
Rebecca is an Associate within the Regulatory and Corporate Defence Team.
She is an accomplished advocate who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having practised criminal law for in excess of 20 years representing clients at the police station and in the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. Rebecca has experience in dealing with prosecutions brought by a number of public bodies including Trading Standards and Health and Safety Executive.
Rebecca is instructed by multiple Local Authorities’ environmental health, planning and licensing departments, to advise and prosecute in relation to offences including Breach of Enforcement and Condition Notices, Food Safety, Fly Tipping and Statutory Nuisance. As part of the Birketts Licensing Team, Rebecca delivers policy advice and training to Local Authorities on alcohol, taxi and gambling licensing and sits as a legal adviser to their licensing committees. Rebecca also delivers Local Authority PACE investigation and disclosure training.
Rebecca has expertise in a wide variety of road transport and traffic matters, including advising and representing operators and drivers in relation to DVSA and Traffic Commissioner investigations, representing clients in criminal proceedings following road traffic collisions involving serious injuries and fatalities, successfully advancing exceptional hardship arguments and representing clients in respect of appeals against DVLA decisions refusing to reissue driving licences following medical inquiry.
Rebecca is instructed by The Police Federation of England & Wales to represent officers, of all ranks, who are the subject of criminal and/or gross misconduct investigations. Rebecca is also instructed by the Teachers Regulation Agency (TRA) to act as legal adviser at teacher misconduct hearings. Rebecca is based in our Norwich office.
Recent work highlights
Advised and represented client acquitted of a charge of causing death by careless driving on a road which had recently been subject to a road safety review.
Advised and represented a company and its directors in respect of a criminal investigation for Corporate and Gross Negligence Manslaughter following a fall from height incident. No further action was confirmed by the police following investigation.
Advised and obtained, on behalf of a local authority, Part 2(A) Order’s under The Health Protection (Part 2A Orders) Regulations 2010 in respect of an individual diagnosed with multidrug resistant tuberculosis.
Advised and represented a Local Authority as Respondents in a taxi licensing appeal against the licensing sub-committee’s decision not to grant a licence. Initial sub-committee decision upheld by the court.
Advised and prepared written submissions for a worldwide food distribution group in respect of a DVSA investigation. Following consideration of those submissions the DVSA confirmed that no further action would be taken.
Experience & education
2021 – present-day Associate, Birketts
2016 – 2021 Solicitor, Criminal Defence, Norton Peskett
2003 – 2016 Solicitor / Director, Criminal Defence, ACT Solicitors
2001 – 2003 Trainee Solicitor, Steeles Law
2003 Qualified
Areas of Expertise
Rebecca Utton has been very understanding and accomodating. She has readily explained any terminology and processes when asked and has made herself available to answer any questions I might have as well as been transparent regarding the work undertaken and cost estimates. The legal process so far has been much less intimidating for me due to Rebecca’s friendly, yet professional demeanour and a willingness to make the legalities as painless as possible.
Legal 500 [UK 2024]