Called to the Bar – Honourable Society of Inner Temple – 2023
Education
BA Law Hons
Bar Practice Course Distinction
Scholarships and Awards
Full Scholarship from BPP – Student ambassador
Inner Temple Debating Society Public Speaking Competition: Quarter-Final
Memberships
The Criminal Bar Association –
The Honourable Society of Inner Temple
Experience
Before joining the PDS, Jessica worked as a Prison Officer at HMP Feltham for 18 months. This experience gave her invaluable first-hand knowledge of the realities of the criminal justice system.
Prior to her time in the Prison Service, she was employed as a paralegal in a boutique criminal and civil law firm, where she had the responsibility of preparing and running cases from outset to completion.
She spent most of her childhood in Asia (Taiwan, Shanghai and Singapore). Outside of work, she enjoys running and regularly runs half marathons and full marathons. She also draws portraits in her spare time.
Notable Cases
R v K, Snaresbrook Crown Court (2025)
Represented a defendant charged with criminal damage, threatening with an offensive weapon in a public place, affray, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Despite the applicable mandatory minimum sentence of six months’ imprisonment, successfully persuaded the court that exceptional circumstances applied, resulting in a suspended sentence.
R v D, Inner London Crown Court (2025)
Represented a defendant who pleaded guilty to offences involving indecent and prohibited images of children, together with possession of extreme pornography. Following mitigation, the court imposed a community order.
R v B, Lewes Crown Court (2026)
Represented a defendant charged with robbery. Following negotiations with the prosecution, secured acceptance of a plea to theft. After mitigation, the defendant received a conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £500 compensation.
R v S, Portsmouth Crown Court (2026)
Represented a defendant charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession of Class B drugs, and possession of criminal property. Following guilty pleas and mitigation, the defendant received a three-year suspended sentence.
R v H, Portsmouth Crown Court (2026)
Represented a defendant charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession of Class B drugs, possession of criminal property, and assaulting an emergency worker. Following guilty pleas and mitigation, secured a two-year suspended sentence.
R v E, Bromley Magistrates’ Court (2026)
Represented a youth defendant charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Following a contested trial, secured an acquittal.
R v S, Ipswich Crown Court (2025)
Represented a defendant charged with grievous bodily harm who pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Despite the offence being committed whilst subject to a suspended sentence order, following mitigation the defendant received a two-year suspended sentence.
R v H, Ipswich Crown Court (2025)
Represented one of two defendants charged with robbery. Following effective cross-examination of the complainant during trial, the prosecution accepted a plea to theft.
R v P, Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court (2025)
Secured a not guilty verdict following trial for a defendant charged with exposure.
R v C, Bristol Crown Court (2026)
Represented a defendant facing sentence for perverting the course of justice, burglary, and going equipped for theft. Following mitigation, secured a 19-month custodial sentence suspended for two years.