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The Applicant had been made the subject of a Confiscation Order in 2013 following conviction for dishonesty offences. In 2014, the Order was quashed by the Court of Appeal as the Order had been made in error under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The Order was thus substituted for a Confiscation Order under the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
The Applicant had maintained that contained within the available amount calculation (and thus deemed to be realisable assets) were items which had been placed, by the conduct of third parties, beyond his reach. The assets included speed boats, several vehicles and the like.
The Applicant had faced several enforcement hearings and the risk of a custodial default term being activated. The Magistrates’ Court were persuaded to adjourn the case by Messrs Powell Spencers and Partners notwithstanding the age of the matter and non-payment, such that advice could be secured from specialist POCA Counsel.
Mr Witcher considered the matter, and thereafter was successful in obtaining a Certificate of Inadequacy from the High Court; a relatively rare occurrence. Thereafter, following a hearing before the Crown Court (to decide the value of the inadequacy) the Judge was persuaded to reduce the available amount by over 50%.
Colin Witcher is a member of Chambers’ Crime and Regulatory Team, specialising in financial crime.coli
Legal 500, 2012 to 2021 & 2023, Ranked as a Leading Silk
Year of Call - 1981
Year of Silk - 2012
'Michael has a forensic approach to expert evidence, in particular medical topics and pathology, and is able to draw on a wealth of experience. He is concise and focused in his approach.'
Legal 500 2023, Ranked as a Leading Silk
‘An eloquent silk with particular expertise in cases involving complex medical evidence. Provides pragmatic advice and adopts excellent strategy in the most complex of cases. He possesses a quiet calmness and confidence indicative of a Counsel that is aware of his expertise and skill, with no need to shout about it, incredibly effective in his style of advocacy and yet calm and reassuring manner with clients and their families.’
Legal 500 2021, Ranked as a Leading Silk
"A confident and strong advocate who has great presence in the court room."
Legal 500 2020, Ranked as a Leading Silk
"A brilliant advocate"
Legal 500, 2018 Tier 1 Silk
"A strong presence in court and has a good rapport with his clients."
Legal 500, 2019
"Regularly handles murder and manslaughter cases on behalf of both the prosecution and defence as part of a busy general crime practice. Recent work: Successfully defended a professional man charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The case involved complex scientific evidence and detailed cross-examination of expert witnesses."
Chambers UK, 2017
"He has expertise in public interest immunity, complex fraud and medico-legal cases."
Legal 500, 2016
Ranked in Legal 500 2016 as a leading Silk on the Wales & Chester Circuit
"Known for his expertise in medico legal cases."
Legal 500, 2015
"A ‘Leading Silk’ on the Wales and Chester Circuit: ‘Noted for his ability to evaluate complex evidence, particularly in medico-legal cases."
Legal 500, 2014
"Primarily prosecutes complex criminal law cases. He is recommended in matters where there is significant medical evidence, such as murder and violent crimes." (Chambers UK Guide 2015)
Chambers UK Guide, 2015
"Michael Mather-Lees KC is recommended for medico-legal cases, as well as fraud and confiscation work."
Legal 500, 2013
"Michael Mather-Lees KC receives praise for his ‘exceptional intellect.’ He runs a broad practice but is particularly renowned for his work on fraud cases."
Chambers UK 2013
"Michael Mather-Lees is recommended for VAT, fraud and medico-legal cases."
Legal 500, 2012
"Michael Mather-Lees really shines as a barrister who specialises in medico-legal cases and serious and complex fraud matters."
Chambers UK 2011
Michael Mather-Lees is "intellectually exceptional but also down to earth."
Chambers UK 2009
The Legal 500 2019 describes him as “A confident and strong advocate, who has great presence in the court room”; the 2018 edition describes him as a leading silk and “a brilliant advocate” and in both 2017 and 2016 he was ranked him as a leading silk, stating that “he is noted for his ability to evaluate complex evidence, particularly in medico-legal cases”
Chambers Legal Directory states: “He primarily undertakes complex criminal law cases. He is recommended in matters where there is significant medical evidence, such as murder and violent crimes.”
His practice covers the most serious criminal cases, having prosecuted and defended many homicide cases, complex sexual cases, including internet-based offences and serious fraud (including internet fraud) together with cases involving vast volume and very intricate issues of disclosure, up to and including the most sensitive levels. The majority of these cases now involve the ability to both understand and be conversant with detailed computerised technology and the use of web-based information.
He is noted for his extensive experience in medico-legal litigation, both criminal and civil, and has recently successfully defended a Police Detention Officer charged with unlawful act manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter. That case involved very detailed and specialised medical evidence and the cross-examination of eminent medical specialists, and has extensive experience in cases of “baby shaking” murders, both prosecuting and defending.
In addition, he also undertakes a substantial amount of regulatory work, including Health and Safety, Police Discipline, Motor Vehicle Licencing and Regulatory, Medical Defence, Inquests, Public Enquiries and Environmental Law, Disciplinary Tribunal work and Courts Martial.
Having practiced for many years as a junior in complex cases of Clinical Negligence and personal injury, he has, since being in Silk, re-engaged in this area. He has a particular and specialised interest in forensic medicine.
Affiliated International Member of the American Bar Association
Member of Inner Temple
South Eastern Circuit
Wales and Chester Circuit
Western Circuit
Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers
Criminal Bar Association
European Bar Group
Kings’s Counsel
CPS Advocates Panel – Fraud
CPS Advocates Panel – Serious Crime
CPS Advocates Panel – Proceeds of Crime
CPS Advocates Panel – Rape and Sexual Offences
Duress -involvement in drugs operation following threats of physical violence arising out of debt.
Inadmissibility of medical evidence – infant death x 2 (Munchausen/apnoea), substitution of verdict by virtue of additional evidence.
Driving without due care and attention – diabetic in hypoglycaemic state – defence of automatism.
Mixed statements of partial confession.
Confiscation.
Successful appeal of minimum term for murder.
Baby shaking S 18.
Infant genital mutilation.
Defence of “baby shaking” murder.
Appellate counsel – “baby shaking” murder.
Defence of gang murder by stabbing.
Defence of “baby shaking” murder.
Re Appeal multi-count sexual offences.
Defence of “baby shaking murder.”
Appellate counsel – “baby shaking” murder.
Successful defence of police detention officer charged with manslaughter (death in custody).
Successful prosecution of international conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Defence of complex attempt murder.
Successful resolution of case involving multi-handed defendants charged with murder, public disorder, and firearms.
This was a multi handed, evidentially complex, modern slavery prosecution, tried over a period of three months, all defendants convicted. It involved the use of Czech Nationals, many of whom were either under a disability of vulnerable, and required a very high level of witness care. Most of the witnesses spoke little or no English. Much of the evidence was presented as a result of multi-agency international co-operation, together with live link evidence for extra territorial locations.
Successful defence to murder, involving complex medical evidence and issues of causation.
Baby shaking case which involved complex issues of causation and cross examination of expert medical witnesses. The case was partially successful, as acquittals, were secured in respect of historic injuries.
Defence in multi handed drugs related murder.
Defending in murder involving the victim being burned to death, detailed submissions in respect of aggravating issues.
Successful prosecution of drugs related murder with complex evidential issues.
Successfully defended a professional man, charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The case involved complex scientific evidence and detailed cross-examination of expert witnesses.
Successful prosecution of murder/manslaughter.
Successful prosecution of defendant denying homicide of baby, involving very complex medical evidence.
Defence of person under very serious intellectual disability, charged with serious sexual offences.
R v A (2014) Defence of serious sexual offences.
Defence – Murder.
Successful defence of Company Director, avoiding director’s disqualification.
Year of Call - 1972
Year of Silk - 1996
Patrick is a highly experienced practitioner who specialises in defending cases involving murder and manslaughter.
After years prosecuting high-profile cases involving terrorism and serious fraud, Patrick specialises in defending homicides – where he combines a meticulous approach with an ability to put defendants at their ease.
He devotes time and attention to evidential detail – on the long-held principle that time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted. He has a good network of expert witnesses and a strong knowledge of firearms and ammunition.
Patrick prides himself on his ability to communicate with defendants, giving them the time they need – and helping them remain calm despite the serious charges they may face.
He believes in taking time to support the family of a defendant – helping them stay aware of what is happening during a period of difficulty and stress.
Patrick is also a recorder with both criminal and civil jurisdiction, and a tribunal judge with the mental health review tribunal.
Interests
Patrick teaches advocacy at the University of Hertfordshire
Recorder (criminal and civil jurisdiction)
Tribunal judge with mental health review tribunal
Master of the Bench, Inner Temple
Attempted murder/Section 18, in which the defendant eviscerated his victim with a machete. Not guilty both counts.
