Ronnie Manek
Partner and Barrister & Head of Crown Court Advocacy
Recommended Lawyer by The Legal 500
Ronnie is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has a voice in the justice system. With over 20 years of experience, he has built a strong reputation as a skilled and fearless advocate, handling complex and sensitive cases with precision and care.
Specialist in Criminal Defence & Courts Martial
Ronnie specialises in all aspects of criminal defence, representing clients facing the most serious charges, including:
- Homicide & Serious Violence
- Sexual Offences
- Drug & Firearms Offences
- Serious Organised & Complex Crime
- Prison-Related Offences
- Baby Shaking Cases
In addition to his criminal defence work, Ronnie heads the Courts Martial department, representing military personnel facing serious allegations under military law. His expertise ensures that service members receive the highest level of defence in Courts Martial proceedings, where careers and reputations are often at stake.
Private Client Instructions & High-Profile Representation
Ronnie also acts for private clients, including high-profile individuals, business professionals, and public figures who require a discreet and strategic approach to their legal matters. He is frequently instructed by clients who value confidentiality, meticulous case preparation, and top-tier advocacy.
His experience includes defending individuals facing reputationally significant allegations, working closely with media and crisis management teams where necessary to protect his clients' interests both in and out of the courtroom.
Road Traffic Act & Driving Offences Specialist
Ronnie has developed a niche practice in Road Traffic Act cases, defending clients against a range of motoring offences, including:
- Drink & Drug Driving
- Dangerous & Careless Driving
- Failing to Stop & Report
- Driving Without Due Care & Attention
- Totting-Up & Disqualification Appeals
His expertise in this area is highly sought after by professionals, business leaders, and individuals who rely on their ability to drive for work and daily life. He has successfully defended clients facing licence revocation, penalty points, and disqualification, often achieving exceptional results through meticulous legal argument and advocacy.
Advocate for Vulnerable Individuals
Ronnie has developed a particular expertise in representing vulnerable clients, including those with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, and young defendants. His meticulous approach and sensitive advocacy ensure that these individuals receive the support and fair representation they deserve.
As an approved Pupil Supervisor and a trained advocate for cases involving vulnerable witnesses, he is qualified to handle highly sensitive cases such as child abuse and sexual offences involving minors.
Expert in Forensic & Expert Witness Evidence
Ronnie is frequently engaged in cases that require a deep understanding of forensic evidence, working alongside leading experts in:
- Pathology
- Forensic Science
- Psychiatry & Medical Evidence
His ability to critically analyse and challenge expert testimony ensures that every detail of a case is thoroughly examined.
A Seasoned Trial & Courts Martial Advocate
Recognised for his skill in the courtroom, Ronnie is known for his meticulous preparation, persuasive advocacy, and ability to handle high-profile and emotionally charged trials. He is often instructed in multi-handed cases, where strategic precision is essential.
His work has gained national attention, with appearances in:
- Channel 5’s Baby Shaking documentary, featuring one of his real-life cases
- BBC1’s Panorama episode on joint enterprise murder, covering a nine-week trial at the Old Bailey
Ronnie’s fearless commitment to justice, combined with his sharp forensic skills and dedication to his clients, makes him a trusted and formidable advocate in criminal defence, military law, private client work, and motoring offences.
“I would like to express my gratitude for the professional defence provided by lawyers Jack Stewart, Ronnie Manek, and Oskar Smith. In my life, I found myself in a very difficult situation in which I was not guilty and was arrested for a long period. Together, we were able to prove that we were right and innocent. I am more than satisfied with the help provided. In addition to legal help, psychological support was also given.”
“What a team! Ness, Jack & Ronnie have been amazing from start to finish. They have been professional throughout and covered all bases to get the best possible outcome for my daughter. Their dedication and hard work resulted in the CPS dropping charges which really was the best outcome given the full circumstances. I have to give a standalone shout out to Ness though as much of our communication has been via her. The service, communication and professionalism of Ness has been second to none. We cant thank you enough!"
