Betsy Hindle

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Called 2017

Betsy Hindle - new tenant

Betsy specialises in criminal law and became a tenant of Central Chambers in September 2020, following the completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Benjamin Knight. During her first-six, Betsy experienced all levels of criminal practice and assisted various members of chambers, producing successful written applications and assisting with complex case theory and strategy.

Since being on her feet, Betsy’s work in the Crown Court, mainly as defence counsel, has been remarkably frequent given her junior status, bringing in repeat instructions and exceptional feedback from solicitors, clients and the Judiciary. 

Betsy has acted as counsel on bail applications, PTPHs, sentencing and other interlocutory hearings. Betsy has already handled her own caseload from first appearance, right through to sentencing in the Crown. Her work so far has included, non-domestic and domestic burglary, firearms, sexual offences and drug-related matters.

Having successfully been appointed as a CPS Level 1 prosecutor during her second-six, Betsy has gained significant trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court, prosecuting all areas of crime, ranging from road traffic matters, theft, and common assault to controlling and coercive behaviour charges.

Betsy has also gained invaluable experience defending at this level, and this has enabled her to appreciate the procedure and preparation from both sides.  

Betsy’s approachable manner and ability to build immediate rapport with whomever she is communicating is a unique and invaluable trait; setting her apart from others of her call. Her interpersonal skills, coupled with her intellect and persistence, guarantee more than just a safe pair of hands for any case. 

Betsy is available to take instruction in all areas of crime.

Areas of specific interest – Inquests and Protest Law

During pupillage Betsy shadowed and assisted Ben Knight and Mark Pritchard on an Article 2 inquest. Betsy’s preparation work was used throughout this inquest, in particular using the materials to formulate avenues of questioning for various witnesses involved including police officers, medical experts and family members. She was also an invaluable member of the team in terms of supporting the family of the deceased throughout.

Betsy has also observed other members of Chambers in Protest work and has since gained her own instructions in this field during her second six.
These are both areas of law in which Betsy hopes to expand her practice in further.

Education
  • University of Liverpool, LLB (Hons), First Class (2016)
  • Bar Professional Training Course, BPP Manchester, Very Competent (2017)
Scholarships and Awards
  • Middle Temple Pupillage Award (2019)
  • Harmsworth Scholar, Middle Temple (2016)
  • Blackstone Entrance Exhibition Award (2016)
Memberships
  • The Northern Circuit
  • The Honourable Society of Middle Temple

Notable cases

R v JD 2020 – Successfully defended a Newton Hearing on a s.47 ABH charge, in the Crown Court. The case involved 4 live witnesses, one of whom was extremely vulnerable and gave evidence via live link. The outcome resulted in securing a full one-third credit for the defendant, as well as him being sentenced on his full basis, meaning the offence fell within the lower category on the guidelines. This result meant the difference of approximately an additional 20 months’ imprisonment. 

R v MCW (May) 2020 – Secured a suspended sentence for a burglary where the defendant had 180 previous convictions for similar offences and had only been released on licence 2 weeks prior. 

R v MCW (August) 2020 – Managed to secure the lowest possible sentence available for a defendant who had been given a suspended sentence only 3 months prior, for the same offending and 181 previous convictions. Following strong personal mitigation, Ms Hindle was able to persuade the Judge to account for the inevitable full activation of his previous suspended sentence when imposing sentence for the new offending, which is required to run consecutive.

 R v GB 2020 – Successfully argued the case of R v Privett 2020 in order to obtain the shortest possible custodial sentence for a defendant who had breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order twice, having only received it months earlier, along with a suspended sentence order. 

R v WM 2020 – Secured an 8-month custodial sentence for a domestic burglary committed by a defendant who was subject to an IPP. The burglary included violence on a 16 year old occupant and ransacking of the property in search of drugs.

R v PP 2020 – Secured a community order for 3 offences of possessing a prohibited weapon under the Firearms Act. 

R v JW 2020 – Successfully argued an overly oppressive and restrictive prohibition of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.