When do submissions in mitigation cross the line into a Newton hearing? Lisa Bald wins argument before Costs Judge.

Lisa Bald, acting on behalf of Stuart Miller solicitors successfully argued that it should have been paid a trial fee, rather than just a fee for a guilty plea, for its work on the so-called ‘eunuch-maker’ case. In the High Court, Lisa argued the underlying prosecution was a ‘very unusual case’, with many facts which had to be established for the purpose of sentencing. One of the most complex elements was the consent issue, because ‘it was so unusual for someone to consent to what the victim permitted happen to him’ and said an ‘immense amount of work’ was required. This was ‘not a standard sentencing hearing’.

Law Society Gazette: Firm wins trial fee after guilty plea in ‘eunuch-maker’ case.

Stuart Miller Solicitors v Lord Chancellor [2025] EWHC 2149 (SCCO)