Criminal law

Robbery and blackmail,
firmly defended.

The courts treat these allegations with great seriousness. We examine identification, intent and every link in the prosecution case, and represent you personally in court.

24-hour line 01582 853 783 Request a callback
  • Band 1 for CrimePreviously ranked, Chambers & Partners
  • Legal 500 Leading FirmPreviously recognised
  • Highly CommendedLaw Society Excellence Awards 2021
  • Day and nightPolice station attendance at any hour

Robbery, blackmail and the Theft Act 1968

Under section 8 of the Theft Act 1968, robbery is stealing while using force on someone, or putting or seeking to put them in fear of force, immediately before or at the time of the theft and in order to steal. Robbery can only be tried in the Crown Court. Whether force was used, when and why are often contested, and the answers can decide whether the allegation is robbery, theft or something else.

Blackmail, under section 21 of the same Act, is making an unwarranted demand with menaces, with a view to gain for yourself or another, or with intent to cause loss to another. A demand is unwarranted unless you believed you had reasonable grounds for making it and that using the menaces was a proper way of reinforcing it. Blackmail is also tried in the Crown Court.

Many cases turn on identification: CCTV, witness descriptions, phone data or forensic traces. Each needs careful examination, because mistakes happen. Early advice at the police station matters, and our solicitors attend 24 hours a day. We then prepare your defence in detail and represent you personally in court, presenting your case with clarity and force.

What we do for you

  • 24-hour attendance at police interview
  • Careful review of CCTV and identification evidence
  • Challenges to identification procedures where appropriate
  • Analysis of phone, cell-site and forensic material
  • Personal in-court representation by your solicitor

Allegations we defend

We defend robbery, blackmail and related theft allegations from arrest to trial.

  1. Robbery

    Theft with force or the threat of force, under section 8 of the Theft Act 1968.

  2. Assault with intent to rob

    Allegations where force was used or threatened in an alleged attempt to steal.

  3. Attempted robbery and conspiracy to rob

    Allegations of attempting, or agreeing with others, to commit robbery.

  4. Blackmail

    Unwarranted demands with menaces, under section 21 of the Theft Act 1968.

  5. Burglary and aggravated burglary

    Entering a building as a trespasser, including with a weapon, under sections 9 and 10.

  6. Handling stolen goods

    Allegations under section 22 of the Theft Act 1968.

  7. Theft

    Dishonest appropriation of property, under section 1 of the Theft Act 1968.

How we defend a robbery or blackmail case

We build your defence methodically, from the police station to the final hearing.

  1. Police interview

    We attend 24 hours a day and advise you before interview, including on any identification procedure the police propose.

  2. First hearing and bail

    Robbery and blackmail cases are sent to the Crown Court. We represent you at the first hearing and prepare any bail application with care.

  3. Preparing the defence

    We review CCTV, phone records and forensic material, pursue disclosure and trace witnesses who support your account.

  4. Trial or resolution

    At trial we test the identification evidence and the evidence of force, demand or intent. If there is a conviction, we present mitigation fully and fairly.

Attiq Malik

Key contact

Attiq Malik

Principal Solicitor

A prominent criminal defence solicitor, Attiq has won acquittals on Channel 4’s ‘24 Hours in Police Custody’ and been praised by the Law Society of England and Wales. He specialises in serious crime and employment law.

  • Previously Band 1 for Crime, Chambers
  • Higher Rights advocate
  • Duty solicitor
He has terrific courage and belief in the system, showing that it works. He’s out there fighting the good fight.
24-hour line 01582 853 783 Request a callback

What our clients say

Real feedback from the people we have represented, published on ReviewSolicitors and Google.

