Simon Rippon

Career background 

After call, worked as a Case Review manager at the Criminal Cases Review Commission.  During his time there, was involved in completion of  the CCRC's first Section 15 investigation on the direction of the Court of Appeal, and the first Section 19 appointment of an investigating officer.

Practice details

Joined Citadel in 2011, having previously practised at St. Ive's Chambers in Birmingham.  Has established a practice which is predominantly defence, but is also instructed to prosecute. Regularly instructed to represent those charged with serious sexual offences (including historic and non-historic allegations of rape and indecent assault against children), armed robbery, significant drug importations and conspiracies to supply, fraud and other offences of dishonesty, offences against the person, and death by dangerous driving.    

Recent cases have included :

• represented the principal defendant in a 'human trafficking' case, where the victim had been lured to the UK and forced into prostitution, by violence and threats including the discharge of a firearm
• represented the respondent in R -v- Hicks [2009] EWCA Crim 733,  regarding Sexual Offences Prevention Orders 
• represented a defendant charged with rape and other serious sexual offences against 4 complainants over a span of 30 years
• represented a defendant charged with robbery,  where the issues involved facial mapping and cell site analysis
• various Proceeds of Crime Act hearings with alleged benefit figures up to £26 million
• various hearings before the Court of Appeal  (Criminal division)    
• represented a defendant charged with a series of sexual assaults upon young girls, over and under 13 years

Also accepts instructions to conduct privately funded motoring matters in the Magistrates' Court, and to appear at Coroner's inquests.

Public Access

Accredited by the Bar Council under the Public Access procedure, and in suitable cases is happy to accept instructions directly from members of the public.   Please refer to the Public Access section of the website for further information.

Continuing professional development

In the Citadel series, has lectured on Mitigation and on Identification evidence.