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Overview
Emilene Davis is a specialist criminal barrister. She joined the Crime Team following the successful completion of a criminal pupillage under the supervision of Rupert Russell. Emilene’s desire to practise criminal law began in 2014 when she interned with Sheldon & Flood PLC (Virginia, USA) working on high profile death penalty cases.
Emilene enjoys a diverse prosecution and defence practice. She accepts instructions in all matters of general crime including cases involving sexual offences, violence (including domestic violence), drugs and fraud. Emilene is also experienced in acting in Contempt of Court proceedings relating to breaches of civil injunctions.
Emilene is praised by those instructing for the results she achieves but also for the care and time she takes with clients and witnesses. In particular, Emilene is recognised for her ability to represent and engage with young and vulnerable individuals.
Emilene is a Grade 2 CPS Prosecutor.
In addition to a busy practice, Emilene is very passionate about diversity at the Bar and is the head of BarNone Outreach for Bristol.
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Crime
Recent Cases
- R v ND and others (2025): secured a unanimous acquittal for D2 in a two-handed jury trial that lasted 7 days. D1 and D2 were jointly charged with being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, namely cocaine. The case involved strong circumstantial evidence proving that D2 had collected a large sum of cash from D1, as well as evidence that D2 had lied during the course of the proceedings. D2 accepted collecting the cash, but denied knowingly participating in the supply of drugs.
- R v CE (2024): acted for the Crown in the case of a serial fraudster who posed as a solicitor to deceive a vulnerable woman into paying her for legal services in respect of a family court dispute. See BBC News article. [Bristol serial conwoman avoids jail for solicitor fraud – BBC News]
- R v SB (2024): represented the defendant for sentence in a s20 GBH where the victim lost his eye. Persuaded the court to pass a suspended sentence order rather than an immediate custodial sentence.
- R v SR (2024): represented the defendant, who was of previous good character, in a benefits fraud case. Made representations alongside the Defence Statement such that the Crown offered no evidence.
- R v SB (2024): represented the defendant convicted of affray and having an offensive weapon involving an axe. The defendant had numerous convictions for violence and weapons. Emilene was concerned that the defendant’s mental health had not every previously been explored. A psychiatric report was obtained and confirmed the defendant had a mental disorder such that his culpability was reduced. Emilene persuaded the court to defer sentence. Following a successful period of deferment, the defendant received a suspended sentence order.
- R v PD (2023): represented the defendant in a possession of a bladed article. The defendant had previous convictions for offences of having a bladed article such that he was at risk of receiving the mandatory minimum sentence. Upon successful representations to the prosecution, the Crown offered no evidence and the Defendant consented to a non-conviction bind over.
- R v CW (2023): represented the defendant in possession with intent to supply class A drugs. The defendant was a third striker. For his previous offences he received exceptionally lengthy sentences for his high level of involvement in very serious organised crime. Emilene successfully persuaded the court that, notwithstanding his criminal history, his present circumstances were exceptional such that the mandatory minimum of 7 years’ custody need not apply, resulting in a sentence of 3 years and 8 months’ custody.
- R v AW (2023): acted for the Prosecution in the case of a prolific shoplifter. See Bristol Live article.[Man who snatched handbags from Bristol bars had over 200 previous convictions – Bristol Live (bristolpost.co.uk)]
- R v AG (2023): prosecuted a man who drove dangerously during a 20-minute police pursuit. See Bristol Live article. [‘Atrocious’ driver led police on 20-minute chase before stinger snared him – Bristol Live (bristolpost.co.uk)]
- R v EC (2023): secured acquittal for Defendant charged with dangerous driving. The Crown’s case was that the Defendant had driven his motorcycle dangerously causing it to veer into oncoming traffic, resulting in a collision. In the alternative, the Crown claimed the driving to be careless. Emilene persuaded the lay bench that the Defendant’s driving was neither dangerous or careless, and in fact the collision was an accident, resulting in a Not Guilty verdict.
