Richard Orme

Bar Call/Inn
1993
Lincoln’s Inn

Education 
Leeds University
Fundan University (Shanghai, People’s Republic of China)

Areas of Practice
Richard is instructed exclusively in Criminal Law by both Prosecution and Defence in the Crown Court and at Appellate level in cases of the utmost seriousness. However, no matter what the charge is, Richard recognises that each and every case is of the greatest seriousness to the client concerned and he strives never to forget that.

Having studied, lived and worked in the Far East before returning to the UK to pursue his legal career he now receives instructions on behalf of the Chinese community in all areas of Criminal Law but notably in cases where Triad activity is alleged. Such cases involve drug trafficking, people trafficking, brothel running, counterfeit goods, blackmail etc. Coupled with the rapidly increasing influx of Chinese citizens into the UK, Richard’s understanding of the culture and language has uniquely placed him to service this work to the highest standards.

In 1997/98 Richard was Counsel instructed for the Defence (R ~v~ Davies) in the first case in this country where “Necessity/Duress of Circumstances” was successfully advanced before a jury in respect of cannabis cultivation, possession, possession with intent and supply in the context of medical use. The defence colloquially became known as “Medical Necessity” and Richard was suddenly in demand throughout England and Wales representing “therapeutic users” of cannabis. He takes pride in the fact that, in the numerous contested cases of this type in which he was instructed, on no occasion was a client of his ever convicted. 

Significant Cases

2002       £3m amphetamine production operation

2002       Gangland contract-killing (drugs turf war)

2005       Contract killing of wealthy business man

2006       One of the largest north Wales child sex abuse cases

2006       £85m MITC/VAT carousel fraud

2006       £1.7m print procurement fraud

2007 Substantial money laundering case

Richard is regularly instructed by the CPS in cases of all types (including Murder, Sex Offences, Firearms Offences, Robberies and Frauds) and has recently been appointed to the approved panel of Specialist Prosecutors for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences. He also prosecutes on behalf of the Royal Mail.

Languages

French, German, Mandarin Chinese