Robert W. Newcombe

Barrister, called to the Bar in 1996 at Lincoln’s Inn.

Robert practices in both London and the North East. 

He acts for corporate clients charged with regulatory offences and undertakes publicly funded work for individuals charged with grave crimes. He also undertakes a wide variety of civil work, including environmental, planning, contractual disputes (including construction), Enterprise Act enforcement proceedings, inquests. 

Recent lectures include:

(a) Defending Environmental Prosecutions;

(b) Criminal Justice Act 2003 Update;

(c) Obtaining Enforcement Orders under the Enterprise Act.

Robert enjoys mastering the detail of forensic expert witnesses and scientific and engineering evidence.

His approach to preparation translates into cogent written advice, clear and logical drafting and advocacy which is precise and persuasive.

Robert acts as leading junior, has represented an appellant in an appeal against conviction (rape) and been lead by Queen’s Counsel in numerous murder/ manslaughter cases. Below is a selection of recent cases.

R v V (2008) Central Criminal Court- violent disorder – fatal gangland fight.

R v A (2008) Central Criminal Court – attempted murder - acquitted

R v N (2007) Central Criminal Court    - murder, lead by Tim Barnes QC – acquitted.

Defendant driving car when another on rear seat bludgeoned deceased to death with hammer. Joint enterprise denied.

R v H (2006) Newcastle Crown Court- murder, lead by Paul Sloan QC –         

Manslaughter by reason of provocation accepted on day of trial.

R v S [2006] Court of Appeal- Appeal against murder conviction dismissed; lead by Tim Barnes QC.

R v M (2005) Central Criminal Court-  murder, lead by Nigel Baker QC – acquitted.

R v S (2005) Inner London Crown Court- firearms and class A drugs; leading junior.

R v C (2005) Teesside Crown Court- £8m, 10 handed conspiracy to defraud; (Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1998).

R v Mitchell [2004] EWCA Crim 3206 Court of Appeal- appeal against rape conviction;  

s. 41 YJCEA; temporal provisions; dismissed.

R v C (2004) Central Criminal Court– rape. Acquitted.

R v H (2004) Central Criminal Court– manslaughter, lead by Nigel Rumfit QC.

Robert also represents clients in a number of environmental situations, including:

Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Waste Management Licensing Regulations

Water Resources Act 1991

Appeals against planning enforcement

Breaches of planning enforcement

End-of-life Vehicle Regulations

Remediation Notices.

The above includes undertaking advisory work assisting solicitors, surveyors and planners and corporate clients with on-going requirements under environmental, planning and health and safety legislation.

Robert was a member of the Territorial Army between 1990 -1998. He is married with two children.