A Royal Marine charged with fraud and theft and possession of 500 rounds of rifle ammunition. Not guilty on all counts Truro Crown Court.
Wood Green Crown Court. Attempted murder/Section 18. A North London street gang stabbing. Not guilty on all counts.
Attempted murder, in which the victim was stabbed 46 times. Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Gross negligence and manslaughter, whereby the victim was killed by mechanical digger – guilty, sentence suspended. Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Murder, the victim shot in care home by husband who was found not guilty of murder and sentenced to a hospital order. Chelmsford Crown Court.
Murder, in which the victim was beaten to death. Client found not guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to a hospital order. Winchester Crown Court.
Murder, in which the victim was stabbed 8 times by neighbour. Found guilty of manslaughter – 13 years imprisonment. Inner London Crown Court.
The victim, a suspected paedophile, was stabbed. Chelmsford Crown Court.
Victim was beaten to death. Winchester Crown Court.
Historical child sex offences. Guilty and sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment. Southwark Crown Court.
Victim was driven over 6 times with a large Mercedes. Defendant sentenced to life imprisonment. Chelmsford Crown Court.
Murder of one identical twin by the other. Winchester Crown Court.
Cage fighter acquitted of murder. Maidstone Crown Court.
Substantial fraud involving stolen scrap metal. Acquitted of all charges. Oxford Crown Court.
Attempted contract killing. Victim survived. Acquitted on all charges.
Contract killing. Central Criminal Court.
Billion dollar negotiable instrument fraud. Southwark Crown Court.
Drugs conspiracy involving transport of heroin through British Army bases in Germany. Manchester Crown Court.
Unprovoked attack on a man at night. Acquitted of manslaughter. Central Criminal Court.
Money laundering Columbian drug funds. Southwark Crown Court.
Rape, s.18 and child cruelty. Acquitted of all charges. Blackfriars Crown Court.
Conspiracy to import drugs by the ton from Columbia. Acquitted of all charges. Central Criminal Court.
Known as the Airline Bombers’ Case. The defendant was acquitted of the main charge of conspiracy to destroy aircraft. Woolwich Crown Court.
Known as the Lakeland Terrorist Training camp case. B was acquitted. Woolwich Crown Court.
Corporate manslaughter and health and safety offences. Acquitted of manslaughter.
Multi-million investment fraud. Southwark Crown Court.
Year of Call - 1987
Year of Silk - 2009
Ben is a highly experienced and skilled advocate. He is a persuasive and charming advocate with an affable, down-to-earth style which engages juries.’
Legal 500 2023, Leading KC
Ben is a highly sought-after, stand-out Silk whose career reflects his strengths as an advocate, his analytical ability and meticulous attention to detail. Ben works with each client to achieve the best result obtainable, however challenging the circumstances.
Ben was appointed King’s Counsel in March 2009, and to the Serious Fraud Office KC list in 2009 and 2013. Prior to taking Silk, Ben developed a varied practice initially obtaining an LLM in company law, intellectual property law, company law and administrative law. Ben served as standing counsel to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, an area where he continues to accept instructions in suitable cases.
Ben prosecutes and defends in equal measure and with equal commitment. Before taking silk he was a Grade 4 Prosecutor on the South Eastern and Midland Circuits and a long-standing advocate on the Specialist Prosecution Rape Panel.
Ben continues to accept a wide range of work, including murder, commercial fraud, personal injury, actions against the police, contract and commercial disputes and Judicial Review. He is an experienced hand in the Court of Appeal and has assisted in the development in his list of decided cases.
Ben has served by invitation as special counsel to the Governor of the Cayman Islands to advise on constitutional matters relating to the judiciary and law officers. Ben’s broad knowledge of the law and his in-depth experience as an advocate informs each case he undertakes.
Ben is known for his commitment to the criminal justice system. He is a senior advocacy and ethics tutor for Lincoln’s Inn. He assesses advocates for the CPS Higher Advocates panel a role that includes assessing Kings’s Counsel employed by the CPS. He has been involved in providing training for those who will be involved in the development of the vulnerable witness programme.
Man kills wife due to lesbian affair. Loss of control defence. Defendant convicted.
Man pushes former Eurotunnel boss onto train tracks. Attempted murder. Defendant convicted.
Gangs steal free evening standard newspapers for profit. Instructed to give detailed advice on the law of theft. Both defendants convicted following trial.
Seven-handed murder. Obtaining successful acquittal on charge of murder. Manslaughter alternative verdict.
Four handed gang related murder at the Old Bailey. Successful acquittal.
Two-handed murder. Obtaining successful acquittal on charge of murder of a 15-year-old. Manslaughter alternative verdict.
Acquittal of husband and wife (separately represented) on allegation of shooting and using a knife against family members inside and outside their home on Easter Sunday. Both accused successfully raising pleas of self defence.
Defending in four-handed murder. Victim attacked with various weapons and having been killed attempts had been made to dismember his body with an angle grinder. Accused acquitted of murder convicted of manslaughter but all other defendants convicted of murder.
Four-handed murder charge in context of drug-related offences. Allegations of torture. 16-year-old vulnerable defendant.
27 day three-handed murder and attempted murder, defending vulnerable 16-year-old defendant; victims also 16. Case involved the aftermath of an acid attack. Defences considered were diminished responsibility, legal loss of control, lack of intent and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alternatively an adjustment disorder. D acquitted of murder but manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
Death caused by driving when under influence of alcohol/drugs. Obtained successful conviction following 7-day trial for manslaughter.
Five-handed murder, attempted murder possession of firearms and section 18 assaults. All parties both accused and victims were members of gangs in the Birmingham area.
Five-handed attempted murder/conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm involving serious allegations that police evidence had been planted and raising issues of when a judge should recuse himself in an ongoing case.
AG Ref. on sentence in Murder/manslaughter case. Sentence was not increased.
The applicable mens rea in indecent images, abuse of process principles; the Tryell principle, preferring indictments on electronic system; jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal in Terminating appeals.
Issues arising relating to abuse of process; missing documents; terminating rules in the context of historic allegations of sexual abuse.
The correct approach to circumstantial evidence in murder cases.
The correct approach to bad character hearsay evidence where cut-throat defences are being run in murder cases.
Ambit and scope of cab rank principle in complex fraud cases.
Application of bad character provisions in circumstantial evidence cases.
Admissibility of new evidence after justices have retired.
Criteria to be applied before lawful intercepts can take place in prison.
Ambit of customs co-operation interviews.
Abuse of process in section 51 transfer cases.
Admissibility of foreign evidence in English Courts.
Applicability of code C.10-12 in customs cases.
Legal 500, 2021, 2022 & 2023, Ranked as a Leading Silk
Year of Call - 1992
Year of Silk - 2010
Church Court Chambers 'Kerim is a superb advocate: very smooth, a forensic cross-examiner and very convincing with juries. He has particular skill at putting clients at ease and has an encyclopedic knowledge of cases.'
Legal 500 2023, Ranked as a Leading Silk
"His advocacy is impeccable; the jury and clients love him when he is on his feet."
"A force to be reckoned with, he is on top of everything and excellent at being able to handle all sorts of things that are thrown his way."
Chambers & Partners 2023 Ranked as a Leading Silk
“A silk you can trust to leave no stone unturned; no small detail escapes his attention. His advocacy is a work of art.“
Legal 500 2022, Ranked as a Leading Silk
"Everyone who instructs him loves the way he works, the way he presents cases and the way he always gets great results."
Chambers and Partners 2022
‘Commanding advocate and a great tactician. A very strong strategic thinker. A commanding presence, excellent with clients and exceptionally bright. He has the jury eating out of the palm of his hand.’
Legal 500 2021, Ranked as a Leading Silk
Listed in “Who’s Who.”
“First Class, I can say no more”
Martin Harvey, Partner, Angela Porters
“You’re bl**dy excellent at what you do and you do it with swag”
FC, Murder Client.
“Thorough and meticulous in preparation, a charming advocate and a joy to work with…”
Peter Woodley, Partner, St James solicitors.
“Kerim delivered, in defence of his client, one of the most powerful and eloquent closing arguments I have ever seen”
Public Defender, USA
“Kerim Fuad KC’s supreme mastery of the evidence is only surpassed by his ability to charm jurors and judges alike. He combines being the father of the house at the central criminal court with an extremely approachable and down to earth character who leaves clients with an unvarnished understanding of their predicament and a sense of relief that they are represented by the man to get them out of it.”
Sean Longley of GT Stewart Solicitors.
‘Commanding advocate and a great tactician. A very strong strategic thinker. A commanding presence, excellent with clients and exceptionally bright. He has the jury eating out of the palm of his hand.’
Legal 500 – 2021
Kerim Fuad KC is the former Head of Church Court Chambers and Leader of the South Eastern Circuit. He is the first choice highly experienced defence silk for instructing solicitors’ high-profile, sensitive and most difficult cases.