Crown Court Rejects Prosecution’s Late Attempt to Pursue Confiscation Proceedings
Crown offers no evidence following service of Defence Statement
Ronnie Manek secures hat-trick of high-profile acquittals in just three months
Successful defence in serious driving fatality at the Old Bailey
GTS client acquitted of attempted murder in alleged revenge shooting at Kingston Crown Court
Notable Cases
| Date | Offence | Length | Client | Leading/Led/Junior Alone | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Murder (Multi-handed) | 6 weeks | SB | Led Junior | Maidstone CC |
| January 2026 | Murder | 4 weeks | DC | Led Junior | Maidstone CC |
| November 2025 | Murder – single defendant | 3 weeks | EJ | Led Junior | Maidstone Crown Court |
| October 2025 | Attempted Murder – Multi-handed group attack | 6 weeks | EP | Leading Junior | Canterbury Crown Court |
| September 2025 | Death By Dangerous driving whilst unfit (drugs) | 2 weeks | KT | Junior Alone | Central Criminal Court |
| September 2025 | Sexual offences (multiple offences) | 1 week | JH | Junior Alone | Bulford Military Court |
| August 2025 | S.18/Agg Burglary with firearm (3 defendants) | 2 weeks | KC | Junior Alone | Inner London CC |
| June 2025 | Attempted Murder (shooting) – (4 defendants) | 6 weeks | ZW | Leading Junior | Kingston Crown Court |
| May 2025 | Murder (single defendant – stabbing) | 3 weeks | HR | Led Junior | Inner London CC |
| April 2025 | Rape of Under 13yr old (multi-handed) | 4 weeks | EG | Junior alone | Canterbury Crown Court |
| March 2025 | Murder (re-trial) – stranger killing single defendant | 4 weeks | HLVP | Led Junior | Canterbury Crown Court |
| February 2025 | Conspiracy to Supply class A drugs 600 kilos of cocaine (8 defendants) | 6-8 weeks | DK | Junior alone | Woolwich Crown Court |
| November 2024 | Possession of a firearm & Drugs Supply (Encrochat) | 3 weeks | RT | Junior alone | Snaresbrook CC |
| June 2024 | Conspiracy to commit fraud and breach of immigration rules (facilitation of illegal migrants) | 5 weeks | AO | Junior alone | Woolwich Crown Court |
| June 2024 | Importation of class A drugs | 3 day Newton hearing | RV | Junior alone | Canterbury CC |
| June 2024 | Murder | 4 weeks | HLVP | Led Junior | Canterbury Crown Court |
| May 2024 | Attempted Murder (3 defendants) | 2 weeks | ME | Junior Alone | Maidstone Crown Court |
| Jan 2024 | Attempted Murder | 4 weeks | TB-B | Led Junior (was leading initially) | Central Criminal Court |
| November 2023 | Conspiracy to Murder (6 defendants) | 12 weeks | SG | Led Junior | Central Criminal Court |
| October 2023 | Importation of 300 kilos of class A drugs | 1 week | GW | Junior Alone | Canterbury Crown Court |
| September 2023 | s.18 GBH (stabbing) involving former Police Community Support Officer | 1 week | KB | Junior Alone | Canterbury Crown Court |
| July 2023 | Conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry (4 defendants) | 5 weeks | AO | Junior Alone | Woolwich Crown Court |
| June 2023 | Murder (3 defendants) | 5 weeks | KK | Led Junior | Central Criminal Court |
| May 2023 | Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (14 defendants) | 3 weeks | TI | Junior Alone | Snaresbrook CC |
| March 2023 | Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life/Conspiracy to Commit s.18 OAPA | 4 weeks | DP | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| Jan 2023 | Aggravated Burglary (6 defendants) | 5 weeks | MB | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| Dec 2022 | People Trafficking (facilitation) – violation of HRA & Article 31 Refugee Convention – “small boats” channel crossing – preparatory hearing (2 defendants) | 2 days | MA | Led junior | Canterbury CC |
| June 2022 | Attempted Murder (2 defendants) | 6 weeks | CN | Led junior | Maidstone CC |
| June 2022 | Murder (single defendant) | 2 weeks | OB | Led Junior | Central Criminal Court |
| April 2022 | Corruption & Bribery (4 defendants) | 12 weeks | TD | Led Junior | Southwark CC |
| March 2022 | Conspiracy to Defraud (12 defendants) | 4 weeks | PK | Leading Junior | Southwark CC |
| Feb/Mar 2022 | Conspiracy to Murder (4 defendants) | 4 weeks | CDR | Led Junior | Central Criminal Court |
| November 2021 | Murder – Led junior (6 defendants) | 12 weeks | DA | Led Junior | Central Criminal Court |
| October 2021 | Importation of class A drugs 54 kilos (3 defendants) | 7 weeks | AR | Leading Junior | Isleworth CC |
| August 2021 | Attempted Murder (5 defendants) | 8 weeks | TJF | Leading Junior | Central Criminal Court |
| May 2021 | Facilitation offences (people trafficking) | 7 days | SP | Junior alone | Canterbury CC |
| March 2021 | Conspiracy to transfer firearms | 6 weeks | NJ | Leading Junior | Woolwich Crown Court |
| February 2021 | S.18 GBH & Robbery | 5 weeks | GK | Junior Alone | Maidstone CC |
