Christopher Stimpson
YEAR OF CALL 1999
"Christopher Stimpson is a very good jury advocate."
"He bonds very well with the lay client and is very popular."
"Stimpson gets excellent results for a client. He is a really excellent advocate and sensitive to client needs."
Chambers UK Bar 2026
Chris is a highly sought-after criminal barrister specialising in serious and complex crime, financial investigations, serious sexual offences, drugs and violence.
Known for his exceptional advocacy, legal acumen and strategic approach he has an outstanding record in trials involving complex disclosure, expert evidence and multiple defendants. He is regularly instructed in substantial private defence matters by leading solicitors, while also undertaking advisory work for the NCA and the Crown’s Serious Casework Unit and the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) division.
His criminal defence practice is complemented by extensive experience advising on major and high-profile investigations conducted by organisations including HMRC, the Serious Fraud Office and the National Crime Agency. He is currently acting as lead counsel advising the NCA major investigation team and provides early-stage strategic advice in cases involving millions of pounds in alleged fraud losses.
Chris has particular expertise in legal professional privilege (LPP), complex disclosure and the strategic management of large-scale investigations. He has acted as independent counsel advising on LPP and has undertaken extensive disclosure reviews for both prosecution and defence teams. His specialist knowledge enables him to provide clear, detailed and commercially focused advice to investigators, suspects and third parties involved in complex investigations.
His experience encompasses both traditional hard-copy document reviews and sophisticated digital review platforms, including Nuix, Relativity and Cellebrite. This combination of advocacy, investigative strategy, technical expertise and detailed knowledge of disclosure and privilege makes Chris particularly well placed to advise on cases involving substantial volumes of evidence, complex financial investigations and sensitive or high-profile criminal proceedings.
A Blackstone Exhibitioner at Middle Temple, Chris is recognised for his commitment to rigorous preparation, nuanced advocacy and the strategic handling of challenging and high-stakes criminal litigation.
Notable Cases
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R v J (2018) Inner London Crown Court – multiple historic rapes of niece.
R v T (2018) Snaresbrook Crown Court – multiple counts of buggery.
R v J (2018) Harrow Crown Court - making of indecent images.
R v B (2018) Croydon Crown Court – sexual assaults of cousin in 1970s.
R v P (2017) Harrow Crown Court - rape of sleeping woman in hotel.
R v C (2017) Guildford Crown Court - historic rapes of two sisters spanning a decade.
R v G (2017) Chelmsford Crown Court – importation of child sex doll and indecent images.
R v I (2017) Isleworth Crown Court – rape and sexual assault of stepdaughter.
R v I (2017) Isleworth Crown Court - grooming, historic rape and Indecency with a child allegations from the 1980s.
R v H (2017) The Old Bailey – multiple rapes and assaults of pregnant partner.
R v T (2017) Harrow Crown Court - historic rape and sexual activity with a child.
R v G (2016) Isleworth Crown Court - ‘One night stand’ allegation of rape.
R v P (2016) Harrow Crown Court - making of indecent images, sexual assault and rape from the 1970s.
R v A and C (2016) Lewes Crown Court - rape, sexual abuse of numerous complainants by defendant with HIV.
R v C and others (2016) Guildford Crown Court - false imprisonment, ‘gang’ rape.
R v T (2016) Lewes Crown Court – knife point rape of 14 year old girl.
R v C (2016) Snaresbrook Crown Court – ‘cold case’ DNA allegation of rape from 1979.
R v S (2016) Lewes Crown Court – sexual assault, indecent exposure during ‘one night stand’.
R v O (2016) Snaresbrook Crown Court – kidnapping and rape/sexual activity with a twelve year old child.
R v A (2015) Birmingham Crown Court – facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, possession of indecent photographs.
R v O (2015) Inner London Crown Court – stranger rape of elderly woman.
R v C (2015) Maidstone Crown Court – ‘Operation Envelope’ – inciting sexual activity with children using social media.
R v H (2015) Chichester Crown Court – ‘one night stand’ rape of drugged woman.
R v B (2015) Guildford Crown Court – rape of a child under 13.
R v T (2014) The Old Bailey – repeated rape of 13 year old girl by stepfather.
R v M (2014) Snaresbrook Crown Court - rape and domestic violence over seven years.
R v W (2014) Croydon Crown Court - rape of partner within marriage.
R v B (2014) Snaresbrook Crown Court – ‘stranger’ assault and rape (cell-site and DNA).
R v M and R (2013) Woolwich Crown Court - multiple rape of children all aged under 8.
R v H (2013) Croydon Crown Court – rape of sleeping girl at party.
R v O (2013) Kingston Crown Court – pupil raping pupil at school.
R v G (2013) Woolwich Crown Court – historic (1981-6) sexual abuse and rape by uncle.
R v R (2013) Wood Green Crown Court – sexual abuse of daughter by father.
R v B (2013) The Old Bailey – false imprisonment, GBH and rape of prostitute.
R v B (2013) Inner London Crown Court – homosexual stranger rape and assault.
R v H (2012) Harrow Crown Court – historic (1968-71) child abuse and rape.
R v M (2011) Hove Crown Court - Lead Counsel in trial of predatory ‘stranger’ rapist.
R v G (2010) Blackfriars Crown Court – aggravated burglary with intent to rape.
R v P (2009) The Old Bailey – sexual assault by un-licenced taxi driver.
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R v S and others (2016) Woolwich Crown Court - £50 million cocaine importation.
R v H (2016) - possession of Class A drugs and firearms.
R v T (2015) Luton Crown Court - gang robbery by juveniles.
R v P (2014) Woolwich Crown Court - attempted murder of wife by husband.
R v R and others (2014) Woolwich Crown Court - gang shooting at party in East London.
R v F and A (2014) Woolwich Crown Court - prison stabbing at HMP Wandsworth.
R v D and others (2014) Kingston Crown Court – organised crime (conspiracy to commit armed robbery).
R v F (2013) The Old Bailey – attempted murder in London nightclub.
R v K and J (2013) Blackfriars Crown Court – armed drug dealers.
R v S and others (2013) Portsmouth Crown Court - revenge gang beating (s.18 GBH).
R v H (2013) Harrow Crown Court - armed robbery of Securicor vans.
R v T and D (2013) Kingston Crown Court – series of street gun point robberies.
R v W and others (2010) The Old Bailey - two month trial of the ‘Black Mafia’ gang.
R v S and others (2009) The Old Bailey - seven defendants in gang-related murder in South London.
R v D and others (2007) Southwark Crown Court - six defendants charged with attempted murder and firearms offences.
R v K and J (2013) Blackfriars Crown Court – possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of firearms with intent to commit an indictable offence.
R v J and others (2013) Woolwich Crown Court - possession of Class A drug (4 kilograms of cocaine) with intent to supply.
R v G and H (2010) Portsmouth Crown Court - largest cultivation of cannabis seizure in the south of England.
R v S and others (2006) Winchester Crown Court - 10 tonne importation of cannabis from Spain to the UK.
MEMBERSHIPS
CPS Advocate Panel Member, Level 4
Rape and Child Sexual Abuse Specialist Panel Member
Direct Access Qualified
‘He is really good with clients and gives excellent advice. He is confident, charming and a good advocate.’ Chambers UK Bar 2025
"Very good at sexual offences cases, he prepares his brief from both sides and is someone whose judgement you can trust." Chambers UK Bar 2024
‘Chris is very focused on getting his clients results. His endeavours on their behalf leave them feeling that they had the day in court that they deserved.’
Chambers UK Bar 2023
‘An expert in defending matters of a sexual nature.’
Chambers UK Bar 2022