Kerim is a KC who is prepared to roll up his sleeves and fight fearlessly for his clients. His win rate is breathtaking and is second to none. He has been described as an “ingenious” barrister with a unique ability to relate effortlessly with juries. The court trusts him.
Kerim Fuad KC was the elected Leader of the South Eastern Circuit for 2017 and 2018, a reflection of the esteem with which his peers and the senior judiciary view him.
Kerim is regularly instructed in high-profile, complex and sensitive cases, for example the murder of Damilola Taylor, “the Exeter Bomber”, “the Three Cooks Bakery” murder “the Clockwork Orange” murder, the Uber Driver wife murderer, to name but a few. Kerim’s extraordinary energy, humanity and compulsive attention to detail means that he enjoys great success in defending his trials.
Accordingly he has regular success in huge fraud trials, including by way of example the largest fraud against the NHS to date. He recently represented the main defendant in a 3 month fraud alleged against deaf charities, a complex allegation of cheating the revenue matter at the Old Bailey. He was also counsel in of the largest European human trafficking cases ever.
He is also an Environmental law specialist, working for Thames Water.
Since taking silk Kerim has developed a practice of back to back murder, terrorism, serious sexual abuse and fraud trials, nearly exclusively at the Old Bailey, where he has been described by a resident judge as “the father in the house.”
Kerim has a wealth of past experience prosecuting crime (in particular sexual abuse) at all levels. This gives him a huge insight into the need to protect and understand the needs of vulnerable witnesses. The combination of his empathy, determined and sensitive approach led to great success which later formed the template for his highly astute trial tactics.
He was chosen to work on both National and Local “Better Case Management” Committees in a bid to improve the quality of the experience facing all court users. In particular those who are the most disadvantaged and who naturally can find the crown court an oppressive, daunting and scary place to appear. He hopes to help break down those boundaries.
Kerim is specialist vulnerable witness trained. He has a vast deal of experience in dealing with and obtaining the immediate trust of young and challenging clients and prosecution witnesses. His experience of mental health cases, especially unfitness to plead, defences of insanity and diminished responsibility is second to none.
Kerim has built a first class reputation for winning. He thrives on difficult cases and securing acquittals against the odds, in the face of seemingly the strongest of evidence.
This is why he is one of a small group of KCs who are regularly instructed to defend the most serious cases in the country at the Old Bailey.
He is renowned for his ability to cross-examine experts on complex forensic evidence, and is often instructed in murder cases which demand his understanding of forensic pathology and cell site analysis. He is an outstanding jury advocate who has an innate ability to bring warmth and humour to even the most sensitive of cases. He is renowned for his passionate and persuasive opening and closing speeches.
Kerim is highly regarded for his meticulous attention to detail and he values the importance of having King’s Counsel on board from the earliest opportunity and regularly insists on seeing clients in conference to reassure them even before a representation order for Silk is granted.
Kerim accepts instructions in all criminal and international matters and has been instructed by leading magic circle firms, to provide his criminal and regulatory expertise.
Kerim has long had an interest in international law and the benefit to be gained in learning from other legal jurisdictions and forging close cultural ties. Kerim was born in Kampala, Uganda and has lived in Hong Kong; he is of Cypriot heritage. Kerim proudly Co- founded and Co- Chairs “the Cypriot Lawyers’ Society.”
In March 2018 he was specifically chosen by the British High Commissioner to teach advocates in Cyprus and harmonise relations between the two communities. He made strong associations with both Chief Justices there and met their respective judiciaries.
Having fled Uganda as a refugee in the 1970s, he understands better than most the difficulties displacement and isolation can bring.
He has provided a detailed paper to assist the Law Commission on its consultation on the law of Insanity and Automatism. Furthermore he has helped in the response to the Law Commission’s consultation on “Misconduct in Public Office.”
In November 2016 he was the only KC in the country to be selected to visit the Scottish High Court and attend the Scottish CBA Conference.
There he was privileged to give a detailed talk on “Registered Intermediaries- The Theory in Practice in England and Wales.” He has developed strong ties with the Dean and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Advocates.
From 2012 to 2016 Kerim Fuad KC was an active member of the Executive of the Criminal Bar Association.
He was the appointed Chair of the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Bar Mess from 2013 to 2016.
In July 2019 Kerim Fuad KC was appointed by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou (of Easyjet) as a specialist adviser for his Philanthropic Foundation, focusing on matters relating to the island of Cyprus.
Kerim is a qualified Advocacy trainer for the Middle Temple.
He has also been a pupil supervisor for 21 years.
Kerim Fuad KC believes that with the right positive mindset anything can be achieved.
“Do the right thing, not the easy thing.”
On 10th October 2019 at 3.19 pm, a boy boarded the 241 bus on the way to Stratford wearing a balaclava and armed with a very large hunting knife. He proceeded to knife two 15-year-old schoolboys a total of 4 times, in front of terrified passengers, before running off the bus after B. A. who later died of his stab injuries.
Mr Fuad KC’s client was also a 15-year-old schoolboy and was carrying an identical hunting knife in his rucksack which he was seen on CCTV to take out on the same bus to inspect. The defendants’ knives had been bought together. He was alleged to have been the look out and the one who “tipped off” his best friend from the top deck via a lengthy phone call, and other phone calls, to know which bus the deceased and his friends were on and pinpointing where the bus was.
There was previous Snapchat talk involving all the boys in which knives were talked about and threats were made, including who was going to “be the first to be on someone’s blade.”
Mr Fuad’s client was acquitted of all 4 counts.
This acquittal adds to Mr Fuad KC’s quite extraordinary record of Murder acquittals, in particular over the last 10 years.
The other defendant was unanimously convicted of the Murder of B. A. He will be sentenced in due course following probationary reports.
This case has been widely reported in the national press, although reporting restrictions apply in respect of child defendants and witnesses.
On a separate note:
Both Mr Fuad KC and Miss Karaiskos are Cypriots who come from each of the island’s communities. The trial was a classic example of the two working as a successful, cohesive and powerful team.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-50427925
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/london-stabbings-baptista-adjei-death-knife-crime-stratford-latest-a9153776.html
Kerim was instructed by Mr Joel Lamptey of Hanson Woods solicitors.
Murder and Conspiracy to rob. His client used a dumbbell to kill a drug user in Acton and steal cash and Rolex watches from him.
Very powerful evidence connected CM to the murder scene, including; ANPR, CCTV, Cell site, three I messages sent to him by the co- defendant at the time of the killing referring to the need to “Hurry up and get the P,” a contemporaneous phone call that was recorded of the killing and Crimewatch searches done on his phone.
He was convicted and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years’ imprisonment.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-53310091
https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/convicted-killing-dumbbell-17787100
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/ealing-paul-tong-murder-manslaughter-rolex-watch-a4367651.html
Kerim was instructed by Shahid Khan of AdviceWise solicitors
Kerim Fuad KC today secured the unanimous acquittal of a young man alleged to have been involved in a “brutal and savage” murder. The trial before HHJ Leonard KC at the Central Criminal Court began on the 2nd December 2019 and lasted four weeks. It was alleged that the victim was stabbed repeatedly to death with a large kitchen knife in front of horrified eye-witnesses in retaliation for being on the “territory” of the three defendants having threatened two of them with a knife. He was instructed on behalf of the first defendant.
It was the defence case that the defendant together with a friend were being robbed by the victim, in an unprovoked incident, when another male emerged from nearby bushes and murdered the victim. It was advanced that there were, in effect, two separate incidents and thus the absence of a joint enterprise. Eye witnesses were skilfully cross-examined to establish a punctuation in time between the initial start of the incident, namely an altercation between the victim and the defendant said to be a robbery, and the end of the incident, when the stabber emerged from a hiding position and brutally attacked the victim.
This was a highly emotive case involving four young males and brought under the spotlight the issue of joint enterprise post Jogee, and the sheer brutality and prevalence of knife crime.
The stabber was duly convicted of Murder. The defendant and his friend were acquitted, however in such sad cases there are never any winners.
This case was another acquittal for Mr Fuad KC marking number eleven of the most recent and sensitive murder cases in which Mr Fuad KC has successfully defended.
It is the third consecutive acquittal for Mr Fuad KC and Mr Witcher when defending together in such cases.
https://courtnewsuk.co.uk/accused-killers-were-in-wrong-place-at-wrong-time/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7858197/Man-21-guilty-brutal-horrific-murder-18-year-old.html
Kerim was instructed by Mahomed Ismail, Director of MFI Law, London.
In a murder case dubbed “The Midsomer Murder,” Kerim Fuad KC represented a man who broke into a Waterside house in Bosham, West Sussex late at night in December 2013 with a claw hammer. He used the hammer to attack and kill a grandmother who was house sitting. The horrific injuries, in particular to her head were described as “extreme and akin to those seen in a road traffic accident.”
