Leading criminal barrister Michelle Colborne QC has returned to Bradford’s Broadway House Chambers after taking a sabbatical in 2019.

During that time she has pursued her passion as an open water swimming coach and established ‘Take the Plunge’ where she hosted open water swimming and mindfulness sessions.

She will continue to work with Mental Health Swims and will host monthly swims in the Yorkshire Dales.

Miss Colborne was called to the Bar in 1993 and took Silk in 2010. She is known on the North Eastern Circuit for her role in both prosecution and defence high-profile cases and she has particular specialisms in homicides, baby deaths and serious sexual offences.

She is renowned for her work in the Rotherham Child Sexual Abuse trials; the Prosecu-tion of Alexander Smith (Gangland Murder); the Murder Acquittal of Trevor Isles; Prose-cuting one of the First Forced Marriage cases taking place abroad (Bangladesh) under S121 of the Antisocial Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014; Prosecution of Frank Cochran for sexual assault and coercive or controlling behaviour, and the defence of Adam Grant (Murder).

Miss Colborne has a particular interest in representing vulnerable defendants and those charged with offences committed while mentally ill.

Abigail Langford, Head of the Crime Team at Broadway House, said: “I am delighted that Michelle is re-joining the criminal team. She has been missed and it is fantastic to see a leading woman in the profession coming back to do what she loves.”

Joint Head of Chambers, Stephen Wood QC, said: “We are delighted that Michelle has decided to return to the Bar and that she has 'come back home' to Broadway House Chambers”

Broadway House Chambers has offices in Little Germany, Bradford, and City Square in Leeds. Comprising more than 70 barristers, it offers legal representation and advice. The set has been established for over 90 years and will celebrate their 100th anniver-sary in 2026.