Tabitha Macfarlane

Frequently acting for those accused of serious sexual offences ranging from historic and complex abuse to familial allegations. Her ability to put people at ease in stressful and unfamiliar circumstances, assists clients and also her cross examination of witnesses.

Having conducted the first s.28 cross-examination of a Vulnerable Witness on the Western Circuit, the trial judge complimented Tabby on her questioning, conduct and liaison with the Intermediary.

Tabby has been instructed regularly in cases involving a variety of homicides. She has been involved as experienced junior counsel in cases involving the deaths of infants and the complex causation issues that can arise. She has been involved in multi-handed ‘gang related’ allegations of murder.

Regularly receiving instructions involving cases of murder and violent allegations that originate from the serious mental health conditions of those that she represents. A recent case involved her having a number of conferences with a client and Health Care Professionals at the Broadmoor facility.

Tabby is frequently instructed in matters involving Road Traffic offences ranging from the simplest to those involving serious injuries and fatalities. Understanding the importance of the consequences of all allegations of careless or dangerous driving and the impact these can have on someone’s future and employment.

The volume of cases that she has conducted has enabled her to appreciate that the investigation and prosecution of these offences can, on occasions, lack the forensic approach that should have been appropriate by the prosecution, owing to a failure by the prosecution to fully comprehend the circumstances.