He then fled to Dej, Romania from where he was extradited under a European Arrest Warrant 6 years later.
The case led to the most extensive police investigation in Sussex history. 9,000 people were interviewed and over 3,000 DNA samples were taken in a police hunt for her killer.
The damning evidence was that he confessed to his ex partner and his dna was found on the bloodied hammer discarded at the scene.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7236667/Hammer-killer-suspect-28-Midsomer-murder-case-Sussex-appears-Romanian-court.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/23/romanian-man-accused-midsomer-murders-killing-remanded-custody/
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/suspect-in-bosham-hammer-death-of-valerie-graves-is-arrested-in-romania-px5szmbtl
Kerim was instructed by Sef Mani of Bark and Co Solicitors.
Mr Fuad KC represented Mr T.P who accused of the Murder of his wife and Arson with intent to endanger his family and an alternate count of reckless Arson.
After a 13 day trial before the Common Serjeant of London, the jury found him guilty of murder, not guilty of Arson with intent, but guilty of reckless arson.
The jury had been 2 days in deliberation.
He was sentenced to a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years’ imprisonment. He received a 7 year concurrent sentence for the reckless arson.
His client was alleged to have strangled his wife and forced a flannel deep down the back of her throat whilst she was alive. The prosecution (and pathology evidence) strongly suggested he then dragged her across the floor, removing clumps of her hair (which were found in the hall way and bedroom), locked her in a bedroom and set her body (her head and private parts) and two rooms in the house on fire. Fire experts gave evidence as to it “having to be a deliberate setting of different fires in rooms.”
His three children were prosecution witnesses against him saying he had dragged their mother across the floor from one room to another in which her body was found.
T.P maintained that he was in fact dragging a suitcase, not his wife, and the killing and lighting of the three separate fires was an accident. He could not explain why he lit fire so close to her private parts, but said “it was spiritual like a séance.”
When a neighbour, the deceased’s 80 year old parents and the refuse men came to the burning house to assist, he claimed many times over (and was captured on body worn footage) that his wife was not in the house but had “gone for a walk.” He verbally and physically pushed people out of the house refusing to let them into the bedrooms.
He told the police that he had lit candles to “lighten the mood” and that the bite injuries which matched her teeth on his hand (a piece of his skin was later found), putting the flannel deep in her mouth, were caused by their pet dog. Other injuries to his face were caused; “when shaving.”
Three weeks before the killing he had set up life insurance for the maximum payable to him upon his wife’s death of £310,000 and was also to benefit from her pension. The jury also heard of two earlier separate but unproven reports of him assaulting her, once by attempting to strangle her.
He said in evidence that it was “a shame” she was dead.
In evidence he said he was in shock and was attacked by his wife first who had kicked him to his knee, having initially given a “no comment” interview.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-47201007
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/controlling-bully-thomas-peter-who-15812151
Kerim was instructed by Chanelle Wray of Dexter Henry Solicitors
Kerim Fuad KC’s extraordinary run of Murder Acquittals continues On 31st October 2018, after a 7 week trial at his home court, the Old Bailey, Kerim Fuad KC’s client, D.B was unanimously acquitted of Murder. D was a 17 year old who was clearly captured on cctv running with a large knife in Logan Place W8 in a chasing pack of 20 young men who were chasing down a man, LB who was then, as the crown put it, “butchered” defenceless on the pavement. His client was also remarkably acquitted of manslaughter and violent disorder.
It was the 9th acquittal Mr Fuad KC has secured in his last 10 trials.
Kerim was leading James Hasslacher and instructed by Deborah Spence of Banks and Partners Solicitors
Kerim Fuad KC maintained his unique and extraordinary run of 10 acquittals in his last 11 homicide trials, at the Old Bailey. He led Edward Boateng-Addo, also of Church Court Chambers, successfully representing Mr I who had allegedly played a key role in planning Mr S’s brutal killing with axe handles. He had followed and passed the deceased’s red car 13 times in a space of a few minutes whilst constantly on the phone for just under half an hour and reporting the movements of the deceased’s car to the driver of another car. The multi handed trial ran from early November culminating with their client’s acquittal today. The first 2 defendants were unanimously convicted of murder, another of manslaughter. Another defendant was also acquitted.
Kerim was instructed by Ebenezer Madeinlo of Hanson Woods Solicitors.
Kerim Fuad KC secures another Murder acquittal. After a fascinating and extraordinary trial at Old Bailey that ran some 6 weeks, the jury unanimously acquitted FK of Murder but convicted her of manslaughter. The case widely reported by the media. The defence case not helped by the client who had taken a video and photo of deceased dying on pavement which she posted with the words “that’s what you get for fxcking with me.” She also fabricated documents in the middle of giving her evidence.
Telegraph
BBC
Kerim Fuad KC led Kevin Molloy of Church Court Chambers. They were instructed by Attiq Malik of Liberty Law.
Kerim Fuad KC wins again Mr Fuad KC’s winning streak continued. The jury at the Old Bailey unanimously acquitted AS on counts of murder and also manslaughter as a lesser alternative. The incident arose over a £20 drug debt in Plashet Park in East Ham on 15th October 2017. AS’s case was that he threw one punch at a man who he thought was an aggressor and then withdrew from the incident. Another stabbed the deceased who died at the scene from a single wound to the heart.
Telegraph
Kerim Fuad KC was leading Robert Newcombe. They were instructed by Mahomed Ismail of MFI Law, Solicitors.
After a hard fought six week trial at the Old Bailey, Kerim Fuad KC and Fiona McAddy’s client, DL was the only one of the 5 defendants to be acquitted of Murder & Manslaughter. DL was unanimously acquitted.
In what was one of his toughest cutthroat defences to date, Mr Fuad KC exposed the first 3 defendants’ lies, that their client DL was in the culprit car that went to the murder and whom was alleged by all to have played a lead part in the brutal and fatal knife attack on young Jermaine Goupall.
This was in spite of DL getting a text shortly before the murder saying;
“Get your nank we going 7.” 7 was a reference to “CR7” another part of Croydon with whom the gang who lived in “CRO” postcode had historical issues of taunting and violence.
Complex issues relating to a co-defendant’s bad character dominated the case, and Mr Fuad KC’s powerful and incisive cross examination based in part around the fruits of the application decimated the accounts of the co-defendants, and critically, augmented the Crown’s case against them.
Mr Fuad KC was the only silk to make a defence opening speech which firmly laid the foundation for their defence and took the sting out of the case against his client.
He was instructed by Tim Edwards of Edwards Vaziraney.
Mr Fuad KC represented the main defendant a Serco detention officer, Mr H, who was accused of very serious counts of rape and sexual assault of a female detainee at Yarlswood detention centre in Clapham, Bedfordshire.
In addition his client faced an allegation of misconduct in a public office.
In this high profile and complex trial Mr Fuad KC managed to thoroughly discredit the complainant’s account over two days by his incisive, sensitive but powerful cross examination.
The allegations had hung over his client who was of impeccable character for over 5 years. His attention to detail and painstaking research into thousands of pages of material, comprising years of Serco and Home Office reports lead to a hugely focused and ultimately compelling cross examination of the complainant.
His trademark opening speech set the tone from which the crown’s case never truly recovered.
Kerim Fuad KC was leading Matthew Kirk instructed by Cartwright King Solicitors.
Kerim Fuad KC succeeded yet again in university rape case.
Mr Fuad KC represented a young man accused of the rape of a fellow University student. After a trademark opening speech by Mr Fuad KC, straight after the crown’s opening, and his meticulous cross examination (which was praised by the Judge for its sensitivity) Mr Fuad KC exposed the complainant’s account.
Mr Fuad KC’s client who was a young man of impeccable good character, had given a complete and consistent account from the moment of his arrest that all sexual contact was consensual. He could not have assisted the investigation more.
Unusually and a first for the very experienced trial Judge, the trial did not even get to half time as the crown in the exceptional circumstances of this case, simply had no choice but to offer no evidence after the cross examination had concluded. The Judge directed the jury who happily found him not guilty.
Mr Fuad KC complimented his opponent in open court for the sensible decision he initiated, making plain how important it is that the independent Bar prosecute these sensitive and complex matters.
Mr Fuad KC was instructed by Steve Halloran of Lawtons Solicitors.
Another successful acquittal in a complex Murder trial, this time before HHJ Bevan KC at the Central Criminal Court. The victim had been stabbed at least 12 times in a senseless act of gratuitous violence; the motive inferred as revenge for the victim having dared “mess with the wrong people”. The defendant, K.M, an accepted road related (gang related) young man, was the owner of the car that carried the killers to the scene; the number plate having been noted down by an off duty police officer. The defendant was later positively identified on an ID procedure by an independent eye witness as being one of the two killers. When arrested the defendant’s face was half burnt – the car carrying the killers had been set on fire. Further, the defendant’s phone had ceased all contact with the co-defendant after the time of the murder.
