Basanti Mardemootoo
Call: 2022
“This is an excellent set that has worked hard to secure a well-deserved position amongst the leading sets at the Criminal Bar.”
Chambers UK
Personal profile
Basanti has a general Crime practice acting on behalf of both the prosecution and defence in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Youth Court.
Basanti has represented defendants in a range of cases including, GBH, ABH, dangerous driving, and intentional strangulation.
Basanti is known for being thoroughly prepared, having a meticulous and methodical approach and for providing outstanding client care.
Prior to starting pupillage, Basanti worked on the Covid-19 Public Inquiry and Inquests as a paralegal at Bhatt Murphy Solicitors. She also has international experience through her roles at the International Criminal Court’s Department of External Operations and the United Nations’ Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate.
Basanti has volunteered with several organisations including teaching advocacy skills to prisoners at HMP Pentonville through Vocalise and being a student advisor at QMUL’s Legal Advice Centre. She has also volunteered with the Centre for Small States and the Islands Rights’ Initiative.
Crime
Basanti frequently represents defendants in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Youth Court. Her experience ranges from Road Traffic matters through to GBH.
Basanti also has experience in matters involving Criminal Behaviour Orders, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Sexual Risk Orders.
Key Cases:
R v H (2026)- Defendant acquitted of ABH concerning their child and criminal damage of the child’s phone after trial where the child’s evidence had been previously admitted via res gestae.
R v K (2025) – Reading Crown Court
Defendant acquitted of intentional strangulation and ABH of their sister after trial which featured compelling live evidence and photographs of injuries.
R v A (2025)
Defendant acquitted of two counts of stalking (concerning different individuals) and breach of non-molestation order. This matter involved successful half time submissions on two of the three counts.
R v T (2025) – Southend Youth Court
Out of court disposal agreed for youth following charge of assault by beating of another child.
R v B (2025)
Contested breach of SSO proceedings which resulted in breach not being proven as reasonable excuse found.
R v M / R v E (2025)
Both cases concerned stalking and were resolved via non-conviction restraining orders after negotiation with the Prosecution.
R v M / R v K / R v H (2025)
All cases where special reasons were found by the MC. In the cases of R v K and R v H, evidence was gathered to demonstrate that they were subject to scams concerning their insurance policy.
R v W (2025)
Successfully prosecuted a case concerning stalking between partners who were both young adults suffering from significant mental health conditions which required various special measures to be put in place and careful witness handling.
Inquests & Inquiries
Basanti is building a practice in Inquests and Inquiries and welcomes instructions in this area.
During pupillage she assisted on an Article 2 inquest and on the Lampard Inquiry. When combined with her previous experience on the Covid-19 Public Inquiry and other Inquests, Basanti has developed a strong understanding of these areas.
Education
2022 – Bar Practice Course, University of Law (Very Competent)
2021 – LLB (Senior Status), Law, Queen Mary University of London (First Class)
2018 – BA, International Relations and Political Science, University of California Davis (3.5 GPA)
Awards
- Inner Temple Bar Course Scholar (2021/22)
- Queen Mary University of London Law (Senior Status) Scholar (2021)
- Bar Course International bursary, University of Law (2021)
- Commencement Speaker, College of Letters and Sciences at the University of California Davis (2018)
- Dean’s Honours List, University of California Davis (2016-2018)
Memberships
- The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
- CBA
- Women in Criminal Law
Languages
- English (fluent)
- French (fluent)