June 26, 2026
In a recent BBC Podcast, Crime Next Door: The Beast of Birkenhead, the murder of Diane Sindall and the wrongful conviction of Peter Sullivan is revisited as one of the most troubling criminal cases in modern British history.
Sarah Myatt
Senior Associate Solicitor AdvocateSarah is a highly experienced solicitor specialising in mental health and criminal law. She is a Senior Associate Solicitor Advocate, Accredited Police Station Representative and Court Duty Solicitor in our Crime team.
Criminal Law
Switalskis Solicitors Ltd
Floor 9 West Village, 114 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 1BA
Sarah Myatt is a highly experienced criminal defence senior solicitor who previously worked in mental health law. Specialising in a range of criminal law matters, Sarah is also adept at representing clients with mental health problems and illnesses. She advocates for the rights of her clients regardless of the accusation.
Sarah defends individuals facing serious allegations including assault, drug offences, theft, burglary, public order offences, and complex fraud cases. She has extensive experience representing clients at the police station, magistrates' court and crown court.
Sarah is a fully accredited police station representative and provides calm, clear advice to her clients. Her approach is professional, strategic, and considerate – ensuring every client receives robust defence and fair treatment under the law.
Key areas of expertise:
- Police station representation
- Magistrates’ and Crown Court proceedings
- Serious criminal offences including sexual offences, mansluaghter and murder
- Youth crime and youth court
- Drug and violent offences including GBH and ABH
- Public order and dishonesty offences
- Fraud and business crime
- Legal aid and private client representation
APPROACH
Sarah is a determined advocate who fights to ensure her clients receive the fair trial and legal advice they are entitled to. She makes sure their voices are heard and that all evidence is thoroughly examined. With a meticulous approach to her work, Sarah leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.
EXPERIENCE
- Leading the appeal of Peter Sullivan against a 1987 murder conviction.
- Litigated a case for the Crown Court where a serving prisoner with learning difficulties was charged with a serious sexual offence against another prisoner. The client was acquitted after the case went to re-trial
- Secured a Hospital Order for a client charged with assault against another patient within a psychiatric hospital
- Successful submission of no case to answer during a trial where two defendants were charged with dishonesty offences
- Secured a not guilty verdict following a trial where the defence of self-defence was raised by the client
"Having attended court today with my son I feel that I must thank Sarah Myatt for her professional conduct when accused by the prosecuting solicitor ( on instruction of the CPS) of incompetence when the blame for "misplacing" the case was actually the fault of the CPS ! She calmly delivered her case to the contrary and the case against my son was dismissed. Thank you Sarah. I will always recommend you to my associates should the need arise."
Crime Client
Accreditations
Back to Our People
Share this person
