Frances Mary Oldham QC

Call: 1977
Silk: 1994

 Preferred Counsel for the Equality and Human Rights Commission

Ranked in the Legal 500, as a leading QC in Crime. 

“straddles criminal and family matters to great acclaim” (Legal 500)

Frances Oldham is a Deputy High Court Judge in the Family Division, Crown Court Recorder, Master of the Bench at Gray’s Inn and was Leader of the Midland Circuit 2002–2005. Chambers and Partners 2010 cited her as a Leading Silk in Criminal Law, London.

Frances Oldham is regularly instructed in high profile and complex cases. She has considerable experience in criminal law.
Her substantial criminal practice includes all aspects of serious and complex crime particularly murder, manslaughter, drug–related offences, serious sexual offences, armed robbery, child abuse. Many cases involve complex medical (particularly neo–natal fatal injury) and scientific issues and mental health issues.

High profile cases include: the case of Karen Matthews (kidnap and false imprisonment of her 9 year old daughter Shannon); the successful defence at the Old Bailey of Rosa Driza, a Brazilian cleaner, charged with the Blackmail of two Judges.

Well versed in modern investigative and presentational techniques e.g. R2S and telephone/cell site analysis. Considerable experience in analysis and presentation of complex medical and scientific evidence.

In Family Law, she is instructed by local authorities, parents and guardians. In the Family Division appears in substantial cases involving S.I.DS., factious illness syndrome and sexual abuse.

Areas of expertise

Human Rights
Murder & Manslaughter
Domestic Violence
Rape and sexual offences
Child cruelty; Indecent images
Financial Crime - fraud, money laundering and confiscation
Drugs
Revenue and Customs
Police Law
Judicial Review
Coroners
Mental Health
Crime
Family
Direct Access
Care