Vicky Lankester writes about the first sex-based harassment conviction in The Law Society Gazette
by: Vicky Lankester
August 10, 2026
Vicky is a solicitor specialising in criminal and regulatory defence. She qualified in 2018 and joined the firm in June 2023, having previously worked at Kingsley Napley.
Vicky has vast experience of dealing with complex and sensitive cases, including document-heavy fraud matters and those involving sexual misconduct and serious assaults, both current and historic.
She has represented a wide range of clients, including young and vulnerable people with mental health issues and high net worth and corporate clients. She is acutely aware of the implications criminal proceedings can have on such clients and is able to address their needs sensitively and appropriately.
Vicky regularly appears at the Magistrates’ and Youth Courts and has appeared in fitness to practise tribunals. She also represents clients at the police station, supporting them through interview and ensuring their interests are protected at all times. She is able to deal with complex matters and vulnerable clients in difficult and fast-paced situations.
Vicky is committed to high standards of case preparation and is able to achieve excellent results for clients through her diligent and efficient work.
To contact Vicky directly send her an email
Vicky Lankester's Notable Cases
Professional Discipline
- BSB v Navjot (“Jo”) Sidhu KC – represented the former chair of the Criminal Bar Association in relation to various allegations of sexual misconduct. This was the highest profile professional discipline case of 2024. Successfully defended 25 out of 28 charges.
- Jennifer Hallam v SRA – successfully represented solicitor in her application for restoration to the Roll, having been struck off over 20 years previously.
- ASA v X – represented prominent influencer/entrepreneur in relation to an ASA investigation into social media posts about her fashion products.
- GDC v S – represented a dentist facing numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and deficient professional practice. Client was subject to an interim conditions of practice order and expert evidence was involved.
- GDC v C – successfully persuaded the GDC to take no further action in respect of a dentist who was being investigated for numerous allegations of deficient professional performance and misconduct/dishonesty.
- B v DVSA – successfully represented a driving instructor before the First-Tier Tribunal in an appeal against her removal from the register of advanced driving instructors by the DVSA, with costs being awarded to her, which is extremely rare.
- BDA v C – represented England bowls player facing sexual misconduct allegations before a Panel of Sport Resolutions, in the first case of its kind in the sport.
- HCPC v K – successfully persuaded the Investigating Committee Panel to take no further action in respect of a hearing aid dispenser facing a number of allegations relating to deficient professional performance and alleged inappropriate comments made.
- V – advised a university student facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
Criminal Defence
- R v B – successfully represented a client in two Crown Court trials, relating to allegations of insurance fraud, perverting the course of justice and possession of an imitation firearm. Expert evidence was relied on in both trials.
- R v R – successfully persuaded the Prosecution to offer no evidence in relation to serious assault charges in respect of a young defendant of good character.
- Police v E – successfully persuaded the police to take no further action in respect of rape allegations after detailed representations following a close analysis of the evidence.
- Police v A – successfully persuaded the police to take no further action against a client accused of a number of domestic offences following comprehensive representations highlighting the inconsistencies in the complainant’s evidence.
- R v T – successfully applied to dismiss charges against a driving instructor facing sexual allegations following a close analysis of the legislation.
- R v T – successfully applied to dismiss charges against a driving instructor facing sexual allegations following a close analysis of the legislation.
- R v K – instructed by defendant charged with a number of drugs supply offences. Achieved a favourable sentence for him and was able to secure an agreed confiscation figure, avoiding a contested hearing.
- R v C – representing a defendant facing serious stalking allegations.
- R v D – successfully represented a defendant facing automatic disqualification from driving under the “totting” provisions by making an exceptional hardship argument.
Proceeds of Crime Act
- NCA v G – represented Dubai company in the NCA’s largest ever cash forfeiture case. Successfully negotiated a settlement with the NCA to avoid a contested hearing. This involved parallel Judicial Review proceedings.
- R v P – successfully negotiated an agreed confiscation order with the Prosecution following a detailed analysis of the defendant’s bank accounts over a number of years.
- Police v E – representing a national company in relation to an ongoing international money laundering investigation by the police.
- Police v C – representing a California watch dealer in respect of an application by the police for forfeiture of his cryptocurrency.
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