Richard
Thatcher
Richard has practised solely in crime for 30 years. He both defends and prosecutes serious matters, in particular, violence, drug trafficking and sexual offences, often in cases with young and vulnerable witnesses.
CPS Level 4 Prosecutor
Member of the RASSO CPS Advocate Panel
Criminal Bar Association
Midland Circuit
Inner Temple
Accredited Pupil Supervisor
Richard
Thatcher
Called in 1989 Richard practises in the Crown Courts throughout the Midlands. He is a busy and well respected member of the Midland Circuit
Richard is an highly effective jury advocate and is consequently sought after by both the Prosecution and Defence.
He has both prosecuted and defended in multi-handed cases of drug trafficking and firearms.
As a member of the RASSO panel at grade 4 Richard both prosecutes and defends serious sexual offences, particularly allegations involving young and vulnerable witnesses.
In addition, Richard has acted in matters of serious violence and fatal driving cases.
Other Interests
Richard hopes one day to see Bath Rugby win anything once again. Failing that he will continue to follow the England cricket team, although that is never a smooth experience.
Murder & Manslaughter
R v Cornelius Brown
Prosecution of defendant for murder. Appeared as sole counsel for the Crown
R v Buckley and Williams (2020)
Junior counsel in gang related killing.
Violence
R v Butterworth
Successful defence of man charged with section 18 having struck the complainant to the head with a 4lb lump hammer.
Consideration of the effect of prescribed anti-smoking medication in combination with alcohol and the effect upon ability to form the requisite intention
Organised Crime
R v Thompson (2019)
(Operation Trent) – defence in a conspiracy to transfer firearms
R v Leversedge
The creation of an IED from copper coins. The device was set off close to a political office
Drugs
Operation Quartz (2017)
Prosecution of 19 defendants in a class A conspiracy. Appeared as lead counsel.
R v Singh (2018)
Prosecution of 5 defendants for class B offences. Appeared as lead counsel.
Operation Clubman (2020)
Appeared for defendant in multi- handed class A drug conspiracy.
Operation Virtuality (due to start 2021)
Representing a defendant in a large scale drugs and firearm conspiracy.
Rape & Serious Sexual Offences
R v Livesley
prosecution of rape allegation. Defence of parasomnia
R v Robinson
Prosecution of a rape allegation. Complainant had suffered a brain injury as a baby such that 99.9% of the population functioned at a higher level.
R v Jelly (2021)
Late complaint of historic abuse in the context of a continuing and abusive relationship with the defendant.
Road Traffic
R v Leach and Allen
Prosecution of 2 defendants for causing death by dangerous driving. Nationally reported as the factual nexus referred to the film ‘The Fast and the Furious’.
