robberies at the homes of elderly victims with substantial aggravating features. There were legal submissions including bad character and section 78 arguments.

R v. W 2008 Oxford Crown Court

This case involved a fitness to plead hearing and a trial of issue. W suffered from a severe form of schizophrenia and was deemed unfit to plead. This case involved research into mental health law and the various disposals available.

Road Traffic Matters

Sumita also has extensive experience in defending motorists for various driving offences and is frequently instructed on a private basis. She has particular experience in special reasons hearings and exceptional hardship arguments.

Civil Practice

Sumita’s civil work includes instruction on behalf of claimants and defendants in the following matters: Personal injury (small claims to multi-track), road traffic claims, landlord and tenant and contractual disputes.

Immigration

Sumita undertakes immigration work in the areas of asylum and all entry clearance appeals as well as providing written advices in all areas.

Housing

Sumita undertakes work in this field representing both landlords and tenants of both commercial and residential tenancies. This involves attendance at hearings and written advices. She also has experience of actions against and brought by housing associations.

Contractual

R v L 2008 Central London County Court

This was a five day trial involving an action by a commercial lender against a borrower. Sumita was acting on behalf of the lender. There were various legal arguments regarding the construction of clauses of the contract and the principles of equity and unconscionable bargains. The lender was successful in its action.

Professional Memberships

Criminal Bar Association

The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn

Languages

Fluent Sylheti Bengali

Conversational hindi