Mary Cowe

Mary has an established practice in fraud and financial crime. She regularly prosecutes complex, multi-handed cases which require advocacy that engages a jury whilst dealing with the forensic detail. Her broader background in general crime, including a specialism in defending those with learning disability or psychiatric problems, mean that she is well-placed to deal with challenging clients and expert witnesses.

Crime

Recent Cases

• Currently instructed to advise in relation to a 5 year police operation concerning allegations of fraud and misconduct in a public office
• R v Riley (2021) prosecuting as led junior allegations of fraud by abuse of position and attempted murder
• R v GG (2021) defending as led junior in a murder case where the issue is diminished responsibility
• R v A (2020) prosecuting two linked fraud trials; one an investment fraud relating to spread betting and share options; one a fraud by abuse of position
• R v HM (2020) pre-charge prosecution advice in relation to sudden infant death
• R v NC (2020) defending in a case involving allegations of inflicting grievous bodily harm on a child of 3 months
• Operation Range (Court of Appeal, 2020) responding to two defendant’s appeals in relation to what was a five-defendant trial concerning a conspiracy to handle stolen goods; leading junior for prosecution in trial
• Operation Pedra (2020) prosecuting a serving police officer for theft

Recommendations

Chambers and Partners UK [2021]: Crime [Band 2]

An experienced junior who prosecutes and defends serious criminal cases, including sexual offences, child cruelty, drugs, serious violence and high-value frauds. As a Grade 4 prosecutor she is regularly instructed by the CPS in complex criminal matters.
“She is unflappable in court and always very calm and firm."
"She is brilliant in cross-examinations and is always fully prepared."
"She is a really strong advocate and her tenacity and no-nonsense approach is fantastic."
Recent work: Acted for the prosecution in R v Lopresti, a case involving allegations of modern slavery.

Chambers and Partners UK [2020]:

"She is extremely hard-working and very well respected by the Bristol Court."
"A superb hands-on approach, great client care, sharp and a natural advocate."
Recent work: Led the prosecution in a case involving a gang who were accused of stealing and stripping Land Rovers for their valuable parts.

Chambers and Partners UK [2019]: Crime

Prosecuted nine defendants who were charged with operating a class A drugs conspiracy from a flat in Weston-super-Mare.

Chambers and Partners UK [2018]: Crime [Band 3]

An experienced junior who prosecutes and defends serious criminal cases, including sexual offences, child cruelty, drugs, serious violence and high-value frauds.
"She is meticulous in preparation, sensitive and thorough in cross-examination and particularly strong in dealing with vulnerable witnesses."
"She is contactable and will always provide advice - nothing is too much hassle."
Recent work: Prosecuted multiple allegations of fraud and one allegation of furnishing false information to the revenue over the course of six weeks. The defendant used different aliases, bank accounts and company names.

Legal 500 [2021]: Crime, Leading Junior [Tier 1]

"A class act – precise, considered, clever and persuasive."

Legal 500 [2019]: Crime

Prosecutes and defends in cases of fraud, sexual offences and multi-handed drugs conspiracies.

Legal 500 [2017]: Crime, Leading Junior

"She shows judgement beyond her years of call."

Legal 500 [2016]: Crime, Leading Junior

"She has a powerful intellect, and is a formidable and hardworking advocate."

Legal 500 [2015]: Crime, Leading Junior

"Her ability to identify the important issues of any case ensures thorough preparation."

Education

MA (Hons) Jurisprudence, Keble College, Oxford

MPhil Criminology, St Catharine’s College, Cambridge

Memberships

Inner Temple
Criminal Bar Association
Western Circuit
Lawyers for Liberty
Howard League for Penal Reform
Bar Pro Bono Unit

Professional Appointments

CPS Specialist Fraud Panel Grade 4

Serious Fraud Office Panel B

CPS General Crime Panel Grade 4

Pupil supervisor

Awards

Leading individual in the Legal 500 directory (see Recommendations)