The jury acquitted K.M after the evidence, although seemingly compelling on its face, had been carefully dissected by the defence.
The co-defendant was convicted of Murder and was sentenced to a life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years.
Mr Fuad KC was instructed by Tim Edwards of Edwards Vaziraney and Co.
An unusual case where the victim was stabbed repeatedly following a heated exchange over a trivial parking matter. The allegation was that the defendant, having had a fight with the victim on his doorstep, retreated to his house and retrieved a kitchen knife. After a few moments he was then captured on CCTV running through the cul-de-sac where both parties lived. Whilst the victim was sat in his car, unarmed, trapped by his seatbelt and sitting next to his partner, the defendant stabbed repeatedly through the open window, causing “devastating and life changing injuries.”
The case was unusual in that the defendant’s evidence was that he simply could not remember what had happened – one moment he was at his front door with the victim, the next he was standing with a knife with people screaming at him that he had stabbed someone. The Crown argued that there was a clear intent to kill in that the defendant had said, as he went to get the kitchen knife; “Just watch what is going to happen next.” He then plunged the knife repeatedly into the victim and had told officers soon afterwards that he “had seen red mist”. He also made other unhelpful remarks noted by police officers. By good fortune and the commendable work of paramedics the victim survived, albeit being in a coma and sustaining life changing injuries. He spent many months in hospital. The added complexity to the case was that the defendant’s previous firm of solicitors withdrew having unusually breached legal privilege. As such the entire former legal team withdrew only a few days before the trial was scheduled to commence. The Learned Judge, HHJ Dodgson recognised that this unusual case deserved the attention of King’s Counsel – Kerim Fuad KC and Colin Witcher were instructed. The trial had in the first instance to be adjourned in October 2016 and the jury discharged, Counsel rightly not being satisfied that the case had been fully prepared by the original legal team and that critical matters of disclosure remained outstanding. The trial then took place this week and after a five day trial the jury took only an
hour and a half to unanimously find the defendant “not guilty” of Attempted Murder.
Kerim Fuad KC took the decision to make a robust and persuasive opening speech which helped quell much of the fire of prosecution counsel’s speech.
The defendant had earlier pleaded guilty to section 18.
Press: ITV: http://www.itv.com/news/london/2017-03-15/knifeman-jailed-for-frenzied-attack-on-his-neighbour-in-trivial-parking-space-row/ Standard: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/jailed-for-five-years-thug-whose-frenzied-knife-attack-left-neighbour-in-coma-a3489841.html
Counsel were instructed by Karmenah Vaziraney, Partner at Edwards Vaziraney
The Uber driver murder.
Mr L googled how to stab his wife in the most painful way hours before he did so, inflicting many stab wounds.
He was instructed by George Kampanella of EBR Attridge and Co
Kerim Fuad KC’s client was acquitted of Murder in triple stabbing incident.
After a two month Murder trial before the Honourable Mr Justice Openshaw, the jury unanimously acquitted Mr Fuad KC’s client, E.S of both Murder and S.18.
E.S was one of the main defendants and was caught on a covert prison van recording, confessing to not only ‘not knowing whether he
had licked the victim’ but also shouting ‘Get the Ting,’ at the time they were alleged by eye witnesses to have gone to the boot of the car to obtain the murder weapons.
Two of the co-defendants were convicted JB of both Murder and S.18, and ND convicted of S.18. The rest were acquitted.
Kerim Fuad KC led Ray Tully of Guildhall Chambers.
He was instructed by Damon Whitlow and Emily Evans of Allen Hoole Solicitors, Bristol
Legal 500 2020, 2021 & 2023, Ranked as a Leading Silk Tier 1 Chambers & Partners 2023 Ranked Band 1
Year of Call - 1990
Year of Silk - 2011
‘Lewis is a brilliant advocate both in and out of court. He is able to speak to clients clearly, and give well reasoned and understandable advice. Lewis’ kind nature, intelligence, and advocacy, makes him stand out of a crowd even as competitive and impressive as the criminal Bar.’
Legal 500 2023, Ranked as a Leading Silk Tier 1
"He often acts in high-profile cases and has particular expertise in matters concerning the deaths of children. He also has a successful appellate practice both domestically and abroad"
"Lewis is a canny operator, who is very good with a jury."
Chambers & Partners 2023 Ranked as a Leading Silk Band 1
‘Lewis is a force of nature. His amiable charm fills the robing room and the court room alike. He works every character in a case, from the co-defendants’ advocates, to the prosecutor to the judge and, ultimately, the jury, who hang on his every word. His charm underlays a deadly cross examination technique.’
Legal 500 2021, Ranked as a Leading Silk
"Ruthlessly intellectual in preparing his cases with precision."
Legal 500 2020, Ranked as a Leading Silk
Lewis Power KC is a formidable advocate who has established a reputation as a leading practitioner both domestically and internationally. In February 2022, Lewis was featured as “Lawyer of the Week” in The Times, and has been described in the media as “being in the Top Ten List of barristers in the UK”.
Recently, Lewis received national recognition for his successful efforts in overturning the conviction of a young woman accused of lying in a gang rape case before the Cyprus Supreme Court. Lewis specialises in complex and heavyweight criminal cases, including murder, criminal fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption, offshore and international, serious sex crimes, terrorism and war crimes. Notably he successfully defended in the London Bombing trials at the Old Bailey in London, and was lead Counsel in the private prosecution of the current UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.
Lewis has successfully appeared for the defence in a number of high profile murder cases achieving a string of acquittals. Clients consistently comment on Lewis’ strategic and tactical acumen developed through nearly 30 years of trial advocacy, latterly in international or trans-national cases, including Cyprus, India, USA, the Balkans, the United Arab Emirates and Ireland. Lewis also regularly acts as a guest lecturer and speaker across the globe, regularly appearing on National TV and in a variety of documentaries giving his insight into topical legal issues.
In 2023, Lewis has been instructed in perhaps the most high profile criminal case in the UK, the fugitive and missing baby case of Constance Marten. Lewis also successfully acted for Alan Waller who brought an action against the BBC for defamation in the Princess Diana case, arising from the fabrication of bank statements by the BBC’s former journalist. Martin Bashir. Lewis also acted in the first case of its kind this year R v Sarah Lloyd Jones, involving the gross negligence manslaughter of a 16 year child, the neglect being diet related which was the first case televised in Wales regarding sentence. Lewis also is to receive a Honorary Degree of Doctor of Law this year in recognition of his significant contribution to the legal profession both domestically and internationally.
Lewis is recognised as a leading Kings Counsel by both Chambers UK and the Legal 500, commenting in particular on his renowned strength in cross-examination: “The epitome of a modern silk. He is approachable, naturally charming and engaging, with a work ethic that is second to none. His cross-examination is effortless and even in the most hopeless of cases, he fights tenaciously for the client and leaves no avenue unconsidered.” He is referred to as “an unrivalled cross-examiner” where his style is said to be “nothing short of brilliant”.
Regulatory Work
Offshore & International
Sports Law
“Jury Really Want To Hurt Me?”- Church Court Chambers Webinar Recording, May 2020.
“The Changing Face of International Law” – Counsel magazine: England & Wales, February 2015.
“Slavery & Trafficking – An International Criminal Epidemic” – IBA, December 2013.
“21st Century Slavery: Hidden in Plain Sight” – Lead Article in Counsel Magazine -England & Wales – February 2014.
“Call to Arms”: A Paper on behalf of the North American Forum dealing with issues of International Criminal Justice: International Bar Association, 2013.
“Lewis Power KC Discusses Innovative Masters Programme in Gaming Law”- Church Court Chambers, 2019.
- Member of Northern Ireland Bar
- Belfast Ambassador 2019
- Lecturer & External Examiner at Birkbeck College, University of London
- Head of Fraud Seminars at Church Court Chambers
- Defence Lead Counsel to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL)
- Member of North American Forum and War Crimes Forums
- Approved Football Association Lawyer
- Member of IBA Criminal Law and Business Crime Committees
- Full member of Association of Defence Counsel before ICTY (International Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia)
- Criminal Bar Association
- Sussex Bar Mess
- International Bar Association – War Crimes Committee Member.
Southwark Crown Court – Defendant acquitted on all charges in 3 month money laundering trial involving Multi-Million Pound alleged Italian Mafia linked Bureau de Change Fraud and linked tax avoidance case.
Inner London Crown Court – Defendant acquitted on Marital Rape case after submissions on disclosure forced Crown to offer to offer no evidence – ground-breaking case as to disclosure in sex cases.
