Welcome Curtis Dunkley
We are delighted to welcome Curtis Dunkley to Chambers. Curtis is a Criminal Law barrister, with growing experience dealing with criminal cases of all...
Read more
Curtis is a dedicated Criminal barrister with a growing practice across both the prosecution and defence. He is regularly instructed in cases before the Magistrates and Crown Court, and is known for his measured advocacy and strong client care. His work has been commended by members of the judiciary, particularly for the quality of his advocacy, both written and oral.
He completed pupillage with the Crown Prosecution Service, where he gained broad experience working as a Crown Advocate and dealing with cases of all levels. Curtis joined Chambers in January 2025.
Curtis is a CPS Grade 2 Prosecutor. He has completed the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) circuit training course.
Crown Court & appeals
Curtis prosecutes and defends all levels of hearing in the Crown Court. He has experience in cases involving vulnerable witnesses and victims and is known for his measured and effective courtroom manner.
Notable cases:
R v MH (2024) – Prosecuted one of the widespread violent disorder cases for sentence, which resulted in a sentence of four years and six months.
R v NN (2024) – Sentence – Prosecuted at sentence which resulted in an eight-year term of custody for offences including Possession with Intent to Supply Class A drugs. Curtis was praised for his preparation and opening Sentence Note.
R v DR (2025) – Prosecuted a four-day Domestic Burglary trial involving a number of prosecution witnesses and forensic evidence. The trial resulted in a conviction and Curtis received praise for his presentation of the evidence.
R v ST (2025) – Defended at sentence a Police Officer charged with Misconduct in a Public Office. Curtis was successful in advancing mitigation which resulted in a reduction to the custodial term. The case was reported in the BBC.
R v AM (2025) – Defended at sentence for an individual who had breached his Suspended Sentence Order. Curtis successfully persuaded the Court that it would be unjust to activate the custodial term of the order.
R v JS (2025) – Trial – Prosecuted a trial involving matters of a domestic nature involving a vulnerable complainant. The case was resolved on the day of trial with acceptable guilty pleas.
Magistrates Court
Curtis has a broad range of experience prosecuting and defending cases in the Magistrates’ Court. He has represented both professional clients and youths accused of a variety of offences. Curtis is known for his calm, approachable manner and aims to put clients at ease and fiercely represent their interests.
Notable cases:
R v GS (2025) – Defended an individual charged with harassment. Following a successful submission of no case to answer, the charge was dismissed.
R v AA (2024) – Prosecuted a full-day Sexual Assault trial which concerned a vulnerable victim and witnesses. The Defendant was convicted following trial
R v DS (2025) – Defended at sentence an individual who had pleaded guilty to possession of Class A drugs at a football match. Successfully persuaded the Court that exceptional circumstances applied which justified moving outside of the sentencing guidelines. This resulted in the individual being sentenced to a Conditional Discharge. Curtis successfully persuaded the Court that it would be unjust to impose a football banning order.
R v JS (2025) – Defended at sentence for motoring offences which resulted in ’totting up’ driving disqualification. Successfully persuaded the court that exceptional hardship applied and the individual was able to continue driving.
R v SS (2025) – Defendant at sentence an individual charged with possession of a bladed article and affray. Successfully persuaded the court to impose a Suspended Sentence Order.
R v LT (2025) – Youth Court – Defended an individual charged with s.18 Grievous Bodily Harm. Successfully advanced a basis of plea and persuaded the court to impose a Referral Order, as opposed to a Detention and Training Order, despite the gravity of the offence.
Education
- Bar Course – Nottingham Law School (2022)
- Law LLB – First-Class honours, Staffordshire University (2020)
Scholarships and Awards
- Scholarship for Academic Excellence – Nottingham Law School (2021)
- Michael Tester Award – Staffordshire University (2020)
