Harassment, Stalking & Restraint
Quentin recognises that cases involving allegations of harassment or stalking can be deeply personal and emotionally charged. Many such cases arise out of domestic relationships, the breakdown of relationships, or complex personal histories and Quentin’s 25 years’ experience in defending such cases helps him to empathise with his clients and put forward defences to what are often exaggerated and overblown allegations.
Quentin has significant experience defending clients accused of harassment and stalking in the context of alleged domestic abuse, contentious breakups, and ongoing family disputes. Such cases nearly always involve a high level of background detail, contradictory accounts, and sensitive material, all of which requires a careful, strategic approach.
Quentin understands the emotional pressure that harassment allegations can place on clients. Often clients are of good character and face immeasurable potential damage to their reputation and livelihood if convicted. Quentin will therefore work closely with any client to build a clear, compelling case based on the full context, not merely the snapshot presented by the prosecution.
Quentin is regularly instructed in these cases through Direct Access. However, depending on the complexity of the matter, the assistance of a solicitor is often necessary, particularly where there is a large volume of material or parallel proceedings (such as those in the family court). Where that’s the case, Quentin will work with carefully selected solicitors to ensure that the case is handled thoroughly and efficiently.
Quentin also has expertise in dealing with restraining orders and regularly acts in applications to vary or discharge such orders.
Quentin has a reputation for providing clear, calm advocacy, and he has particular expertise in challenging vague or exaggerated allegations, particularly where messages, social media, or indirect contact form the basis of the claim.
Whether you are under investigation, facing a trial, or seeking advice at an early stage, Quentin can assist in managing the process and defending the case with expertise and care.
Quentin’s guides to Offences of Harassment and Stalking
Frequently asked Questions
There is no stage that is too early or too late to seek legal advice if you consider yourself to be in trouble. In fact, the earlier you get an experienced legal representative on board the more likely you are to avoid mistakes at the beginning of proceedings that can come back to haunt you later if the matter proceeds to litigation.
One of Quentin’s mottos is that ‘the best way to win a trial is not to have a trial at all’ and he is known for the drafting of effective pre-charge representations and the launching of powerful pre-trial legal arguments. His tactical and skilful drafting and presentation of arguments such as disclosure, abuse of process and dismissal applications can often defeat a prosecution case before it even gets to trial.
Quentin is also adept at accepting instructions at a late stage and is often approached to ‘rescue’ cases from ineffective publicly funded representatives.
Quentin is passionate about committing the necessary time and attention to detail to his cases and purposefully does not take on a huge client base. He is therefore does not accept instruction in Legal Aid or publicly funded cases.
If you have been accused of a criminal offence you have the right to seek justice by employing the best barrister to present your case. You can instruct leading criminal barrister Quentin Hunt to handle your criminal case directly – rather than having to go through a third-party solicitor. You can contact Quentin for a free, no obligation conversation about your case, he will talk you through the process personally.