Lewes Crown Court – Acquitted in University Rape Case.
Lewes Crown Court – Acquitted of Murder in Multi-handed murder trial – after successful submission of no case to answer at close of Prosecution case.
Guildford Crown Court – Defendant acquitted on all charges in Modern Day Slavery Case.
Cardiff Crown Court – Defendant acquitted on Murder Charges – daughter had killed father in house fire and found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Chichester Crown Court : Historical Sex abuse case by carer on children and separate Adult Rape Allegations – acquitted on all charges.
Lewes Crown Court – Paedophile ring familial sex abuse trial- representing vulnerable Defendant.
Belfast Crown Court – Paramilitary case – Attempted Murder/Perverting the Course of Justice.
Instructed on high profile case focused on the rivalry between prolific south london gangs. National newspapers ran features on the prevalence of such gangs which are responsible for some of the worst crimes committed in recent years by organised gangs in the capital. Defendant cleared of two attempted murders.
Instructed on the dexter copy-cat murder case where a teenager fascinated with the hit tv show “dexter” murdered his 17 year old girlfriend in a sadistic fashion. Overview as to applicability of defence of diminished responsibility and brain disorders.
Instructed in “Assassins Creed Baby Murder” case. Huge media coverage across national headlines in extraordinary baby shaking case with medical complications for both baby and Defendant, who required 29 medical experts for assessment.
Conspiracy to murder; hired assassins; defendant acquitted.
Multi-handed murder of homeless man; defendant acquitted of murder.
Complex murder trial at the Old Bailey; new defence of “loss of control”; acquitted of murder.
Trial of one of oldest historic rape cases in UK dating back half a century; Defendant acquitted.
Multi-handed, 6 defendant, Sri-Lankan Gang related murder trial at Old Bailey; representing only defendant to be acquitted.
First judgment of Court of Appeal by Lord Chief Justice on new slavery offences; Lewis Power KC leading 4 Junior counsel.
The first ever prosecution of the new offences of “Slavery” under the Coroners & Justice Act 2009; acquitted all charges at re-trial.
Representing only female defendant in Irish Traveller slavery case.
Church of England Vicar with historic sexual abuse allegations within Church.
Largest money laundering case involving Bureau de Change in UK to date; involving laundering of approximately £200 Million.
Representing defendant in million pound bank factoring fraud & building construction fraud.
Attempted murder by youth in racially motivated campaign.
“The Missing Body Murder Case”; representing only defendant to be acquitted.
Sophisticated fraud on law firm by employee.
Murder of wife case where defendant advanced “morbid delusional jealousy” as partial defence re diminished responsibility.
Baseball bat murder.
National art fraud conspiracy.
Serious Fraud Office (SFO) international prosecution where some 22 Million Euros were dishonestly appropriated by the Defendant.
Multi-million pound international identity fraud.
A complex conspiracy to defraud the O2 Telecommunications Network by way of an International Revenue Share Fraud (IRSF).
Murder – one of the first murder cases under the new legislation re partial defence for murder in diminished responsibility cases;defendant was putting forward “Alcohol Dependency Syndrome “as diminished responsibility defence.
Murder; manslaughter contrary to the common law and one count of administering a poison or noxious substance so as to endanger life, contrary to section 23 of the OAPA 1867; defendant giving a lethal heroin injection.
Manslaughter; cyclist road rage.
London terrorist bombings case where only 1 out of 2 defendants acquitted.
Leading Counsel in the “Adams Family” gangland case “Operation Trinity”; joint Police and MI5 case quoted as the biggest corruption case to come before the UK Courts; acted as leading counsel and secured acquittal for family Accountant.
Acted for the first Defendant in this International Fraud case which involved the infamous Indian Corporate Giant Company Sahara India Pariwar. Secured the acquittal of the Defendant. Highly complex and novel case involving International Corporate Fraud on a huge scale and where the Crown acknowledged that this case involved concepts of “International Capacity Building” on money laundering and cash smuggling with recent foreign deployments and also and most crucially “Alternative Remittance Systems and Informal Value Transfer Systems” such as Hawala.
Year of Call - 2000
Year of Silk - 2023
Maria was appointed King’s Counsel in 2023. She is the first female silk, and the first home-grown silk, in the history of Church Court Chambers.
Maria prosecutes and defends the most serious, sensitive, and complex of criminal offences. Her practice includes murders, large-scale frauds and confiscation proceedings, historic rapes, child abuse and high-profile sexual offences, road traffic fatalities, multi-handed drug conspiracies and international importations.
Prosecuting and defending gives Maria a comprehensive and tactical viewpoint on every case she is involved in.
She is instructed regularly on a private basis to defend complex sexual offences due to her considerable level of expertise in this area.
Maria is public access accredited and accepts direct instructions from members of the public: www.barcouncil.org.uk/using-a-barrister/public-access
Maria’s practice also includes prosecuting and defending regulatory crime: environmental offences, health and safety breaches by corporations, local authority prosecutions and breaches of High Court injunctions.
Maria is well known for her meticulous preparation, fearless approach to each case and persuasive style in Court. She has excellent legal skills, intelligent case planning and full commitment to each case she undertakes. She is an excellent communicator who holds the confidence of each client and the Court.
When she is not prosecuting or defending cases, Maria sits as a Judge in the Crown Court [a Recorder] and in the Magistrates Court [a Deputy District Judge].
Appointments
King’s Counsel (2023)
Recorder, Crown Court (2018, North-East Circuit, London and South-East Circuit)
Deputy District Judge, Magistrates Court (2017, London and South-East Circuit)
CPS Rasso and Grade 4 prosecutor
External Advocacy Assessor to the CPS
Accredited advocacy trainer for pupils and in-house advocates
Memberships and Scholarships
ARDL: Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers
South-East Circuit
Criminal Bar Association
Herts and Beds Bar Mess
Middle Temple Scholar: Harold G. Fox and Harmsworth Awards
Greek
Internal multi-million-pound fraudulent loan scheme at Natwest
Housing fraud, unlawful sub-letting
Rapes on 4-year-old, infecting with gonorrhea
Historic rapes by 14-year-old boy
Historic rapes in family setting
Fatal assault on mother by son
One-punch manslaughter
Cryptocurrency, large-scale, multi-handed drug importation
Historic rapes over sustained period of time of 4-8 year olds
Historic rape of 8-year-old boy
Sexual abuse in care home by carer
Large-scale drugs supply, multi-handed
Internal abuse of position of trust at Barclays
Multi-handed money laundering of pensioner
Perverting the course of justice, multi-handed conspiracy
Death by dangerous driving
Rape at University Halls of Residence
Stabbing outside school in Luton
Sexual abuse by bogus gynecologist on multiple women
Multi-million-pound fraud of jade and ivory auctioned at Bonhams
Multi-handed stabbing at Cross Harbour DLR station
Large-scale abuse of trust by employees at Great Western Railway
Multi-handed stabbing on bus at Stratford
International multi-million money laundering
Stabbing by wife on husband
Personal injury on construction site
Grenfell Enquiry, advisory
Fatal piercing of eye at Finsbury Park café
Health and safety breaches on construction site
One-punch multi-handed manslaughter at Kingsbury station
Environmental law breaches/Enforcement Undertaking EU Forms: water discharge, recycling packaging
Double shooting break-in, attempted shooting of police in Hastings
Year of Call - 1971
Alun is a criminal practitioner for 39 years, undertaking prosecution and defence work in the Crown, Magistrates and Youth Courts and in the Court of Appeal.
Experience: Alun’s caseload has been wide-ranging and has included:
Of late he has predominantly prosecuted for the CPS and other agencies such as the Probation Service and the Department of Work and Pensions.
Skills and Personal Qualities
As a seasoned advocate, Alun feels confident in his ability to take the daily twists and turns of the court process in his stride. But there are always surprises, which keep him sharp and interested.
Blessed with a good memory for detail, he can assimilate complex casework quickly. His many years at the Bar help him identify and focus on the issues that require attention and which go the heart of a case.
He aims to promote confidence in the prosecution service in others, particularly those who are giving evidence in court, seeking their continued participation in the event of delays and adjournments. Whether civilian witnesses, defendants, experts or police, He listens to what they say, explains what will happen, and provides reassurance to secure their trust and co-operation.
He has built a sound, flexible working relationships with prosecution professionals, caseworkers, and police officers, placing emphasis on effective communication.
He is tenacious when pursuing important issues, taking the initiative to problem solve. Equally, he is realistic when there is little prospect of success, and will speak his mind.
Calm, self-assured, and with an articulate, distinctive speaking voice, he is a persuasive advocate with a good track record of success for whosoever instructs him.
