Manizja prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court and Youth Court, primarily on the Midland Circuit.
She is regularly instructed in licensing matters and has experience of animal welfare prosecutions.
Her approach combines thorough preparation, focused advocacy and clear, practical advice.
R v L – Wolverhampton Crown Court
Defended in a six-day jury trial involving allegations of controlling or coercive behaviour, intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The case required detailed analysis of extensive phone recordings. Client was acquitted of all charges.
R v B – Birmingham Magistrates’ Court (animal welfare prosecution)
Represented the prosecution in proceedings under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The case involved detailed consideration of veterinary records, post-mortem reports to assess the animal’s condition and the adequacy of the care provided, and consideration of disqualification and consequential orders.
R v Q – Youth Court
Defended a young person charged with threats to kill and possession of bladed article. The trial required sensitive questioning adapted to the witnesses’ communication needs, involving interpreters. The defendant was acquitted of all charges.
Licensing and regulatory work
· Represented a shopkeeper charged with offences concerning the offering for sale of illicit tobacco and e-cigarette products under s.92 Trade Marks Act 1994 and Regulation 36(2)(b) and 48(1)(d) Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
· Opposed applications for closure orders arising from allegations of the sale of illicit tobacco products.
· Represented a driver in an appeal against a revocation of his hackney carriage licence.
Professional appointments and training
· CPS Advocate Panel: General Crime, Grade 2.
· Completed the ICCA Advocacy and the Vulnerable training concerning children and vulnerable people.
Education
· Bar Professional Training Course, City, University of London.
· LLM in Public International Law, SOAS, University of London.
· LLB, University of Westminster, including a year abroad at the University of Technology Sydney.
Scholarships and awards
· Inner Temple Exhibition Award.
Memberships
· The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.
· Criminal Bar Association.
· Young Fraud Lawyers Association.
Languages
Manizja speaks fluent English, Dutch and Farsi/Dari, and conversational Urdu/Hindi.
These are a few examples of courses in which our members have been involved:
Citadel’s members come from a range of backgrounds and everyone is treated with the same respect as part of our Chamber’s community.
We operate an equal opportunity policy and act in accordance with the Bar Code of Conduct and the Equality Code for the Bar.
We seek to prevent direct or indirect discrimination towards our clients, staff, tenants and pupils, on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality or citizenship, political persuasion, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or age.
We support all members who are fortunate enough to become parents. Whilst Citadel has written policies dealing with issues of maternity and paternity leave for members of Chambers and support staff, we also try to be flexible in our approach and to accommodate individual needs.
Uniquely (to our knowledge) we offer direct financial support to members returning from parental leave in order to cushion the cash flow impact of return to practice .
