Ruth Luxford

Solicitor (admitted 2010)

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Ruth joined Shearman Bowen as a newly qualified solicitor in July 2010, having completed her training with a well-known firm in north London.

Ruth specialises in a wide spectrum of offences from minor to serious crimes and has a particular interest in cases with mental health/competency aspects and special defences. She appears regularly as an advocate in the courts and represents clients at police stations. Ruth has experience of both legal aid and private client work.

Prior to undertaking her training contract she completed a Masters degree in law at the London School of Economics, specialising in mental health, forensic psychology and policing powers. She also worked as a volunteer for the Tamil Welfare Association, a  charity specialising in immigration law, assisting immigrants and asylum seekers from the Tamil region of Sri Lanka.

Notable Cases:

R v J and two others – Central Criminal Court 2009: successfully defended client charged with armed robbery; case discontinued  following an application to dismiss.

R v M and 7 others – Brent Youth Court 2008: defended youth client against serious allegations of false imprisonment, robbery and sexual assault against two 14 year old girls.  Made successful representations to the Crown resulting in discontinuance of some charges and a limited basis of plea; client received a three month Referral Order.

R v Gregory – Inner London Crown Court 2009. Successfully defended client on charges of affray and possession of offensive weapon, alleging police brutality; unanimously acquitted of all charges.

R v R – Crown Court: successfully defended client charged with withdrawing a large quantity of cash from numerous bank points in London.  Crown offered no evidence at Court following submissions on an application to dismiss.

Police Stations:

Attempted Murder – case of A and four others involving a road rage incident where the victim had his throat cut.  Represented the client throughout his interview, reading out a prepared statement denying the offence.  The client was later charged with s.18 Grievous Bodily Harm

Rape of a girl under 16 – case of S and one other, both of whom were minors themselves.  The client was charged after a no comment interview; however the Prosecution later offered no evidence at the Crown Court.

Child neglect – case of B involving an allegation of child abuse going back 12 years, including sexual abuse.  The police took no further action after the client gave a fully commented interview.

Conspiracy to Defraud – case of G and others, involving an allegation of a number of insurance frauds.  The police took no further action after all clients gave a fully commented interview.