“Anthony is a level-headed barrister who offers robust advice to clients. He is personable and knows how to deliver in court.”– Legal 500, 2026 – Tier 1 – Crime (General & Fraud)

Recognised as a “Rising Star” in Crime by the Legal 500, Anthony Horsfall joined Lincoln House Chambers following several years at two Magic Circle firms, where he specialised in financial crime and sanctions regulation.

Anthony has an established practice prosecuting and defending the full spectrum of criminal and regulatory cases in the Crown Court. He is a Level 3 CPS prosecutor and a member of the RASSO, Serious Crime Group (Level 3), Fraud (Level 2) and POCA (Level 2) specialist CPS panels.

His practice includes cases involving rape and serious sexual offences, modern slavery, serious violence, conspiracy, firearms, drugs trafficking, fraud, money laundering and business crime. His prosecution work also extends to document-heavy regulatory matters on behalf of a range of Government agencies.

Anthony has a strong track record in jury trials and mitigation at sentence, as well as appellate advocacy, having secured significant reductions in sentence in the Court of Appeal. He has experience defending Attorney General’s References and has appeared against Treasury Counsel.

He is known for his ability to build rapport quickly with clients from all backgrounds. His calm, sensitive and adaptable approach is particularly valuable when representing individuals with long-standing mental health issues and chronic drug misuse. He regularly advises on the instruction of psychiatrists, psychologists and other experts, and is experienced in s.28 cross-examination, including where a witness is significantly impaired.

Anthony is regularly instructed as led junior in serious and complex matters and is frequently requested by senior members of Chambers.

He was graded “Outstanding” on the Bar Course and was called to the Bar as a Major Scholar of the Middle Temple.

NOTABLE CASES

SEXUAL OFFENCES:

R v LP – Prosecuting – Secured the conviction of a repeat child sexual offender for a series of sexual assaults against children aged 7–10. The defendant targeted victims in secluded areas near playing fields, offering payment in exchange for sexual activity. Sentence: 22-year extended determinate sentence.

R v SP – Defending – Secured acquittals on all counts in a case involving allegations of historic sexual abuse against a sibling. Successfully advanced a half-time submission removing one-third of the counts; the jury acquitted on the remainder after a short retirement.

R v DG – Prosecuting – Successfully prosecuted assault by penetration and stalking arising from the breakdown of a relationship. The case involved complex and sensitive disclosure issues concerning third-party allegations and multi-agency material. A substantial custodial sentence was imposed.

R v MH – Defending – Secured a directed acquittal in a serious sexual assault case following devastating cross-examination of the complainant, after which the prosecution offered no evidence.

R v SY – Defending – Represented a defendant charged with numerous offences of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choice.

R v GM – Prosecuting – Prosecuting a rape case involving issues of consent following a consensual encounter, where the complainant alleged intercourse occurred whilst she was asleep.

R v NB – Defending – Currently instructed to represent a defendant charged with trafficking women from Romania to the UK and controlling prostitution.

R v DL – Defending – Led junior for D1 in a historic grooming and rape case.

SERIOUS VIOLENCE AND ROBBERY:

R v CH & Ors – Prosecuting – Prosecuted a multi-handed case involving s.18 wounding, robbery and possession of a bladed article. The defendants pursued and repeatedly stabbed a teenage victim. The case involved expert DNA evidence, CCTV analysis and complex legal argument concerning joint enterprise and bad character. Convictions were secured and substantial sentences imposed.

R v JS – Prosecuting – Secured conviction for s.18 following a sustained knife attack in a public setting resulting in multiple stab wounds. A substantial custodial sentence was imposed.

R v DM & ors – Defending – Secured a significant reduction in charges in a case involving life-changing injuries. Following detailed submissions on identification, the Crown abandoned charges of two counts of s.18 and accepted a plea to a s.4 public order offence. The defendant was released time served.

R v LS & ors – Defending – Secured acquittals on two counts of attempted s.18 following a successful submission of no case to answer, focusing on joint enterprise and intent.

R v DY – Defending – Originally charged with attempted murder and s.18 offences arising from a serious armed attack within the victims’ home. Following representations, the matter resolved on a limited basis of plea to lesser offences. The defendant, who had a lengthy history of violent offending, received a sentence of 5 years and 9 months.

R v CW – Defending – Represented a defendant in relation to a highly organised armed robbery in which an organised crime group targeted a police vehicle. Following early advice and a carefully advanced basis of plea, the defendant, who had previous convictions for robbery and violence, avoided a finding of dangerousness and an extended sentence.

R v AD – Prosecuting – Secured conviction for unlawful wounding following an attack on a taxi driver. The jury rejected a self-defence account after a short retirement.

FIREARMS AND WEAPONS:

R v AH – Defending – Originally charged with possession of s.5 prohibited firearms and ammunition. The case concerned the transfer of weapons and ammunition within an organised crime group. Following negotiation, the Crown accepted a plea to a lesser shotgun offence. The defendant received minimal additional custody beyond time served on remand.

R v DA – Defending – Secured acquittal in a case involving threats with an offensive weapon following focused cross-examination of the complainant.

R v JW – Prosecuting – Currently instructed to prosecute a case involving possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

ARSON AND CRIMINAL DAMAGE

R v BM – Defending – Representing a defendant with significant mental health difficulties charged with arson with intent following allegations that he set several fires in the family home after a domestic incident. Representations were advanced relying on psychiatric evidence and a comprehensive care plan. The Crown agreed to offer no evidence.

R v HA & ors – Prosecuting – Instructed to prosecute five defendants accused of causing over £200,000 worth of damage in a politically motivated incident.

R v AA – Prosecuting – Instructed to prosecute a case of arson with intent arising from a revenge attack on a family home following a dispute between relatives.

R v JW – Defending – Represented a defendant charged with arson with intent following an incident in which a flat occupied by several individuals was gutted by fire. Following representations, the case resolved by way of plea to reckless arson on a limited basis.

FRAUD AND MONEY LAUNDERING:

Anthony is frequently instructed by CPS fraud units across the North West. His instructions have included large-scale co-ordinated attacks on the UK benefits system, money laundering conspiracies and allegations arising from the improper operation and closure of companies. He is also regularly instructed by the Insolvency Service to prosecute directors and shareholders for offences connected to the management of businesses.

R v LA – Defending – Currently representing a defendant charged with participating in a £20 million money laundering conspiracy, prosecuted by silk and junior counsel.

DRUGS:

Anthony routinely prosecutes and defends cases involving the supply, trafficking and importation of drugs. His instructions regularly include operation-level cases concerning multi-kilogram Class A conspiracies, county lines and established drug distribution networks.

COMPUTER MISUSE AND DATA PROTECTION:

Anthony has an established practice prosecuting on behalf of the Information Commissioner’s Office in matters concerning offences under the Computer Misuse Act and Data Protection legislation.

R v PD – Prosecuting – Led by silk, currently representing a Home Office executive charged with misconduct in public office and offences under the Computer Misuse Act relating to alleged interference in a foreign election.