Charles Row KC

Charles’ ability to deal with complex, paper heavy cases had led to instructions in substantial, long running murder trials. His careful preparation and resolute advocacy style has led to positive results for his clients.

R v DG – Charles prosecuted DM for the murder of his son, a 14-day old premature baby who was brutally killed whilst in the special care baby unit at Yeovil District Hospital.  The case involved complex and controversial medical evidence, and evidence from traumatised witnesses who needed careful and sensitive handling.

R v HX – Charles defended a man accused of gross negligence manslaughter; the lay client promoted self-healing techniques which involved slapping therapy with a view to clearing meridians and enabling the body to cure itself of all ills, including diabetes.

R v TB – Charles prosecuted TB, who was accused of shaking his baby son having retuned from a night out drinking.  Whilst there were no outward signs of harm, a selection of experts from diverse fields including neuropathology, histopathology and ophthalmology were able to demonstrate an episode of severe and catastrophic shaking.

R v HS – Charles defended a middle-aged woman charged with the murder of her erstwhile partner.  Together with her daughter and her boyfriend the victim was stabbed repeatedly whilst visiting the daughter’s home.  HS had been a victim of domestic violence at the hands of the deceased for several years and been coercively controlled by him.  She suffered complex PTSD and severe emotional dysregulation which manifested itself as functional neurological disorder and governed her behaviours around the time of the killing.

R v TE – Charles prosecuted TE who smothered a vulnerable and frail ‘friend’.  Having killed him he staged the scene to make it look as though he had died of natural causes.  He stole the victim’s post office card and emptied the account, before using the proceeds to settle drug debts.

R v CN – Charles defended CN, a 15 year old youth who was jointly charged with the murder of a 17-year-old young man.  Together with a co accused, CN cycled around Swindon, apparently looking for the victim, before becoming involved in a confrontation which involved machetes.  The encounter ended with predictable and tragic consequences.

R v BM and JM – Charles prosecuted a pair of brothers for the murder of a man who was the father of a rival.  BM had been involved in the robbery of a bag which contained cash and controlled drugs.  The father of the victim then sought out BM; he issued threats and was seen on CCTV storming through the town looking for revenge.  The brothers armed themselves and lay in wait before confronting the victim with a knife, he having broken down their front door.

Charles also frequently acts within serious sexual offence cases. These often involve Charles handling multi complainant historic abuse matters, rape and abuse within families. His experience with vulnerable witnesses and defendants of varying age, maturity and intellectual ability allows him to command these cases with the upmost care and detail. He is used to dealing with intermediaries, psychiatrists, psychologists and experts of all types.

R v DC – Charles defended a man charged with historic abuse of his stepdaughter. the allegations dated back over 40 years. DC was charged with 9 counts including offences of rape, child cruelty and indecent assault. The case required meticulous examination of historic medical records and microfiche records obtained from social services.

R v JB – Charles successfully defended the son of a professional couple, who had been accused of the rape of his then girlfriend.  JB was 19, terrified and in denial; he required persistent, patient and careful handling.  He struggled to communicate effectively and needed constant reassurance and support before giving effecting and persuasive evidence.

R v JP – Charles successfully defended a high profile and well-respected local businessman, who in his later years had been accused by his daughter of serious sexual assault when she was a child.  The allegations were historic and in one case over 50 years old.  JP was in his 90s, wealthy and had supported the daughter financially and given her significant roles in his company.  There was a coincidence between the complaint and a dispute over inheritance.

Charles is a keen sailor and likes to apply his knowledge to cases involving collision regulations and maritime law.  He has prosecuted for the Maritime Coastal Agency (MCA). One case which attracted significant publicity and online notoriety involved a sailing yacht participating in a race at Cowes, skippered and crewed by Naval personnel, which collided with an oil tanker entering Southampton Water.

Charles has also recently been involved in advisory work for National Resources Wales (NRW) in a case connected with the illegal felling of trees; has defended a business owner who fell foul of food safety regulations where a young child with an allergy suffered harm having consumed food containing nuts and defended a man accused of destroying an ancient monument in a case brought by English Heritage.

‘Charles’ preparation is second to none. He is always meticulous and thorough. He has a measured approach and an innate ability to read the court.’ – Legal 500 2026

Charles Row KC has a strong reputation in criminal matters, focusing his practice on fraud and business crime, sexual abuse matters and murder. His regulatory work involves acting in a range of health and safety and trading standards cases. He is well equipped to deal with young and vulnerable witnesses, as well as defendants with mental illness. “Charles is very knowledgeable and he has great client care skills.” “Charles is calm and persuasive to judge and jury. – Chambers and Partners 2025

‘Charles is articulate, conscientious, dedicated and always meticulously prepared. He is skilled at handling expert evidence’ – Legal 500 2025

“Charles is calm and persuasive to judge and jury. Charles is very knowledgeable, and he has great client care skills.” Chambers and Partners 2024

‘Charles is articulate, conscientious, dedicated and always meticulously prepared. He is skilled at handling expert evidence. [Charles Row KC] has ‘the ability to be persuasive and effective even when running the most difficult cases’ Legal 500 2024

‘Charles is a superb and skilful advocate with an exceptional eye for detail. He has a very light touch and builds enormous rapport with clients. He is well-liked and respected by judges.’ Legal 500 2023

‘He has forensic attention to detail and is excellent in court. A consummate professional. He engages well with juries and has the respect of the judges he appears before, because his advocacy is persuasive and has warmth.’ – Legal 500 2022

“A formidable advocate with a powerful court presence, he is liked by judges and jurors alike while retaining the common touch with clients.” – Legal 500 2021

“He is able to connect with the jury even in the most difficult of cases.” – Legal 500 2020

“A class act who is on his way to silk“ – Chambers and Partners 2019

“Highly methodical, with a very keen eye for detail.” – Legal 500 2019

“He’s an outstanding advocate who exudes confidence and professionalism.” “He delivers exceptional preparation and research of complicated matters.” – Chambers and Partners 2018