‘Always the first choice for defendants facing allegations of rape or sexual assault.’ – Chambers and Partners UK

If you have been accused of a sexual offence, we recommend you instruct an expert defence team as soon as possible. Alisdair Williamson KC has gained a reputation as one of the leading barristers representing individuals accused of sexual offences. You can see a list of his high-profile cases and results below, as well as mentions in the media and recommendations from legal guides.

An accusation of a sexual offence can completely change your life and you’ll need an expert defence team to robustly defend your position. Your family life, career and livelihood are often at risk and there may also be adverse press attention to handle which can ruin your reputation.

Alisdair Williamson KC can assist wherever you are based and is on hand to discuss your defence strategy. Alisdair has been practising in serious crime for over 25 years and has gained recognition as one of the leading experts and defence barristers when people are accused of sexual offences.

Instruct Alisdair Williamson KC

You can instruct Alisdair directly, without using a solicitor, which can be one way of managing costs or it may be that your needs are best met by instructing him through a solicitor. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances.

Free Initial Telephone Consultation

To discuss your situation and for a no obligation quote for representation, please contact Alisdair’s Chambers on 0207 400 6400 and ask to speak to his Clerks (Dean Brown or Eddie Holland). Telephone lines are open between 8:30am and 6:30pm. Alternatively, please email him directly on awm@3rblaw.com and he’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Defending Your Reputation

Alisdair provides a non-judgemental and heavyweight defence to clients, including high profile & high net worth individuals, professionals, directors and business owners.

Whether you have been accused of a sexual offence or have been charged, Alisdair has provided defence representation in some of the most high-profile sex cases in England and Wales. Alisdair is one of the most sought-after barristers for cases of this nature due to the successful results he achieves and his down to earth client care skills.

Alisdair also works with a range of top defence solicitors across the country who can assist with defence at the police station. Please get in contact if you’d like to discuss your circumstances further.

Recent Cases

Alisdair has a strong reputation for winning unusual, complex and demanding cases. He has been involved in many very high-profile cases, including successfully defending the actor Michael Le Vell from Coronation Street. He has particular expertise in defending cases involving rape, historical sexual allegations, and cases involving child witnesses.

The below list includes recent case highlights:

• R v X (2024): Alisdair successfully defended a male nurse accused of four counts of rape of a man whom he had met on Tinder.
• R v Carrick (2023): Alisdair acted for David Carrick in one of the most high-profile and serious sexual cases to come before the English Courts.
• R v SD (2023): Alisdair successfully defended a businessman against allegations of historical child abuse by a family friend.
• R v KD (2021): Alisdair successfully defended a student against allegations of rape during Freshers’ Week.
• R v AD (2020): Alisdair successfully defended a member of staff accused of sexual assaults against a vulnerable patient in an a psychiatric unit. Acquitted of all counts.
• Beckwith v SRA (2020): Alisdair represented Mr Beckwith in this landmark and high-profile successful appeal against the SDT’s findings in which the High Court gave guidance on the meaning of ‘integrity’ and the boundary between private and public life in regulatory law.
• R v P (2018): After successfully appealing the defendant’s conviction arising from the judge’s wrongful refusal to allow time for an expert to complete their report, Alisdair secured complete acquittals for a police officer accused of historical sexual abuse of his partner’s daughter.
• R v F (2018): Successful defence of man accused of historical sexual offences against his partner’s three children. Complete acquittals.
• R v H (2018):Successful defence of a woman accused of serious, historical sexual assaults on her son. A highly unusual, difficult and emotionally charged case in which Alisdair secured his client’s acquittal.
• R v W-C (2018): Successful defence of businessman accused of buggery and other serious historical sexual offences against his cousin during the late 80s. Acquitted of all counts.
• R v B (2018): Successful defence of headmaster and former scout master accused of a series of historical, serious sexual offences. Acquitted of all counts.
• R v M (2017): Successful defence of man accused of raping his sister 35 years ago.
• R v L, V and S(2016): Successful defence of man accused of double gang-rape in the mid-eighties. Acquitted.
• R v O(2016): Secured the acquittal of a man accused of raping his brother’s wife over an extended period, and historic sexual assault of his niece
• R v C(2016): Successful defence of a man accused of raping an unconscious woman. Complex pharmacological and mental health issues – acquitted.
• R v A (2015): Successful defence of a man accused of historic childhood incestuous sex offences by his sister. (Direct Access) Acquitted of all counts.
• R v J (2015): Successful defence of man accused by former wife of a historic campaign of rape and assault. Acquitted of all counts.
• Re R(2014): Successful defence of a dentist accused before the GDC of sexual assaults on two members of staff. The case was dismissed.

Reputation and Media

Alisdair is regularly featured in the press, including being featured by the BBC, ITV, Financial Times, The Independent and The Guardian to name but a few. You can see more about his press coverage by visiting his media section. His reputation as a leading barrister also saw him voted as ‘The Times Lawyer of the week’ in 2013 and The Lawyer’s “Barrister of the Week” in 2020.

Legal guides describe him as:

• “Majestic” – Chambers and Partners UK
• “An impeccable performer” – Chambers and Partners UK
• “Technically brilliant – one of the very best.” – The Legal 500
• “A leading barrister in defending rape cases – calm, measured and a brilliant cross-examiner” – The Legal 500

How to make contact

Alisdair can assist wherever you are based and can meet at time and location to suit you, once instructed in your legal matter. You can instruct him directly, without using a solicitor, which can be one way of managing costs, or it may be that your needs are best met by instructing him through a solicitor. We can discuss this with you and your defence strategy.

If you want to discuss how Alisdair can help you then please ring one of his clerks, Dean Brown or Eddie Holland, on 020 7400 6400. They will be happy to talk to you about the individual needs of your case and what the most appropriate method of instruction may be.

Alternatively, you can email him directly on awm@3rblaw.com and he’ll get back to you as soon as possible.