Thomas Theakston
Call: 2023
Thomas Theakston
University of Law (Leeds), BPC, Outstanding (2023)
University of Law (Leeds), GDL, Distinction (2021)
Middle Temple Certificate of Honour (2023)
Middle Temple Diplock Scholar (2020 and 2021)
University of Law Career Changer Scholar (2021)
King’s College London, BA History, 2.1 (2008)
Criminal Bar Association
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Thomas has a criminal practice and accepts instructions in both prosecution and defence.
Thomas has prosecuted and defenced a wide variety of in the Magistrates’ Court, including driving offences, offences against the person, theft and dishonesty offences, sexual offences, and drug offences. He is frequently instructed in breach proceedings in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Court, and also regularly appears in the Crown Court for sentencing, bail and appeal hearings.
Thomas is a Grade 1 Prosecutor.
Reputation
Expertise
Crime
Thomas has a criminal practice and accepts instructions in both prosecution and defence.
Thomas has prosecuted and defenced a wide variety of in the Magistrates’ Court, including driving offences, offences against the person, theft and dishonesty offences, sexual offences, and drug offences. He is frequently instructed in breach proceedings in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Court, and also regularly appears in the Crown Court for sentencing, bail and appeal hearings.
Background Prior to Pupillage
Prior to pupillage, Thomas worked as Presenting Officer, representing the Home Office in the First-tier Immigration Tribunal. He appeared in a variety of matters including deportation hearings and asylum appeals. As a result, Thomas has experience of preparing cases for court, cross examination, submissions, and working with vulnerable witnesses. Whilst studying at the University of Law, Thomas volunteered with Support Through Court, providing guidance and support for litigants-in-person in civil and family matters, including helping them complete court forms, explaining court proceedings, and accompanying them to court hearings.
Notable Cases
R v H [2025] Leeds Magistrates’ Court: defence of H at trial, who was charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place. Following a successful submission by Thomas of no case to answer, the case was dismissed.
R v D [2025] Leeds Magistrates’ Court: Defence of D at sentence, who had pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving. The Crown argued a starting point of one years’ custody. Following mitigation, Thomas secured D a community order.
R v M [2025] Harrogate Magistrates’ Court: Defence of M at trial, who pleaded not guilty to failing to stop and failing to report a road traffic accident. Thomas secured acquittals to both charges.
R v J [2025] Kirklees Magistrates’ Court: Defence of J at sentence, who had been found guilty in her absence of assault by beating and racially aggravated harassment. Thomas secured a community order.
R v J [2025] Bradford Crown Court: Defence of J at his appeal against sentence. Thomas successfully ran an exceptional hardship argument, with J avoiding disqualification following a road traffic offence.
R v S [2025] Bradford Crown Court: Prosecution at sentence of a defendant charged with multiple offences, including harassment and assault emergency worker. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy8dl30w62yo
R v J [2025] Barnsley Magistrates’ Court: Prosecution of a defendant charged with public order and assault offences. Thomas secured guilty verdicts in his very first effective trial.
Clerks
