Rhean Bailey - Principal

Rhean is a highly experienced and dedicated solicitor, having specialised in criminal defence law throughout her career. She qualified as a solicitor in 2000 and established Goldman Bailey with Oliver Goldman in 2008.

Rhean specialises in serious crime including allegations of murder, fraud, sexual offences and serious violence. Rhean also has wide experience of representing both juveniles and defendants with mental health issues and has challenged a number of decisions of the lower courts by way of judicial review proceedings. She represents clients both privately and via legal aid.

She is a tenacious advocate and has dealt with many substantial and high-profile cases during her career, including the successful representation of professionals, some charged with offences relating to their employment. Rhean was the Law Society Gazette’s 'Lawyer of the Week' after acting for a nursery nurse in the widely-reported 'Supernanny' case and has experience of dealing with the media on behalf of her clients. Rhean has been regularly instructed by media personalities who rely on her professionalism, discretion and sensitivity.

Rhean speaks conversational French, Spanish and German.

If you would like to contact Rhean directly, please send her an email.

Notable Cases

R v P (2015) - Central Criminal Court

Client acquitted of ‘one punch’ manslaughter. A neighbour died of a heart attack shortly after an argument with our client on New Year’s Day. Extensive medical evidence was obtained, including specialist pathologist reports.

R v L (2015) - Harrow Crown Court

Acted for defendant acquitted of rape and attempted rape. Diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia led to multiple psychiatric issues as to fitness to plead and fitness to stand trial.

R v M (2014) - Central Criminal Court

Represented one of multiple defendants in alleged gang related murder, including to Court of Appeal. Expert reports used in defence, including from fingerprint and DNA experts.

R v B (2013) – Kingston Crown Court

Successful defence of black cab driver, charged with causing death by careless driving. Detailed expert reconstruction of the accident and site visits led to client’s acquittal.

R v M (2012) – Snaresbrook Crown Court

Successful defence of solicitor charged with rape and assault. Case involved extensive investigations into social media and expert evidence relating to enhancement of CCTV.

R v C (2012) – Central Criminal Court

Represented defendant acquitted of 'fake sheikh' mortgage fraud. Case involved complicated and intricate transactions between brokers, solicitors and mortgage lenders on unsecured loans totalling £2.5 million.
Daily Mail article.

R v K (2011) – Manchester Crown Court

Acted for defendant charged with historic allegations of stranger rape in Manchester. Numerous legal arguments mounted including an abuse of process.

R v R (2011) – Court of Appeal

Instructed by Appellant in reported case of appeal following a conviction for rape. Unusually for an appeal against sentence, Court of Appeal allowed the calling of fresh evidence.
bailii.org article.

R v E (2010) – Central Criminal Court

Represented defendant charged with murder, alleged to be a revenge 'assassination' as part of a feud involving rival drug dealers.

R v A (2008) – Southwark Crown Court

Case alleging sustained credit card fraud and money laundering by employee of a well-known department store. Limited basis of plea successfully negotiated on client's behalf.
BBC news article.

R v M (2008) – Southwark Crown Court

Represented one of 16 defendants charged with football-related violent disorder in a widely-reported case.
BBC news article.

R v R (2007) – Snaresbrook Crown Court

Allegations of firearms, conspiracy to kidnap at gunpoint and witness intimidation, involving issues of a sensitive personal and cultural nature. After a fully-contested trial, client acquitted by the jury in a matter of minutes.

R v A (2007) - Southwark Crown Court

Represented lawyer acquitted of offences relating to possession of forged identity documents. Successful defence case that he had taken possession of documents in course of employment.

R v B and others (2006) - Southwark Crown Court

Represented one of a number of Eastern European defendants charged with fraud and money laundering, arising from a complex, international fraud operation. First time criminal charges were laid for a 'phishing' fraud.
The Register article.

R v R (2006) – Kettering Magistrates’ Court

Successful defence of nursery owner accused of assault of child in her care; widely reported in the national press as the 'Supernanny' case. Multiple defence arguments relating to non-disclosure of evidence and abuse of process.

Nominated as ‘Lawyer of the Week’ in the Law Society Gazette.
Telegraph article.
Law Gazette article.

R v H (2005) – Isleworth Crown Court

Represented one of the youngest defendants to be charged with importation of Class A drugs into the UK as a drugs 'mule'. Issues of duress and psychological difficulties. Rhean also successfully instigated emergency injunction proceedings against the local authority on this client's behalf.