Jill Newton

Jill specialises in Crime. She joined Chambers in October 2025 after completing pupillage at a leading North East set. She was frequently instructed in cases ranging from serious violent assaults, possession of indecent images, and drugs. Jill conducted her first jury trial during pupillage, prosecuting a three-count indictment of assaults against emergency workers at York Crown Court. The jury returned guilty verdicts.

Jill prosecutes at CPS Grade 1 across all areas of General Crime in both the Crown and Magistrates Court. She also accepts defence instructions.

During her second six Jill was instructed as Independent Counsel to review prison intelligence related to an ongoing investigation and prosecution. She identified sensitive and legally privileged information which was removed before trial. Jill also was instructed on a noting brief on a case of serious and complex fraud.

Before coming to the Bar Jill worked as a legal advisor to the Hillsborough Inquest. She worked alongside the Home Office in disclosure of multifaceted highly sensitive forensic reports. She also assisted with the complex witness appeal and took statements from survivors.

Jill furthered her experience within this area as an advisor to the Chair of the Public Inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing. Jill worked alongside Greater Manchester Police and the security services in disclosure of intelligence to the Inquiry. She also provided advice on PII, intelligence and security matters.

She also worked for several Manchester-based solicitors firms representing families at Inquest.

Jill’s regulatory experience began when working for the General Medical Council. She would attend the Medical Practitioner Tribunal hearings and manage this work on behalf of the regulator.

Later, she worked for South Manchester NHS Trust, she represented Doctors at Inquest and assisted in training to the Trust, and dealt with any consequent regulatory issues.

Jill has an interest in police work, especially matters involving intelligence and surveillance. She holds Home Office security clearance.

Pre-Bar Jill joined the Force Intelligence Bureau at Merseyside Police. She worked specifically in covert intelligence, managing highly sensitive intelligence processes and surveillance for the Force. She also managed the disclosure of this to the criminal courts. She worked on sensitive cases which attracted media attention such as the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel and Ashley Dale, and managed intelligence relating to the stabbings in Southport and the subsequent riots. She received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for her intelligence work.

Jill also dealt with the often complex disclosure of intelligence to the Parole Board. She was involved in the case of R (Lee Hickman) v The Parole Board for England and Wales [2024] EWHC 3209 (Admin) where a challenge was raised to the use of the closed procedure. Jill gave evidence at these hearings alongside Chief Officers.

Jill is interested in extending her knowledge into professional disciplinary matters and work involving the police.