Fiona Ryan

Practice Profile

Fiona Ryan is a specialist criminal barrister. She appears, both led and alone, in serious and complex cases in the Crown Court.

Fiona has a busy and varied criminal practice, appearing for both prosecution and defence. Recent cases include allegations of large-scale class A drugs importation and supply, possession of firearms, people trafficking and fraud.  Fiona has particular experience in cases of serious sexual offending.

Fiona is a conscientious and passionate advocate, who tends to gain the confidence of clients or witnesses with difficult needs who require extra attention. She will advise promptly in writing, particularly in cases with complex legal issues. She is often commended for her attention to detail and command of the case papers.

Fiona has been successful before the Court of Appeal on behalf of both the appellant and respondent.

Fiona obtained a Diploma in Forensic Medical Sciences in 2019, giving her an advantage in cases with technical scientific issues.

Fiona was previously seconded to the white-collar crime department of a leading international law firm, primarily advising on disclosure within a high-profile bribery and fraud investigation.

She is a Grade 3 panel advocate for the CPS, Serious Crime and on the ‘RASSO’ list.

Fiona also accepts instructions in public law Children Act proceedings.

Fiona's Privacy Policy can be downloaded here.

News

• R v. Varga [Harrow] 2022

  Fiona Ryan prosecuted this attempted rape, sexual assault and robbery. The defendant was charged with a violent attempted oral rape by a stranger. Defendant pleaded guilty on day 1 of trial. Found to be dangerous and sentenced to life imprisonment with minimum of 8 years, taking time spent in custody into account. Would have been a 12 year determinate sentence.

• R v. Clarke [Snaresbrook] 2022

  Sexual assaults upon clients by a massage therapist

  Fiona Ryan prosecuted a massage therapist for sexual assaults upon clients. Guilty pleas on day 1 of trial. Sentenced to imprisonment and prohibited from engaging in any type of ‘bodywork’ on females whether on a paid or voluntary basis.

• R v. Waheed [Snaresbrook] 2022

  Sexual activity with a child

  Fiona Ryan prosecuted a 40 year old man for sexual activity with a child, utilising s.28 procedure for evidence of schoolgirl victim.  Defendant convicted after trial.

• R v. Newport [Snaresbrook] 2022

  PE teacher convicted by a jury of inciting his ex- student to send nude photographs

  Fiona Ryan prosecuted this former PE teacher who was convicted by a jury of inciting his ex- student to send nude photographs. Following legal argument, the judge was also satisfied that sexual touching of the 13 yr old student, to which he had pleaded guilty on a limited basis, went beyond what he had accepted.

• R v. H [Wood Green] 2021

  Father convicted of Sexual Assaults on 11 year old daughter

  Fiona Ryan prosecuted this assault of a child under 13 by penetration. The father of the 11 year old victim was convicted by a jury for sexually assault and digital penetration of his 11 year old daughter. Sentenced to 6 years 6 months’ imprisonment.

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