The Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) has reduced the sentence imposed on Daniel Staples for one count of stalking involving serious alarm and distress, following submissions by Anna Draper of QEB Hollis Whiteman.Mr Staples had originally received a sen...
Overview
Anna joined chambers in September 2023 and was called to the Bar by Middle Temple in 2021.
Crime
Anna has a growing practice in crime with experience across a range of matters both in the UK and internationally. She is regularly instructed to prosecute and defend a variety of offences including violent offences, drug offences, and sexual offences in the Crown Court and magistrates’ courts. She combines practical experience with a background in human rights and penal reform, allowing her to bring both legal and policy insight into her work.
Prior to starting pupillage, Anna worked on US death penalty cases with the charity, Amicus ALJ. She assisted in the preparation of trial and appeal documents. Whilst on placement in Dallas, Texas, she worked on final stage State and Federal Habeas appeals in capital cases. In this role, she drafted claims to the US Supreme Court on issues including insanity and racial bias and led research into the effects of environmental contamination on neurological functioning.
Inquests, Inquiries & Public Law
Anna is developing her public law practice alongside Chambers’ Inquest, Inquiries and Public Law team. She is currently instructed as junior counsel to The Lampard Inquiry, which is investigating the deaths of over 2000 mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2023.
Her international work and, particularly experience working on US death penalty cases, has also required Anna to engage with issues of constitutional law and human rights.
Regulatory and Disciplinary
Anna has experience in professional regulation, primarily representing the Nursing and Midwifery Council and assisting with research and advice in relation to proceedings involving the Solicitors Regulations Authority.
Other Experience
Anna has a particular interest in sentencing and penal reform. During her time at the Sentencing Academy (internship in 2021), she published a paper on the application of the Overarching Principles on Domestic Abuse and co-authored a literature review on mental health and sentencing. Anna has been a trustee of the Sentencing Academy since 2023.
Anna has previously provided pro bono advice and representation in civil cases concerning matters such as housing, benefits and social security through organisations such as the Free Representation Unit and Advocate. She also regularly advised defendants on civil law issues within Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and volunteered with Help Refugees UK, spending time assisting refugees in Calais.
Appointments
CPS External Advocates Panel – Grade 2
Approved NMC Counsel List
Education
Law LLB, University of York
Legal & Political Theory MA, UCL
Bar Practice Course, University of LawScholarships and Awards
The Connor Scholarship and Blackstone Entrance Exhibition
Memberships
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Amicus ALJ
Sentencing Academy
Young Fraud Lawyers’ Association
Notables Cases
The Lampard Inquiry: Investigating the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2023.
Recent Cases
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News
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The Lampard Inquiry is holding further hearings until 15th May at Arundel House and available via live stream. Nicholas Griffin KC is Counsel to the Inquiry, leading Rebecca Harris KC, Thomas Coke-Smyth, Charlotte Godber, Kyan Pucks and Anna Draper of QEB...
Articles
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The Court of Appeal has recently given guidance on the options for the criminal courts when dealing with non-attendance of counsel, particularly prosecution counsel, at hearings and at trials.In this briefing note, Philip Stott and Anna Draper of QEB Holl...
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