Our People

Ivan Dickinson – Principal

Ivan joined the practice in August 2006, becoming a Partner in 2008, having previously worked alongside Michael Leach at Inghams Solicitors, Preston.

Ivan is passionate about the work that he does, he has been a criminal defence lawyer for 15 years and has been a qualified solicitor for 17 years. He has been a criminal duty solicitor since 2006 and is a member of the duty solicitor rotas for Preston and Skelmersdale police stations alongside Preston and Chorley Magistrates Court. He is responsible for all aspects of criminal defence for his clients from initial representation at the police station. Ivan specialises in the provision of advocacy services at the Magistrates Court where he enjoys a strong reputation as a committed trial advocate.

“I have dealt with a vast array of cases. I represent clients at the police station, magistrates’ court & Tribunals.”

Ivan has worked in Preston for nearly 30 years. He is married to Jo and has 4 children. He is an MG enthusiast and enjoys visiting rural France.

Notable cases

1. R v D – Represented defendant facing public order offences and by securing his acquittal, saved his reputation and secured his employment.

2. R v D – Represented defendant facing drink driving offence, was able to prove that he had in fact been wrongly charged due to a DNA error.

3. R v E – Represented defendant facing an assault charge, defendant acquitted as deemed to be acting in self-defence, defendant’s reputation maintained.

4. R v C – Represented 2 young persons facing Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions requested by Police. The very onerous conditions sought were successfully reduced in severity.

5. R v H, M & B – 3 people charged with racially aggravated behaviour successfully defended and acquitted at trial.

6. R v S – Defendant charged with criminal damage, CPS offer no evidence, case dismissed against the defendant due to representations made by myself.

7. R v W – Defendant charged with assault & threatening behaviour. Defendant acquitted after trial thereby maintaining his reputation.

8. R v M – 14 year old charged with possessing a knife, this youth was successfully defended and acquitted at trial.

9. R v T – Defendant with learning difficulties successfully defended and acquitted at trial for threatening behaviour.

10. R v F – Favourable outcome achieved for publican breaching copyright legislation by displaying Sky TV without paying the necessary fees.

Lesley Nicholson – Solicitor, Head of Crown Court Department

Having qualified as a solicitor in 2003, Lesley remained with Stanley H Cross and Co for a number of years until the opportunity arose to join Laverys Solicitors (now incorporated into Vincents) in Preston, joining Kellocks in 2007.

Lesley has been a criminal duty solicitor for both the Court and Police Station since 2005 and is a member of the duty solicitor rotas for Preston and Skelmersdale police stations alongside Preston Magistrates Court.

Throughout her career Lesley has been responsible for all aspects of criminal defence for clients from initial representation at the police station, advocacy services at the Magistrates Court and currently specialising in serious crime in proceedings at the Crown Court. She has a keen interest in serious crime and large scale proceedings. Lesley has always also had a very keen interest in the intricacies of the laws of evidence and the vast and ever changing rules and procedures.

Her significant experience saw her act as agent prosecutor and advocate for the Lancashire Probation Service at Magistrates’ Courts in the central Lancashire area for a number of years and for a brief spell acted as agent Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service.

Lesley is a former member of the Domestic Violence Liaison Group, a multi-agency group set up by the Court Service to monitor and effectively manage Domestic Violence cases through the court system. Lesley was also part of the first Digital Implementation Group, another multi-agency group, involved in the initial set up and roll out of the first stage of digital working with the Criminal Justice System. Lesley was also responsible for obtaining the Specialist Quality Mark for the firm in 2015 and again in 2019. She now heads up the Crown Court department.

In her spare time she enjoys teaching performing arts to children across the local community in a range of schools, clubs and theatres.

Notable Cases

1. R v KS – Represented defendant facing allegations of multi million pound possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, importation and possession of firearms and ammunition for three days of interview at the police station. Ultimately led to successful opposition to an application to vacate his guilty pleas.

2. R v W – Represented local gang member, first defendant on the Indictment, prosecuted for conspiracy to murder in one of the largest cases dealt with at Preston Crown Court in 2015.

3. R v C – Avoided a custodial sentence for a defendant in a multi count sexual offences case committed due to, in part, prescribed medication he was taking for a serious illness.

4. R v A & B – Large scale, million pound, multi handed drugs conspiracy which ran to trial for almost two months in Liverpool Crown Court.

5. R v H – Avoided a custodial sentence for a defendant guilty of conspiring to transport prohibited items into prison.

6. R v G – Secured an acquittal for a young man alleged to have abused elderly people in his care.

7. R v T – Represented a mother accused of providing a false alibi for her son in relation to a serious OCG offence.

8. R v P – Secured a Hospital Order for a young man who was seriously ill and almost failed by the system.

Michael Leach – Consultant Solicitor, Head of Motoring Law

In April 2014, the practice was very pleased to welcome Michael to its team, one of the country’s most experienced Magistrates Court advocates.

