Mel has an extensive criminal litigation background. Regularly acting for individuals and companies in high profile cases, she specialises in providing advice at the crucial early stages of an investigation. This includes representing clients who are arrested and interviewed under caution, challenging the legality of search warrants and other investigatory powers and making pre-charge representations to the police and prosecuting authorities.

Astute and practical in her approach, Mel prepares her own cases in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court and have experience of a very wide range of criminal litigation cases, including road traffic offences, public order offences, sexual allegation offences and drug offences.  She have also been involved in the preparation of serious and complex criminal defence cases involving multi million pound frauds, gang related murders and various substantial conspiracy cases.

Mel acts for defendants, witnesses and victims in a broad range of criminal matters. She has acted for individuals facing civil applications for Sexual Offences Prevention, Orders and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. And has a particular expertise in dealing with young people appearing before the Youth Court. Mel has  successfully argued that Court proceedings which my clients have faced should be stayed as an abuse of process in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court in relation to failures by the Police to seize and retain evidence, reasonable expectation and delay by the Prosecution.

Her experience in all venues of the criminal justice system adds to her knowledge in advising clients of the implications of decisions at the police station on trial.

Mel take pride in establishing good working relationships with all clients and believe this is a fundamental aspect of her work. She is committed to hard work, consistently meeting and exceeding client expectations and abide by the philosophy that justice should be accessed by all.

Mel speaks fluent Amharic.