Craig Woods
Craig Woods
★★★★★
Contacted liberty law and from start to finish very happy with the whole process very helpful polite and easy to deal with they real do now there stuff
Karen
Karen
★★★★★
I could not recommend this firm enough. They manage to maintain complete professionalism whilst also being personable. Rasheda and Dean clearly explained every step of the process from beginning to end, with Dean taking the time to explain all of legal jargon. I really appreciated this as it made, what started as a daunting experience, so much easier to complete. I am so glad that I took the time to look around and read reviews before choosing any local firm. It really made a difference. Thank you Liberty Law.
Muhammad Khan
Muhammad Khan
★★★★★
Liberty Law took over my case at its hardest point. Dean Garrett was calm, straight-talking and on top of every detail from the first call: he strengthened my case, instructed an outstanding barrister, and his judgement was right at every turn. Rasheda kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes — calls arranged, documents where they needed to be, nothing ever too much trouble. My case concluded on day two of the final hearing, with an outcome I was very pleased with. They believed in my case when it mattered, and they delivered. Highly recommended.
Chapo
Chapo
★★★★★
I had an excellent experience. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. They took the time to answer my questions, provided clear advice, and worked hard to achieve a great outcome. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable and dedicated legal representation. If you are looking for professionalism and results you have come to the right place!!
Tinksy 37
Tinksy 37
★★★★★
Cannot thank the guys enough my solicitor went absolutely above and beyond
Abdul Basit
Abdul Basit
★★★★★
I contacted Liberty Law Solicitors regarding one of my legal cases. Throughout the past year, Mr. Faris Nazar handled my case with exceptional dedication, honesty, sincerity, and professionalism. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, I was ultimately successful in my case. I can confidently say that this firm is highly professional and genuinely committed to serving its clients. They have earned my trust, and I would highly recommend their services.👏
Mohammed
Mohammed
★★★★★
Where do I even start from the start to the very end they delivered I can’t thank the team and Itsam Malik enough for the results we was looking at 16-20 years and they got it down to 3 years which turned into 10 months the whole team and Itsam malik are great people!
M. T
M. T
★★★★★
I cannot thank Liberty Law Solicitors enough for the support and representation I received during a very difficult and stressful time. My solicitor Dean Garrett was honest, clear, and professional from the outset, explaining my situation and the possible outcomes without giving false reassurance. I really appreciated that level of transparency. The preparation for the hearing was thorough and made a real difference. I felt well guided throughout the process and was able to stay calm and focused because of the support I received. I am very grateful for the work carried out on my case and would highly recommend Liberty Law Solicitors to anyone in need of strong, honest, and professional legal representation.
Kamal Hussain
Kamal Hussain
★★★★★
I recently sought advice and support from Atiq at Liberty Law Solicitors regarding an employment matter. I’m genuinely grateful for the way Atiq handled everything. He made the whole process feel manageable, took the time to explain things clearly, and provided steady reassurance throughout. Knowing I had someone knowledgeable and dependable guiding me made a big difference. It’s incredibly reassuring to have Atiq and the team at Liberty Law in your corner. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
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Questions people ask

General information, not advice on your case. For that, speak to us — the first conversation costs nothing.

What makes theft a robbery?

Robbery requires force, or putting or seeking to put someone in fear of force, immediately before or at the time of stealing and in order to steal. Force used after the theft is complete, or for a different reason, may not make it robbery. The distinction matters because robbery is treated far more seriously than theft.

Can a threat to reveal information be blackmail?

Yes. The menaces in blackmail are not limited to threats of violence; a threat to reveal embarrassing or private information can be enough. The demand must also be unwarranted, which raises questions about what you believed at the time. These cases are often highly fact-specific.

What if I have been wrongly identified?

Mistaken identification is a recognised risk, and the courts take special care where a case depends on it. Judges direct juries about the dangers of identification evidence. We examine how any identification was made and whether the proper procedures were followed.

Will I be granted bail?

Each bail decision depends on the circumstances, including the allegation, your history and any risks the court identifies. There is a general right to bail, subject to exceptions. We prepare applications carefully, putting forward suitable addresses and conditions where appropriate.

Nothing on this page is legal advice, and no solicitor–client relationship is created by reading it. Every case turns on its own facts.

Tell us what has happened.

The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Two offices, one emergency line, and a solicitor at the end of it.

Luton office

01582 853 783
43 Windmill Road
Luton LU1 3XL

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

London office

0208 528 1019
107–111 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2AB

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

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24-hour line 01582 853 783