Michael has been a Criminal Defence Solicitor for more than 40 years. He was a Sole Practitioner for many years, practising as Dorothy Heatons initially also with a specialism in Family Law.

Michael sold his Practice in 1999 and has been a Consultant ever since. Practicing from Vincents Solicitors, Preston prior to joining the team. Over many years, Michael has developed a niche market specialising in Motoring Law and he is regarded locally as the go to expert in that field.

Mainly based at Preston Magistrates Court, Michael has travelled to many outside Courts primarily in the North West but as far afield as Woking, Cheltenham, Hull and North Allerton.

A renowned Crown Green Bowling enthusiast and television commentator, Michael is a former All England Champion and Winner of many tournaments spanning six decades.

Notable Cases

1. R v M – Acquittal of client after 2 day trial of staff member at special school alleged to have assaulted pupil despite evidence of 4 colleagues (all of whom were discredited under cross-examination) who gave evidence that assault occurred.

2. R v P – Acquittal of client involved in serious road traffic accident and charged with failing to provide specimens of blood at the Police Station. Established that police breathalyser procedure defective.

3. R v K – Acquittal of client charged with failing to provide specimens of breath at Police Station. Established that police breathalyser procedure defective.

4. R v W – Acquittal of client charged with using a vehicle without insurance on basis of complex legal argument which was upheld by the High Court on an unsuccessful appeal by the prosecution. This is now established case law.

5. Cases too numerous to mention where totting-up disqualification avoided for clients upon putting forward successful exceptional hardship arguments.

6. R v C – Disqualification avoided for client on breathalyser charge persuading the Court to find “Special Reasons” based upon laced drinks where the agreed evidence was that approximately 17 measures of vodka must have been added to the client’s alcohol free drink.

7. R v P – Disqualification avoided for client on breathalyser charge persuading the Court to find “Special Measures” based upon the client’s accidental consumption of another person’s drink.

8. R v H – Disqualification avoided for client on charge of failing to provide specimen of breath at the Police Station on the basis that, from partial samples given, client would have been under the limit in any event.

9. R v C – Custodial sentence avoided for client on breathalyser charge with a reading nearly 5 times the permitted limit.

10. R v D – Custodial sentence avoided for client charged with manslaughter on the basis that only one blow struck and that victim had an eggshell skull.

Beverley Hackett – Consultant and Higher Court Advocate

Beverley is a highly experienced Criminal Advocate with an established criminal practice. She was admitted as a solicitor in 1992 having served her articles with Silverman Livermore Solicitors in Liverpool. She has been both a court and police duty solicitor since 1995, has previously been a Criminal Supervisor and was employed at the Kennedy Partnership in Lancashire before becoming a Consultant at Kellocks Solicitors in 2007.

After qualifying as a Higher Courts Advocate in 2006, Beverley has been employed as a full time Criminal Advocate since, routinely instructed in long running cases involving murder, serious sexual offences, fraud, large scale drug cases, firearms, robbery, benefit fraud, large scale public order offences, prison riots, confiscation proceedings and the like. She has always appeared on behalf of the Defence and has conducted numerous trials, sentences and interim hearings.

As a specialist criminal litigator for over 24 years, Beverley has extensive experience in preparing complex cases for trial and in particular analysing and challenging complicated scientific, expert and telephone evidence. She is regarded as having a reputation for hard work and attention to detail.

With strong local connections as a graduate from the University of Central Lancashire, Beverley enjoys travelling, sailing and “family stuff”.

Notable cases

1. R v D – Represented (Led Junior) a defendant charged with murder in the course of an Assault. The case involved extensive expert evidence relating to the issue of diminished responsibility.

2. R v B – Represented (Led Junior) a defendant charged with murder arising out of a drug fuelled domestic argument. This was a case involving complex issues of telephone and forensic evidence.

3. R v W – Represented (Led Junior) a defendant charged with murder. This was an eight defendant joint – enterprise murder arising from a feud between drug gangs. The trial was complex and lasted for 3 months.

4. R v G – Represented a defendant charged with three offences of rape against three separate women. The allegations were that the complainants had been targeted and involved the issue of consent. The defendant was acquitted after trial.

5. R v M – Represented a defendant charged with historic sexual assaults and rape. The complaint was supported by another family member against the defendant. Acquitted after a 5 day trial.

6. R v H – Represented a defendant charged with serious drug offences. The case was dismissed after a submission that the police had breached the codes of practice and that the evidence was insufficient to establish a case to answer.

7. R v F – Represented a defendant charged with wounding with intent. The issues in the case involved complex DNA analysis. The defendant was acquitted.

8. R v K – Represented a defendant charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine. This was a regional crime squad investigation and concerned the supply of drugs from Cumbria to Liverpool in wholesale quantities.

9. R v L – Represented a defendant charged with conspiracy to handle stolen goods. The case concerned a ‘ car ringing’ operation on a regional scale.

10. R v G – Represented a defendant charged with historic sexual assault and rapes against 5 different family members. Each complainant supported the other in the allegations spanning several decades. The defendant was acquitted on all counts.

