Susan has a strong ethical commitment to ensuring that parties in the court system have the protection they are entitled to as promised here at the Old Bailey.
I am an independent practitioner with no ties to the NHS or other employers and offer my experience and expertise to solicitors, CPS, and social services with confidence that I will provide an opinion based on that independence. My availability, if I accept an instruction, is high since my time is not obligated to an employer but to the instructing parties. I have given evidence through the full range of courts and in cases of murder, rape, fraud, abuse, human rights, child abuse and more. If a case is not within my field of expertise I will not hesitate to say so and refer you to another expert.
Types of cases routinely handled in the past 12 months include:
- Murder
- Rape
- Sexual assault of children, grooming, etc.
- Possession of indecent images, all levels
- Civil claims of childhood abuse in institutions
- Arson
- Fraud
- Asylum
- Family proceedings - private and public funded
I accept instructions from solicitors, prosecutors, insurance companies and others. I do not, however, accept instruction from intermediaries such as medico-legal firms or direct from the client. I will accept joint-instruction and provide joint billing in cases where all parties have agreed to use my services. I will work within the guidelines of LSC grants, but may have to advise that my full recommendations cannot be completed within those limits. This is rare, but does happen. I will advise of this if it arises as an issue. I do all work myself and do not employ others to perform assessments or conduct psychometric tests. A report from me is my work and I will defend it in court or tribunal.
I am comfortable and confident testyfying in court, always willing to meet and discuss disagreements with other expert witnesses, always ready to meet with council pre-trial, and prepared to explain or clarify any positions I have taken in my conclusions.
I have experience in a broad range of civil matters including unfair dismissals, psychological impact of injury or discrimination, PTSD, institutional abuse, and medical matters. I have worked both for the defence and the Crown in criminal matters ranging from petty theft and burglary up to assault and murder. I have testified in all levels of court including the Old Bailey. I will attend the client in prisons nationwide, in my offices, at their solicitors, or other locations provided my personal security is not a concern. I am particularly willing to work with vulnerable young people and I have a long history of experience with children and adolescents who become involved in the criminal system.
I have extensive experience working with women who have been in abusive relationships, as children or adults, and have been called to evaluate how these experiences might have affected their judgement and subsequent charges of criminal conduct.
Of special interest to me are care proceedings involving the welfare of children and their parents. These cases are typically complex and long running. Because of my independence I am available to work these cases until they are resolved by the courts and social agencies. I can provide cognitive testing of children and adults, observe family relationships, and liaise with the many parties who are typically involved. I am able to travel to other areas of the country to provide these services and will endeavour to keep costs under control while providing work of a professional standard.