Criminal lawyers in Sussex are defending their profession as they come under fire for the hostile examination of witnesses.

Defence lawyers, not their clients, are at the centre of accusations after a professional violinist’s suicide during the trial of the man who sexually abused her.

Frances Andrade’s family said her cross-examination by the defence had been hostile and aggravated.

She killed herself days after testifying, sparking a debate about how abuse cases are handled in court.

But the professionals who champion the accused against the might of the police and the Crown’s prosecutors in Sussex say the public perception of their work is often misconstrued.

Lewis Power QC, who works on the Sussex circuit, said many people think defence lawyers are just “unscrupulous people trying to get people off, hoodwink the jury”.

He said: “That is not necessarily the case.

“While some of the offences may be distasteful to the public, it comes back to everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

“You have to have a dedicated and professional approach and look at everything objectively.

“It is a level playing field. Everyone deserves to be represented to the best of your ability.

“You have to act on instructions. Your views matter not.

“That is something I don’t think the public really appreciate.”

Brighton-based criminal defence lawyer Gerry Maye added: “Behind each individual’s instructions there is always a real story that has got to be told.

“Each individual has to always feel that they are given the sufficient opportunity to put forward their case in an organised and coherent manner.

“Our brief or role is to put forward without fear or prejudice in any way our client’s case. “Professionalism requires an absence of prejudice or bias in any way.

“You cannot allow your own personal feelings to interfere with the responsibility to do the job properly and professionally.”

Being put in front of the prosecution can have implications for the physical and mental health of both victims and the accused.

Mr Maye said: “I see it all the time.

“Victims quite understandably find it difficult to have the spectre of giving evidence, awaiting a trial date which is sometimes adjourned or put off.

“But equally the defendant is somebody who has to get through a similar process.”