Sebastian Winnett

Call 2011

A dedicated and incisive advocate with a practice including serious fraud, drug, and violent offences, with experience in confiscation and healthcare regulation.

Expertise

Sebastian has significant experience in representing those accused of serious drug offences and is regularly instructed in cases requiring handling of ANPR, telephonic and financial material.

Notable Crime cases


Operation Arbus [2023] Cardiff Crown Court

Instructed as junior Counsel to Jim Tilbury in a lengthy trial relating to violent kidnaps committed by an organised criminal group.

Acquittals were secured on all counts.

R v C [2023] Croydon Crown Court

Instructed as Prosecution Counsel in an NCA led investigation relating to the importation of 4.5kg of cocaine. A conviction was secured after trial.

R v R [2022] Harrow Crown Court

Secured acquittal for Defendant accused of Perverting the Course of Justice.

R v S & Others [2021] Woolwich Crown Court

Instructed in relation to a matter arising from an assault on a prison guard.

The case attracted considerable press interest.

R v B [2020] Inner London Crown Court

Secured acquittal for young defendant charged with knife point robbery. The Jury heard about the Defendant’s previous convictions for carrying a knife.

Operation Saltford [2020] Isleworth Crown Court

Instructed as junior to Chris Henley QC in a case concerning the murder of a vulnerable man strangled in his own home.

R v G [2017] Birmingham Crown Court

Instructed as junior Counsel to Adam Kane QC in a case involving a vehicle used as a weapon. The Defendant was acquitted of Attempted Murder.

Operation Prosist [2019] Blackfriars Crown Court

Instructed as junior Counsel to Mr Grahame James in a conspiracy to smuggle a large number of firearms into the UK. The case involved close scrutiny of a large volume of telephonic data.

Operation Arabella [2018] Harrow Crown Court

Instructed in multi-handed Conspiracy to Burgle involving cell-site analysis. The defendants were alleged to have carried out over 60 offences (including aggravated burglaries) in one month.

R v M [2018] Court of Appeal

Appeal Against Sentence relating to Identity Documents. Sentence halved resulting in immediate release. [2018] EWCA Crim 1875

R v C [2017] Woolwich Crown Court

Secured acquittal for recently released offender charged with Possession with Intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of drugs.

R v M & Others [2017] Snaresbrook Crown Court

Defendant acquitted of PWITS class A. The Defendant was found in drug dealer’s vehicle next to large amount of pre-packaged party drugs.

R v T [2017] Salisbury Crown Court

Intoxicated Defendant acquitted of multiple Counts of ABH arising from a prolonged fight on New Years’ Eve, on the basis of self-defence. Injuries to the complainants included bites to the face and arm.

R v P & Others [2017] Isleworth Crown Court

Defendant acquitted of assaulting a prison officer in an incident arising from large-scale violent incident within Feltham Young Offenders involving multiple defendants.

Sebastian has previously been seconded to the Serious Fraud Office in relation to ongoing prosecutions regarding Inter-Bank rate fixing frauds, and has extensive experience regarding disclosure, LPP, investigatory powers, and cross-border prosecutions with regards large-scale corruption/fraud investigations.

Notable Business Crime & Fraud cases


Operation Electron [2019] Wood Green Crown Court

Instructed as Junior to Barry Kogan in relation to a 7-handed prosecution for fraudulent evasion of VAT. Secured acquittals on all counts after a trial lasting 6 months.

Operation Warbird [2018] Manchester Crown Court

Instructed as junior to Mark Harries for the first Defendant in a complex multi-handed immigration fraud.

R v F [2018] Southwark Crown Court

Instructed as Junior to Mark Harries in multi-handed fraud conspiracy. Secured acceptable pleas following representations.

R v H [2018] Sheffield Crown Court

Secured Suspended Sentence for care worker who admitted a prolonged fraud against a vulnerable man in his care.

Sebastian has a developing practice in professional regulation and has recently undertaken a secondment at Kingsley Napley Solicitors, investigating and presenting cases on behalf of the Architects Registration Board, General Optical Council and Health and Care Professions Council.

  • CBA
  • ARDL

  • Private Prosecution Costs: Refresher
    Sebastian Winnett provides a short refresher on the law and considerations surrounding recovery of prosecution costs from central funds in privately brought prosecution
  • Sentencing Primary Carers: A Practical Guide
    Sebastian Winnett provides a practical examination of the relevant factors for advocates preparing for a sentencing hearing involving an offender with a dependant relative, as well as providing a summary of the key authorities.

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