B.Sc (Econ) International Relations, London School of Economics, 1975
Criminal Bar Association
Grays Inn
Inner Temple
CPS External Advocate Grade 3
Child Abduction Act, compatibility with Human Rights Act, 2015
DNA challenge to robbery identification, 2015
Affray and self defence, 2015
Non-insane automatism, 2014
Computer Sales Fraud, 2014
Using noxious substance with intent to do GBH, 2014
Blackmail, 2014
Dangerous Driving and identification, 2014 Court.
Year of Call - 1979
Breakdown Britain (state of nation)
Breakthrough Britain (reform proposals)
Couldn’t Care Less (children in care law reform)
Completing the Revolution (Mental Health Law reform)
Bar Human Rights since 1990
Bar Free Representation Unit since 1979
Centre for Social Justice since 2007
Advisor to Home Office on International child Abduction and
Forced Marriages
Parliamentary Group for Children in Care since 2000
Parliamentary Group Care Leavers Voice established in 2013
Every Child Leaving Care Matters
Trustee of Frank Buttle Trust 2005-2010
Trustee of Rees Foundation 2013
Holland Park School
University College London (LLB 1978)
Inns of Court School of Law (1978-9)
Called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn (July 1979)
Georgetown U. Washington DC (LLM 1981)
Vocational training 1979-80
(a) Criminal Law : chambers of Attorney-General Geoffrey Thomas Q.C
(b) Civil Law : chambers of Solicitor General Sir Ian Percival Q.C.
Internationally experienced litigator, legislative and commercial policy advisor
Of Counsel to US Attorneys Sidley & Austen advising on US antitrust and EEC competition law 1981-2
Professional private practice as a Barrister based in London England 1982-2013
Insurance coverage litigation and arbitration
Antitrust/competition issues.
on Appointment of Special Attorney General for Antitrust.
Human rights litigation.
Human rights conflict resolutions.
Presenting US Insurance industry in litigation against Lloyds of London –”LMX Spiral.”
£100m “share ramping” allegation.
Multi million pound Anton Pillar fraud.
Alleged multi-million pound excess fare frauds successfully defended.
Multi-million pound advance fee fraud successfully defended.
Alleged perverting course of justice in civil proceedings-successfully defended.
£100M drugs importation.
Murder by poisoning –successfully defended.
Multiple murders by stabbing –successfully defended.
Counsel for Scotland Yard, Civil Aviation Authority, Port of London Authority, Serco
Year of Call - 1982
Justin’s main area of Practice is in all areas of Family Law. He is particularly experienced in Ancillary Relief particularly cases involving substantial assets, pensions and private companies. He has considerable experience in Co-habitee disputes and applications under S15 and Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. He handles all areas of private and public law cases. He has handled a number of cases involving International Child Abduction.
He is experienced in all forms of Civil Litigation. In particular personal injury. He has vast experience handling the following types of cases: Accidents at Work, Occupiers Liability, Product Liability, Highway Accidents, RTA, Repetitive Strain, and Fatal Accidents. He is prepared to undertake Conditional Fee work in appropriate cases.
He is regularly instructed in Clinical Negligence, professional negligence, actions against the police, Landlord and Tenant both private and public sector and business tenancies. Construction disputes, Property claims, (including sale of land, trusts, mortgages, trespass, nuisance, boundaries and easements and dilapidation claims as well as employment cases.
He has substantial Criminal experience involving Serious Fraud, murder, rape, child abuse, death by dangerous driving and serious drug offences.
Licensing Act 2003 applications, reviews, variations and enforcement.
Direct Access
Justin regularly takes instructions from professional bodies and persons other than solicitors as well in appropriate cases direct from the public.
Justin’s area of practice is in and around London and the South Coast. He is a Founder member of Kings Bench Chambers Bournemouth.
Scott v R 1989 AC 1242 Privy Council Jones v Trollope Colls Cementation Overseas Times 26/1/90 Re Capita Expansion and Development Corporation v Brackland Times 30/11/92 Fozal v Gofur Times 9/7/93 Re R (a minor) 1994 2 FCR 629 CA DPP v G 1997 (whether a head teacher investigating an alleged assault by a teacher is subject to PACE
Year of Call - 1983
Lesley Manley is a highly experienced barrister. She has well deserved reputation for dealing with challenging cases and clients.
She has defended in a number of serious fraud matters.
The case of R V G concerned an alleged cheat on the Revenue of £1.2 million by a two defendants. Having inspected original files held by the Revenue the court ruled Lesley and co-defending counsel, a commercial specialist and using a multi disciplinary approached successfully argued that the prosecution was an abuse of process. Both defendants were acquitted. Thereafter Lesley was instructed in a complex conspiracy to defraud in Gibraltar.
She became known internationally for her role as defence counsel in R v Marrache. The trial lasted for 9 months and was the longest running fraud trial in the history of Gibraltar and concerned the loss of £40 million pounds. This case was tried at The Supreme Court of Gibraltar. This was a complex case that necessitated reviewing of the bankruptcy files from various civil actions brought by those who had suffered financial loss, reviewing volumes of other unused material including trust agreements.
In addition to factual issues in the trial the case gave rise to numerous legal complications and arguments which included recusal of Judge, abuse of process, applications to exclude evidence and a possible appeal to the Privy Council in relation to Judge only trial.
This case was complex not only in terms of the financial and Tusts aspects of the case but in terms of its international aspects. Evidence was received by live link by agreement with the government of the Czech Republic. There was evidence relating to a number of EU countries in particular Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and the Republic of Ireland and also to Israel, Canada and the United States.
This case was the subject of international media attention and reports can be found on www.chronicle.gi and www.gbc.gi/ . This matter is the subject of an appeal to the Privy Council.
In addition to acting as junior in respect of the criminal matter Lesley researched legal issues in respect of constitutional matters and appeared in court to assist Charles Gomez, Gibraltar Counsel, who brought a Constitutional Motion against the Attorney General’s Office and The Governor of Gibraltar on behalf of Behalf of Benjamin Marrache. The trial concluded in 2014.
On her return to the UK and upon joining Churchcourt Chambers Lesley was instructed as leading counsel in OPERATION AGULLIAR R v N in £1 million pound fraud at Southwark Crown Court. The defendant was deaf and accused of conspiracy to defraud the DWP of ATW payments and also charity funds. Conferences and the giving of evidence were facilitated by the services of a sign language interpreter
Sexual Offending
Lesley Manley is very experienced in defending in cases alleging sexual offending including cases where other offences such as violence, cruelty or robbery are connected. She has acted as leading and junior counsel.
Lesley is often instructed to represented defendants accused of serious sexual offending including multi-handed cases involving human trafficking and grooming. Recent examples are set out.
In particular she has special expertise in representing defendants with mental illness, mental impairment and autism. She has written published articles on this point. She is also experienced in representing deaf defendants
She has been asked to provide written advises for convicted persons in connection with references to the Criminal Appeals Review Commission.
Lesley is a trained vulnerable witness facilitator and has provided training on several occasions to other members of the bar.
She is also a pupil supervisor and trained advocacy trainer at Middle Temple where she has taught for over 15 years.
This year she attended the Advocacy Trainers Symposium at the ICCA. She also was selected to attend the Florida Advocacy Course in Gainesville in 2018. She has experience of the most up to date teaching methods used nationally and internationally.
The diverse nature of her practice has led to her being instructed in a wide range of offences. Examples are armed robbery, kidnap, attempted murder, murder, child cruelty, cases where rape has been accompanied by section 18 and robbery, aggravated burglary and copyright theft.
“Are you fit for fitness to plead” published in Crimeline Mental Impairment Identifying The Signs
”I’ll prove I’m innocent. I’ll take a lie detector test” . The admissibility of Polygraph Evidence by Colin Witcher and Lesley Manley
Podcasts:
False Allegations of Rape
Fitness to Plead
Mercy killing-An act of Compassion or Self Interest.
Murder-Sexual Infidelity as a defence
Lectures:
She has provided lectures in the fields of the development in the law of sexual offences, vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, fraud and the development of the law in relation to firearms.
Criminal Bar Association
In 1994 she was chair of Education Appeals in Tower Hamlets
She is also an approved pupil supervisor and an advocacy trainer at Middle Temple
Lesley Manley is appreciated for her sensitive approach at the Coroner’s Court.
She has acted in numerous fatal road traffic collisions.
2015 Acted on behalf of parents who tragically lost 3 year old child in fatal traffic accident.
2013 Acted on behalf of family whose relative had died as a result of fall from Beachy Head. Verdict. misadventure.
She has also acted in a variety of difficult cases. They include
An inquest into the death of a baby when suffocated by a family member
Represented a Custody Sergeant ( Newcastle Coroner’s Court) following the death of a man who had swallowed a drug package.
An inquest into the death of a wife whose husband had been originally charged with her murder. Verdict. Suicide.
Instructed as leading counsel in multi-handed million pound fraud trial at Southwark Crown Court to commence in 2016.
