Oliver Pateman
Oliver joined chambers in October 2022, following the successful completion of his pupillage.
He is developing a mixed practice in the Magistrates’, Crown and Youth Courts and is often instructed in cases involving violence, drugs and weapons as well as sexual and dishonesty offences.
Oliver is a member of the CPS General Crime panel at Grade 2 and regularly prosecutes in the Magistrates’ Court and is instructed in appeals to the Crown Court.
During his studies, Oliver wrote a number of articles for the Gray’s Inn Student Journal and the Oxford Undergraduate Law Journal. Before 5PB, Oliver worked for OxFizz, a social enterprise set up to help young people from difficult educational backgrounds in their applications for universities and medical schools,
Recent Cases
R v B, Ipswich Crown Court – Oliver represented NB at trial, charged with a number of sexual and violent offences against his partner. Oliver’s client was unanimously acquitted of assault by penetration, by far the most serious count on the indictment.
R v S, Isleworth Crown Court – Oliver represented SS at trial, a property developer and company director, was charged with actual bodily harm. S was acquitted even though there was a previous conviction for the same offence before the jury as evidence of propensity to commit violent offences against domestic partners.
R v H, Reading Crown Court – Oliver represented SH, charged with robbery alongside two other defendants. The incident was captured on CCTV and seen by an independent eyewitness. Oliver’s client was unanimously acquitted.
R v T, R v T-G, City of London Magistrates’ Court – Oliver represented two sisters both charged with common assault on a fellow passenger on a busy commuter train. Oliver secured an acquittal for both of his clients, who both remain of absolute good character.
R v S, Stratford Magistrates’ Court – Oliver secured an acquittal for BS on a charge of assault by beating her own daughter. The two-day trial involved the cross-examination of four witnesses for the prosecution, including two youths, with the assistance of an interpreter. Oliver’s client was acquitted after the DJ concluded that she could not rely on the evidence of the complainant.
R v E, Ealing Magistrates’ Court – Oliver secured an acquittal for AE at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on charges of assault by beating her ex-husband and stepson. Oliver successfully persuaded the bench that AE had been acting in lawful self-defence at the relevant time.
Public Inquiries
Oliver is currently instructed as one of a number of counsel by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis in relation to the Undercover Policing Inquiry, chaired by Sir John Mitting.
Oliver is vetted to ‘SC’ level security clearance.
Education
- 2020-2021: Barrister’s Training Course, Inns of Court College of Advocacy
- 2018-2020: BA Jurisprudence, Harris Manchester College, Oxford
- 2014-2017: BA Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, Merton College, Oxford
Scholarships and Prizes
- 2021: Ann Goddard Scholarship, Grays Inn
- 2019: Gilbert Gray Scholarship, Grays Inn
- 2017: 2nd BA Scholar, Harris Manchester College, Oxford
- 2015: Exhibitioner, Merton College, Oxford
Professional Appointments and Memberships
- CPS General Crime – Level 2
- Criminal Bar Association
- Young Fraud Lawyers’ Association