| January 2021 | Transfer of firearms | 2 weeks | BL | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| December 2020 | Firearms with intent to cause fear of violence | 1 week | JN | Junior Alone | Canterbury CC |
| November 2020 | Murder – revenge killing – single defendant | 4 weeks | SO’R | Led Junior | Central Criminal Court |
| October 2020 | Murder – single defendant | 2 weeks | NZ | Led Junior | Central Criminal Court |
| July 2020 | Attempted Murder – insanity – single defendant | 2 weeks | JJ | Led Junior | Maidstone CC |
| February 2020 | Conspiracy to supply class A drugs – 9 defendants | 8 weeks | MU | Leading Junior | Woolwich CC |
| January 2020 | Conspiracy to produce and supply class A drugs | 2 weeks | AG | Leading Junior | Southwark CC |
| January 2020 | Historical Rape – biological daughter) | 2 weeks | LL | Led Junior | Inner London CC |
| November 2019 | Murder – Diminished Res | 3 weeks | WT | Led Junior | CCC |
| October 2019 | Murder – Loss of control | 3 weeks | RDW | Led Junior | Snaresbrook CC |
| September 2019 | Firearms with intent | 2 weeks | DJ | Junior alone | Inner London CC |
| August 2019 | Murder x 2 of twin children | No trial/plea accepted | SF | Led Junior | CCC |
| April 2019 | Murder – 9 defendants | 9 weeks | KF | Led Junior | CCC |
| February 2019 | GBH with intent | 1 week | LH | Junior Alone | Maidstone CC |
| January 2019 | Conspiracy to supply class A drugs & Conspiracy to commit GBH with intent | Cracked trial | SA | Leading Junior | Snaresbrook CC |
| October 2018 | Attempted Murder | 2 weeks | AA | Junior Alone | Snaresbrook CC |
| September 2018 | Violent Disorder | 2 weeks | CO | Junior Alone | Maidstone CC |
| May 2018 | Conspiracy to Kidnap, blackmail and falsely imprison | 5 weeks | NFH | Junior Alone | Southwark CC |
| March 2018 | Conspiracy to import/supply class A drugs | 6 weeks | MC | Leading Junior | Southwark CC |
| February 2018 | Death by Careless Driving | 2 weeks | TA | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| January 2018 | Money laundering | 3 weeks | SH | Junior Alone | Lewes CC |
| August 2017 | Firearms | 1 week | DRF | Junior Alone | Inner London CC |
| July 2017 | Firearms with intent | 1 week | SG | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| July 2017 | Murder – single defendant | 3 weeks | MI | Led Junior | Woolwich CC |
| June 2017 | Conspiracy to defraud the CSSC sports council – identity Fraud -4 defendants | 6 week trial | |||
| May 2017 | Conspiracy to Kidnap, blackmail and falsely imprison – 6 defendants | 6 weeks | CB | Junior Alone | Inner London CC |
| May 2017 | Murder – single defendant (killed father-in-law) | 2 weeks | DH | Led Junior | Maidstone CC |
| April 2017 | Firearms & Drugs – single defendant | 1 week | GH | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| February 2017 | Harassment (archbishop harassing daughter & ex-wife (high profile – private) | 1 week | JB | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| January 2017 | Conspiracy to Acquire Criminal Property (Money laundering | 8 weeks | CH | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| October 2016 | Conspiracy to Steal | 4 weeks | JG | Leading Junior | Inner London CC |
| September 2016 | Kidnap/Blackmail/GBH | 4 weeks | SD | Junior alone | Maidstone CC |
| July 2016 | GBH with intent (baby shaking) – 2 defendants | 4 weeks | KK | Led Junior | Blackfriars CC |
| May 2016 | Conspiracy to supply and manufacture firearms (2 defendants) | 3 weeks | BB | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| February 2016 | Possession of Explosives (army soldier) | 1 week | RB | Junior Alone | Croydon CC |
| February 2016 | Murder (single defendant – strangulation) | 2 weeks | TS | Led Junior | Canterbury CC |
| September 2015 | Attempted Murder (shooting) – single defendant (16yr old) | 3 weeks | OP | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| August 2015 | Conspiracy to defraud the Secretary of State (ATW fraud) – 8 defendants | 6 weeks | TJ | Junior Alone | Croydon CC |
| March 2015 | Conspiracy to kidnap/blackmail/GBH (5 defendants) | 6 weeks | NB | Junior Alone | CCC |
| January 2015 | Firearms with Intent (6 defendants) | 8 weeks | PO | Junior Alone | Croydon CC |
| October 2014 | Murder (6 defendants stabbing) | 6 weeks | AL | Led Junior | CCC |
| June 2014 | Attempted Murder | 1 week | CH | Junior Alone | Inner London CC |
| February 2014 | Manslaughter (baby-shaking) – 2 defendants | Cracked trial | KK | Led Junior | CCC |
| November 2013 – January 2014 | Conspiracy to defraud/Misconduct in Public Office (housing benefit fraud) | 12 weeks | MB | Junior Alone | Woolwich CC |
| May 2013 | Conspiracy to defraud (wine investment fraud) | 8 weeks | PD | Led Junior | Southwark CC |
| October 2011 | Murder (6 defendants) | 6 weeks | QA | Led Junior | CCC |
| January 2011 | Murder (9 defendants) | 9 weeks | JA | Led Junior | CCC |
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