From Ched Evans to a former senior BBC employee convicted of possessing indecent images, these are some of the clients Kieran Vaughan has represented
Having previously been described as “possibly the best KC of our generation,” Kieran Vaughan KC will represent former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as his trial gets underway at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 historical sexual offences, including one count of rape, alongside allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency. These charges involve two alleged victims and span a 23-year period between 1985 and 2008.
His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces a ‘trial of facts’ on charges of aiding and abetting, which she has formally denied. Last week, she was deemed unfit to stand trial after the legal proceedings against her had already been delayed twice before due to mental health issues.
Kieran Vaughan is widely recognised as one of the UK’s top criminal trial and appeal barristers, working on some of the most high-profile fraud, murder, terrorist, sexual offences and serious crime cases to come before the UK courts.
Sean Hoey
In 2007, Kieran Vaughan represented Sean Hoey, who was cleared of the murder of 29 people in the 1998 Omagh bombing.
Usman Khan
Kieran Vaughan previously represented the London Bridge attacker, Usman Khan, prior to the 2019 attack. In 2012, Vaughan defended Khan, who faced a number of terror-related charges connected to a plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange.
Tomas “Bomber” Kavanagh
Vaughan also represented Tomas Kavanagh, who is said to be the Kinihan Cartel’s UK lieutenant, when he pled guilty to being the head of an international conspiracy to import cocaine.
Reiss Nelson
Former Arsenal footballer Reiss Nelson previously instructed Kieran Vaughan in a case involving a dangerous dog.
Ched Evans
Kieran Vaughan was instructed by professional footballer Ched Evans in his appeal against a conviction of rape, which led to the conviction being quashed.
Christine Connor
Christine Connor had been described as a “lone-wolf” dissident republican who had been convicted over an alleged terrorist plot where she posed as a Swedish model to lure men into supporting her attempt to kill police officers. After a three-day appeal, her convictions were quashed.
Michael McKevit
Kieran Vaughan KC advised and represented Michael McKevit in an appeal against the findings of a High Court civil case that he was responsible for the 1998 Omagh Bomb.
Mina Dich
Mina Dich, her daughter Kizlaine Boular and their friend Khawala Barghouthi were jailed for plotting a knife attack on members of the public outside the Palace of Westminster in London. The trio were the first ever female terrorist cell in the UK.
Irfan Naseer
Vaughan represented Irfan Naseer, the ringleader of a terror cell who plotted to detonate rucksack bombs in an attack that would rival 9/11 and the 7/7 attacks in London.
Unnamed retired senior BBC employee
Kieran Vaughan previously represented an unnamed retired senior BBC employee who was handed a suspended sentence for the possession of indecent images.
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