Lorraine Eccles – Accredited Police Station Representative

Lorraine originally worked at Preston Magistrates Court before being offered a position at Inghams Solicitors in 2001. She attained her Police Station Accreditation the following year. Having gone on to work at Vincents in Preston, Lorraine joined the team in 2016 and now heads up the Police Station department whilst also working on Crown Court cases.

She has vast experience in representing people at the police station from minor offences of theft and criminal damage to more serious offences of rape and murder. Lorraine also prepares very serious cases before the Crown Court, instructing counsel and experts along with obtaining witness evidence to assist the defence.

Lorraine has experience with military law having represented serving soldiers during their initial interview in respect of desertion, being absent without leave and unintentional misfire of a weapon. She has then fully prepared the case for a Court Martial hearing.

She has also represented a number of clients who have been arrested at Manchester Airport in respect of matters relating to evasion of duty and importation of drugs and weapons.

Her experience also extends to representing people who face questioning by the DWP, often for fraud or over payment of benefits; she has also represented venerable people with severe mental health problems who have faced police interviews under caution at hospital.

As a fully qualified Police Station Representative, Lorraine is very passionate about her job. She is always professional and will attend the police station for interview during the day or night whether by appointment or under arrest.

Lorraine is married with three grown up children and has two step children she enjoys cooking, gardening and DIY she also has a passion for art and often paints in her spare time. Lorraine attained first prize two years in succession for her couscous entry in the Great Eccleston Agricultural Show. Due to her likeness for food and cooking she has recently started using her membership at the gym and enjoys Spinning and fitness classes. Her daughter has suggested that they attend Pole fitness for beginners… she is considering it!

Notable cases

1. R v R – Represented defendant facing allegations of desertion from the Army. Successfully prepared the case for Counsel who mitigated on behalf of the defendant at a court martial resulting in a discharge from the Army with no penalty.

2. R v L – Represented local business man in respect of historical sexual allegations. Case dropped before trial due to evidence obtained which questioned the reliability of the evidence obtained by the prosecution.

3. R v S – Represented London gang member in respect of two separate allegations of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Sentence reduced due to SOCPA agreement arranged during his trial.

4. R v S – Represented local business owner in respect of a 3 million pound Proceeds of Crime. Successfully instructed a firm of forensic accounts who managed to reduce the benefit figure owed.

5. R v M – Represented local female who had been extradited from Spain in respect of incest. Sentence reduced upon appeal from 12 years to 9.

6. R v W and others – Represented 3 gang members in relation to a gang related murder in Preston.

7. R v K – Represented gang member in respect of large scale drug conspiracy and Kidnap. Sentence reduced on appeal.

8. R v S – Represented young female who was guilty of a serious wounding. The defendant avoided custody due to personal circumstances which were brought to the attention of the court.

9. R v S – Represented local female who was guilty of serious assault. The defendant had somewhat of a tragic background as her 6 month old baby had been murdered by her partner. Facilitated meetings at prison with Kieran O’Hagan who published the case in his book Filicide Suicide. Sentence reflected her personal circumstances.

Trevor Rainford – Accredited Police Station Representative

Trevor gained significant knowledge of the detailed working of police station custody suites during his service with Lancashire Constabulary before training as an accredited police station representative at renowned Preston Criminal Defence firm Jeff Brailsford Rimmer.  After many successful and happy years there, Trevor remained part of a strong team that merged with Preston firm Laverys which was subsequently taken over by Vincents.  Following the closure of Vincents’ criminal practice, Trevor joined Lorraine here at Kellocks.

For many years now, this poacher turned gamekeeper has been advising those detained at police stations and providing them with the very highest quality representation.

With a cheery manner whatever the hour, Trevor covers our police station work night and day.  With years of experience under his belt, you can be confident of receiving the highest quality of advice when represented by Trevor at the police station.

Now a grandfather, when enjoying the daylight outside custody suites throughout Lancashire, Trevor loves spending time with his family, playing and umpiring cricket and following his beloved rugby.

Adrianna Gallery – Office Manager

Adrianna celebrates 10 years with the practice this year as she has been with the firm since 2007. Having started off initially as an Office Assistant, she worked her way up to become a Legal Secretary and is now Office Manager.

Adrianna is responsible for the book keeping, accounts and billing and is Personal Assistant to Ivan Dickinson – Principal.

Adrianna’s main interests are currently her two children but when time permits she enjoys reading, socialising with friends and DIY projects.

Julie Carberry – Secretary

Julie joined Kellocks in April 2014 having previously worked in three other prestigious Preston City Centre Solicitors. Her interest in criminal law allows her to focus on providing excellent client care and admin support for the firm.

With over 20 years’ experience, Julie has spent her career in the law, starting as a receptionist/typist and now works as the Personal Assistant to Michael Leach. Julie also assists Lesley Nicholson in the Crown Court Department.

Julie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and lives locally in the Preston area.