Rebecca Utton 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 premises 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 a local planning authority in successful prosecution of a company and two individuals before the Crown Court in respect of breaches of planning enforcement notices.
Represented a company director at an interview under caution in respect of a criminal investigation for Gross Negligence Manslaughter following an incident where an employee sustained fatal crushing injuries. No further action was confirmed by the police following investigation.
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.
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
2000 College of Law Guildford, LPC
1997 – 2000 University of East Anglia, LLB
Rebecca Utton stands out for her exceptional combination of professionalism, friendliness, and expertise. From the outset, her approachable demeanour made working together a seamless and reassuring experience. What truly sets Rebecca apart from others is her deep knowledge of legislation and her ability to navigate complex legal matters with clarity and confidence.
Legal 500 [UK 2024]
