Saskia Abbot
Associate
Pre-charge specialism
Saskia is known for her empathetic nature and personable approach. Her clients trust she will provide the utmost support to them during what may be the most traumatic period of their lives.
She has a genuine passion for criminal defence having specialised in criminal law for her entire career since qualification.
Saskia is known for her proactive approach during the ongoing pre-charge investigation stage of a case. An interview under caution is an extremely important stage of the process but it is often after the police interview that the real work begins. Saskia will always look to bring an investigation to a conclusion without the need for a prosecution. She is known for her strategic approach liaising with investigators throughout and will utilise a combination of formal and informal representations to police and prosecutors ensuring that the chances of a prosecution are substantially reduced.
Saskia generally only undertakes work on a privately funded basis.
Testimonial
Pre-charge engagement case study
Saskia represented a client AJ who faced allegations of sexual activity with a child.
The complainant alleged that the suspect has been touching her inappropriately on a number of occasions, making her feel uncomfortable. Due to the nature of the allegations, social services became involved.
AJ vehemently denied the allegations and provided a full account to the Police when he was arrested and interviewed. He immediately sought our assistance at the pre-charge stage of his case. As the investigation was ongoing we were able to offer our advice and support throughout the process and build a case in support of his innocence.
We conducted various work whilst preparing his case which included reviewing disclosure, taking and drafting his detailed account in response to the various allegations made, this supported the drafting of any subsequent representations to be made about the prosecution case having no realistic prospect of securing a conviction at trial. We obtained various supporting character witness statements to provide an insight into AJ’s personality and his character traits which supported him being a credible witness.
Eventually no further action was taken in relation to the allegations and the matter concluded without the need for AJ to have to attend court and defend his case. Early resolution of the case was the best possible outcome and a huge relief to AJ and his family following what was the most challenging time of their lives.
Recent cases
- Re T 2024 – Fare evasion. Successful representations that it was not in the public interest to prosecute. Single Justice Procedure Notice (SJPN) withdrawn and client avoided a conviction which would have been detrimental to his future.
- Re A 2024 – Accused of downloading Indecent Images of Children (IIOC). Ongoing pre-charge engagement and strong representations submitted for an out of court disposal. Client is a youth, with no previous convictions and has been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD.
- Re A 2024 – Accused of serious sexual assault against a minor. Ongoing pre-charge engagement with the police.
- Re M 2024 – Allegation of stalking. Client diagnosed with Autism, PTSD and ADHD. The chief constable of police has also issued an application for a Stalking Protection Order. Successfully reduced the terms of the interim Stalking Protection Order and further appealing the Interim Stalking Protection Order (ISPO) due to the remaining onerous terms.
- Re A 2024 – Ongoing removal of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
- Re A 2024 – Ongoing removal from the Sex Offenders Register and notification requirements.
Manchester
Head Office
- 0161 8341515
- saskiaabbot@olliers.com
- Fourth Floor, 44 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP
