Year of Call 1986
Philip Bennetts KC
King’s Counsel | Former Director of Public Prosecutions (TCI)
Professional Experience
Millennium Chambers | Barrister (2026–Present)
Currently practicing in serious and complex criminal law following return to the UK after service as DPP of Turks and Caicos Islands.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Turks, and Caicos Islands (June 2024 – Oct 2025)
Led the Office of the DPP with responsibility for a team of twenty-eight and a £4 million budget. Oversaw all criminal prosecutions in a jurisdiction with one of the highest per-capita murder rates globally.
Key Achievements:
- Implemented a new Case Management System, modernising operational processes.
- Recruited judges and prosecutors to strengthen institutional capacity.
- Created new prosecutorial and administrative posts.
- Developed a program to integrate TCI attorneys into the ODPP.
- Championed workplace reforms promoting equality, respect, and fairness.
Crown Prosecution Service | Principal Crown Advocate (2009–2024)
Prosecuted more than 120 homicide cases, including serial killings, domestic homicides, stalking, gang-related murders, and high-profile multi‑handed cases.
Specialized in advising Independent Office for Police Conduct and prosecuting police officers for criminal offences in particular misconduct in a public office.
Prosecuted serious sexual offences.
Selected Notable Cases:
- R v Kassaye & Calderwood (2010) – High‑profile £40m jewelry robbery.
- R v Hennessy (2015) – Historic sexual abuse; significant disclosure issues.
- R v X (2016) – UK’s youngest serial killer.
- R v H (2016) – Migrant Channel tunnel entry cases; key human‑rights issues.
- R v Ralph (2019) – Multiple murders of neighboring family.
- R v Ofogeli & Others (2020) – Murder/attempted murder involving complex CCTV and phone evidence.
- R v Garay (2023) – First UK prosecution under Domestic Abuse Act 2021 for killing overseas.
QEB Hollis Whiteman | Barrister (1987–2009)
Prosecuted and defended in full spectrum of criminal cases, Homicide, fraud, and sexual offences.
Selected notable cases:
- R v Charlie Kray. High profile conspiracy to supply drugs.
- R v M – Acid attack on lawyers in the Royal Courts of Justice.
- R v A & W – First prosecution under the Human Embryology Act 1990.
- R v M – Defended in robbery of post office. In interview D gave an account of alibi saying he was with co-D. Co-D pleaded. Facial mapping evidence. Cross examination of Facial mapping expert secured an acquittal at close of prosecution case.
- R v D. S.18 of garage owner by elderly Nigerian defendant. Despite evidence of garage owner of what he said occurred successful cross examination secured acquittal.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Bar Council (2009–2022)
Co‑Chair, Employed Barristers Committee (2022)
Barristers’ Representation Committee, Lincoln’s Inn (2020–2023)
