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Call: 1988

Fiona Elder

Albion Chambers

Broad Street Bristol BS1 1DR

Email
  • Overview

    Fiona Elder is a specialist in criminal law undertaking prosecution and defence work throughout the South West. She is a CPS panel advocate level 4 prosecutor.

    Fiona also has extensive practices in inquests and professional disciplinary work.

  • Crime

    Fiona has a particular interest in cases involving violent and sexual allegations, and those cases which involve juveniles and persons with mental health difficulties (whether defendant or victim). Fiona has considerable experience in dealing with cases which involve a determination of a defendant’s fitness to plead.

    She has, as sole counsel, successfully prosecuted multi-handed trials alleging murder and attempted murder.

    Fiona has considerable experience in representing and prosecuting professional persons e.g. police officers and teachers, particularly in cases containing sexual allegations.

    Cases of particular interest include:

    • Murder: Junior Counsel for the defence of a 21-year-old accused of killing both his parents in a ritualistic fashion;
    • Murder: Sole counsel for prosecution of two men alleged to have killed their friend by beating;
    • Manslaughter: Defended a grandmother who was alleged to have neglected her grandson while she was drunk;
    • Neglect: Defence of both a care assistant and a nurse alleged to have neglected vulnerable residents;
    • Arson: Prosecuted a senior police officer for arson and perverting the course of justice;
    • Rape: Defended an 81-year-old man alleged to have sexually assaulted four generations of his family;
    • Rape: Prosecuted a predatory paedophile for offences against a 14-year-old girl;
    • Rape: Prosecuted a married couple for sexual offences committed against their daughter and other female children;
    • Rape: Defended a 75-year-old man for historic sexual offences against two boys;
    • Child Cruelty: Prosecuted a father for continuing cruelty against each of his five children;
    • Attempt Rape: Defended a 14-year-old boy with learning difficulties, alleged to have attempted to rape a friend;
    • GBH: Defended a man with significant mental-health difficulties for attacking his ex-partner with a hammer;
    • Firearms: Prosecuted five members of a street gang for the possession of firearms and ammunition;
    • Inquest: Represented a nursing sister at the inquest into the death of a male from malnutrition and neglect;
    • Misconduct: Represented a police officer for his use of social media;
    • Represented a police officer who had a sexual relationship with a witness and lied in a S.9 statement.
  • Inquests

    As well as sitting as an Assistant Deputy Coroner from 1995 to 2008, Fiona has appeared as counsel in many inquests representing police, medical staff and families of the deceased.

  • Misconduct / Disciplinary

    Fiona also represents police officers at misconduct hearings.

Fiona Elder

Recommendations

“Very experienced in cases involving murder and serious sexual offences”
Legal 500 2019

“Recommended for cases involving people with mental health difficulties”
Legal 500 2017

“Experienced in cases involvingt sexual offences and juveniles”
Legal 500 2016

“Experienced in cases involving vulnerable defendants and victims, including matters where violent crimes are alleged”
Legal 500 2015

“Experienced in working with young defendants and people with mental health issues”
Legal 500 2014

“she is very tenacious; she handles cases very well and is always exactingly prepared”
Chambers and Partners 2014

“she knows the ropes in hearings and “has the confidence of lay clients.”
Chambers and Partners 2013

“good eye for detail and an ability to get to the nub of the matter quickly”
Chambers and Partners 2012

Education

  • LLB (Hons) Sheffield

Professional memberships

  • Western Circuit
  • CBA