Clodaghmuire is a committed criminal defence advocate specialising in drugs, firearms and violence related to serious organised crime. She has been instructed as junior alone in a range of cases such as attempted murder, kidnap, firearms, multi-handed drugs conspiracies, large scale frauds, witness intimidation and allegations of violence at all levels. In addition to her organised crime practice, she defends in large grooming gang cases.
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She is extremely computer literate and therefore particularly adept at preparing cases that are documentarily voluminous and of a complex nature.
She has held leading briefs in multi-handed conspiracies and is consistently ranked as a Leading Junior in Legal 500.
Clodaghmuire works well with both the lay and professional client and is sought after for her fearless advocacy in court and her personable nature. She represents her client’s with determination and a meticulous attention to detail.
Before being called to the Bar, Clodaghmuire travelled extensively around the world and worked as an intern at international organisations, in the pro bono unit of a city firm and within the NGO sector.
Notable Cases
Firearms
R v B & Others – Armed robbery of cash-in-transit vans using firearms.
R v K & Others – Aggravated burglary of a drug dealer during which firearm discharged at close range. All Ds acquitted.
R v G & Others – Firearms case successfully arguing exceptional circumstances due to age and illness.
R v S – Firearms case where appointed to cross-examine. Identified that ID evidence was in- sufficient and self-defence raised as section 16 offence.
R v A – Application to dismiss on the basis of ID evidence in breach of PACE.
R v M – Firearms case successfully arguing exceptional circumstances due to mental capabilities.
R v M & Others – Firearms case successfully argued that just because ammunition in gun when found, did not mean necessarily in possession of it.
R v W & Others – Multi-handed firearms conspiracy/manufacturing. Limited IQ hindering ability to form the intent to endanger life.
R v B & Others – Multi-handed conspiracy to supply firearms.
Drugs
R v FG & Others – successful Modern Slavery Act defence without calling the defendants but relying on Children’s Services records and YOT/police records
R v K & Others – County lines multi-handed drugs conspiracy running the defence of duress.
R v S & Others – Family drugs and money laundering operation.
R v C – Undercover drugs operation running the defence of duress.
R v U – Drug supply. Successfully overturned conviction
Violence
R v KT – Attempted murder of a disabled 15 year old girl by a 16 year old autistic youth. 7.5 years minimum tariff. Referred to AG.
R v M & Others – Violent disorder in a nightclub where one person was stabbed and another shot. Half-time submission allowed.
R v S & Others – Multi-handed drug related conspiracy to kidnap and section 18. Successfully excluded telephone evidence due to late service.
R v E & Others – Multi-handed debt related kidnap involving a substantial amount of telephone and ANPR evidence. All Ds acquitted.
R v R – Section 18 involving slashing complainant’s neck with a machete in self-defence.
R v W – Arson with intent to endanger life.
Sexual Offences
R v P – grooming gang case. Hung jury.
R v OB – Historic sex offending when D was a youth. 2 year SSO after trial. Referred to CoA who refused permission although commented it was a merciful sentence.
R v B & Others – Grooming gang case. D convicted of like offences. Bad character not admitted.
R v S – Child sex doll case.
R v M – Rape and coercive behaviour. Crown offered no evidence after cross-examination.
R v F – Rape. Judge allowed cross-examination on failure of complainant to take oath.
Fraud
R v G & Others – Multi-handed large-scale fraud. Crown ultimately accepted a forgery count from G.
R v B & Others – Multi-handed large-scale fraud involving immigration offences.
R v M & Others – Large-scale puppy farm fraud.
R v H – Fraud from the UKBA
“Clodaghmuire is a silk in the making. She knows her cases inside out, her written work is excellent, and she is great with lay clients, particularly young and vulnerable clients. She is also a great tactician and a strong and persuasive advocate.” (Legal 500, 2023)
“An exceptionally resilient advocate. She has excellent focus on the key issues in a case, and an effective and tenacious style. Her cross-examination in particular is fierce and incisive, whilst always keeping the jury on-side; Fiercely bright, extremely dedicated, and superb in cross-examining vulnerable witnesses.” (Legal 500, 2021)
Qualifications
LLB (Hons) Law & Politics – University of Buckingham
LLM – Trinity College Dublin
Professional Associations
Criminal Bar Association
South Eastern Circuit
