Harry Redwood

Harry Redwood is an experienced criminal defence barrister specialising in serious criminal matters. He is regularly instructed to represent clients facing allegations of serious offences, including those involving organised crime, sexual offences, fraud, and dishonesty.

Harry has appeared frequently as lead counsel in jury trials in both the High Court and District Courts of New Zealand. He has also represented clients in the NZ Court of Appeal in appellate matters. While appearing primarily as lead counsel, Harry has also appeared as junior counsel in cases led by some of New Zealand’s leading criminal barristers and silks.

In 2024, Harry was recognised in the “Recommended” category of Leading Criminal Defence Lawyers in Auckland.

Harry is known for his thorough approach and attention to detail in complex cases, providing clear and effective representation for clients facing serious charges.

Harry is reading with Rahmin de Kretser.

NOTABLE TRIALS  

Arson

R v P – 2023

Lead Counsel for a defendant in a lengthy Jury Trial in the High Court of New Zealand. The defendant was a member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club. He, with 17 others, had been charged for their involvement in a prison riot, known as the “Waikeria Prison Riot”, which resulted in the destruction of Waikeria Prison. The trial was scheduled for 12 weeks, however, a resolution was negotiated with the Prosecution during trial due to various circumstances. The defendant accepted the resolution five weeks into the trial.

Sexual Violence

R v H – 2023

Lead Counsel for a defendant charged with sexual violation by rape, who faced a one-week Jury Trial in the Auckland District Court, for the alleged rape of his partner. This matter was complex as the Crown applied for joinder of his sexual violence charges and his (separate) violence charges, which was granted in the District Court. Prior to trial, severance of these charges was successfully argued in the Court of Appeal of New Zealand, leading to two separate trials. The defendant’s sexual violence charge was dismissed after a hung jury verdict was reached at trial.

Homicide

R v K – 2024

Second Counsel for a defendant charged with manslaughter and possession of methamphetamine for supply. The Jury Trial in the High Court of New Zealand was two weeks. The defendant was alleged to have possessed 750 kilograms of methamphetamine within beer cans imported from overseas, New Zealand’s largest methamphetamine seizure. One of these beer cans was supplied to the deceased prior to Police involvement, leading to the manslaughter charge.

R v S – 2024

Lead Counsel for a defendant charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, related to an alleged group attack leading to the death of the victim. The primary defendant was charged with murder. The Jury Trial in the High Court of New Zealand was four weeks. Following cross-examination of the key Crown witnesses, a successful application to dismiss the charge was made and the charge against the defendant was dismissed.

The information referred to above has been supplied by the barrister concerned. Neither Victorian Bar Inc nor the barrister’s clerk have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information and neither accepts any responsibility in that regard.