Ronnie Manek Profile Photo

Ronnie Manek

Partner and Barrister & Head of Crown Court Advocacy

r.manek@gtstewart.co.uk
020 8299 6000

Profile

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.

Cases:

Date Offence Length Client Leading/Led/Junior Alone Court
December 2025 Fraud (multi-handed) – 9 defendants 4 weeks SA Junior Alone Maidstone CC
October 2025 Murder, Attempted Murder x 2 – shooting (4 defendants) 6 weeks TS Led Junior Central Criminal Court
September 2025 Death By Dangerous driving whilst unfit (drugs) 2 weeks KT Junior alone Central Criminal 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
February 2025 Murder  – single defendant 3 weeks EJ Led Junior Maidstone 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 week 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 week GK Junior Alone Maidstone CC
January 2021 Transfer of firearms 2 weeks BL Junior Alone Woolwich CC
December 2021 Firearms with intent to cause fear of violence 1 week JN Junior Alone Canterbury CC
November 2021 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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