The defendants were accused of cheating the Revenue of £1.2 million pounds. An abuse of process argument advanced by previous counsel had been dismissed. The defendants continued to maintain they had immunity from prosecution. Isaac Jacob of 9 Stone Buildings co-defended in the matter using a multi-disciplinary approach with their respective knowledge of tax law and criminal law. In due course the Revenue found a file which lead to the re-opening of the abuse argument and the case against the defendants was stayed.
In R v W (and others) at Maidstone Crown Court the defendant was charged with a conspiracy to defraud the NHS by way of dishonesty in respect of procurement of contracts. The trial was estimated to last 6 weeks but collapsed after 4 days as a consequence of the defence raising issues in connection with disclosure and failure of the Crown to properly investigate matters which may have pointed to the defendants’ innocence.
Croydon Crown Court. Defendant charged with substantial benefit fraud but no evidence offered after DWP accepted the level of domestic violence she had suffered was so severe that she was psychiatrically incapacitated by post traumatic stress syndrome.
Drugs Importation / Class A Drugs at Croydon Crown Court.
Case involving serious Harassment of Officials with issues of Fitness to Plead to be determined at Aylesbury Crown Court.
Case involving the arranging of Sham marriages. Newcastle Crown Court.
Sham marriage case at Isleworth Crown Court.
Undercover police operation in respect on online attempts to be provided with 3 year old child.
Supply of class A drugs. Defence of duress advanced.
Sexual Activity with child. Female offender.
Acting for the lead defendant in multi-handed trial accused of blackmail, threats to kill and witness intimidation.
Drug importation. Multi-handed case concerning the importation of £1 million pounds of heroin.
[Serial rape case with defendant attacking victims at knifepoint]
[Internet date rape case followed by serious physical assault on victim]
[Rape of 13 year old girl by mentally impaired defendant]
[Sexual Assault upon stepdaughter]
[Multi-handed rape by school boys upon fellow pupils]
[Historic sexual abuse by stepfather upon stepdaughters from different families. Abuse spanning 1960’s -1980’s]
[Historical case. Rape by father of his biological daughter when she was 11-14. Complaint made when accused aged 76]
[Historic sexual touching of granddaughter. Successful application to exclude lie detector evidence the Crown wished to place before the jury]
Child Cruelty. Croydon Crown Court. Mother aged 17. Accused of fracturing bones of new born baby.
Aggravated Burglary Luton Crown Court. Brain injured defendant accused of breaking into his sister’s house and attempting to kill her.
Year of Call - 1983
Called in 1983 Chris has been in continuous practice at the Bar since 1983 and has a broad breadth of knowledge and experience with skills honed from thousands of cases. He is known to work extremely hard on case preparation and ensures he’s fully briefed before setting foot in court. Chris provides excellent client care and ensures all concerned are kept abreast of case issues. He is a specialist criminal barrister who predominantly defends but also prosecutes. He is a Level 4 CPS advocate for the South Eastern [London/Non London] and Midland circuits. Chris has frequently been instructed in a number of leading criminal cases including; murder & manslaughter, kidnap with torture & blackmail, allegations of violent assaults, sexual offences & rape, , large scale organised drugs conspiracies, firearms offences and serious fraud. He has acted as leading defence counsel in a large number of cases including murder. Chris’s abilities and successes have secured the backing of a large body of solicitors who regularly instruct him. He has worked extensively in sexual assault cases, involving historic allegations of familial sex, which have involved detailed forensic examination of social services files, educational and psychiatric reports. He has also undertaken the role of leading counsel in large-scale car-ringing cases, local authority internal frauds, sophisticated retail frauds and armed bank robberies. He’s regularly instructed in criminal appeals from referrals and appears for appellants in the Court of Appeal. Chris has enjoyed a thriving practice in the Military Courts and is often abroad conducting court martial trials. In 2010, he was instructed by one of the “Magic Circle” firms to advise a multi-national company on an internal employee fraud. Chris has been a pupil supervisor since 1996.
R v Pommel (1995) 2 Cr. App. R R v. Jason Graham [2007] EWCA Crim 1499
Criminal Bar Association South Eastern Circuit
Snaresbrook CC. Successfully defended a warehouseman in £8m value drugs importation from Holland investigated by The Serious and Organised Crime Command. Operations Ultra, Bush
Successfully defended a man at The Central Criminal Court accused of wounding his brother with intent to cause GBH when he drove his truck onto the pavement at the victim.
Operation Cave, Wood Green CC, defended in a £1m tobacco and alcohol duty evasion organised crime case.
Operation Pileated, Cambridge CC Represented a defendant in a courier fraud conspiracy involving multiple elderly victims.
Operation Limit, Leicester CC. defended in an allegation of the supply of “Skorpion” machine gun and ammunition as part of organised crime group.
Nottingham CC, Operation Feast & Zephyr. Lead defence counsel in industrial scale cocaine supply from London to Northampton.
Leicester CC. Represented a man accused of serial rape and sexual offences on young boys in 1980s.
Leicester CC. Represented a male accused of serious sexual assault by penetration of a resident in a special needs care home.
Snaresbrook CC. Prosecuted a teenage male for rape of 10 year-old sister.
Represented the alleged leader of gang of five men responsible for the kidnap, false imprisonment and torture of two separate victims and subsequent blackmail of the families.
Defended one of five men accused of largest haul of ram -raid burglaries of rural banks in East Anglia.
Successfully defended man accused of multiple rape counts.
Prosecuted a case of familial sexual allegations dating back to 1965.
Represented the man known as the “night stalker” in his appeal against conviction for several rapes of elderly people in their homes.
Represented man accused revenge slashing of former police officer investigating licensed taxi offences.
Successfully prosecuted a leader of a gang of men who had embarked upon a campaign of rape and sexual offences towards a 12-16 year old girl in Bucks in 2004-13.
£1.5 m VAT Evasion Prosecution Central CC for HMRC.
Leading defence counsel in the largest ever Flying Squad Bank Robbery Operation involving over 12 armed bank robberies spanning 10 years.
Successfully defended one of the three acquitted defendants out of ten Charlton FC fans accused of racist violence.
Defended man in multi handed trial in which he was accused of firearm possession in large Trident case.
Defence counsel in successful defence of man accused of domestic violence featuring all the accused’s children supporting his “battered wife”.
Successfully represented woman accused of stabbing her former boyfriend in the street.
Defence counsel in multi handed car ringing/burglary case in Maidstone CC.
Central CC. Successfully defended when led by QC man accused of murdering drugs rival with shotgun.
Conducted an appeal against conviction before full Court of Appeal in the case of an appellant who had been convicted of throwing acid over barristers appearing against him in a High Court action he was bringing. High Court barrister burned in courtroom acid attack.
Defended an alleged gang member accused of having a sawn off shotgun which was alleged to have been used to threaten others.
Represented a defendant who was acquitted of his part in a murder and further stabbing of another victim in an alleged racist gang attack in the Isle of Sheppey.
Familial historic sexual assault.
Leading defence counsel for one member of a cash-in-transit robbery gang. K.B., the leader of said gang, was a notorious criminal. The trial lasted three months and was conducted under the tightest security ever witnessed in an English court.
Representing as leading counsel one female member of a gang said to have committed the largest alleged fraud of its time on a health authority: NHS fraudsters jailed (From News Shopper).
Sexual assaults on children within a church congregation.
Random slashing of stranger giving rise to IPP sentence.
An internal fraud of a national bread manufacturer by managers worth £300k.
Instructed for the Finance Officer of a business who along with others is accused of a £1.5m fraud on State/ local authority agencies in a trial listed for 2016.
Year of Call - 1983
“Excellent barrister my clients recommend him to their friends”
HSR London (2017)
“A man that instils confidence in clients”
MN LAW (2017)
Elroy is a highly experienced defence specialist and is an established criminal practitioner.
He specialises in defending in serious criminal cases and also undertakes police tribunal work.
Elroy is regularly instructed in cases of fraud, murder, rape, drug offences, serious violence, proceeds of crime, kidnapping, firearm offences, armed robbery fraud and serious historical sex cases, financial crime and regulatory matters.
Throughout his career, Elroy has built a reputation on his analytical and thorough approach to the preparation of his cases. During his career he is consistently recognised for his communication with lay clients.
His court craft and advocacy are built upon a clear working knowledge of the issues and tactics to be deployed in a particular case.
As a Leading Junior he is able to marshal complex paper heavy cases and liaise effectively with both Junior council and Solicitors to ensure that the case is prepared thoroughly and efficiently. Having conducted many ‘two counsel’ cases,’ he is well respected and trusted by solicitors to deliver the best for their clients.
Elroy is always calm under pressure, which enables him to develop positive relationships with lay and professional clients as part of a legal team.
Elroy is sensitive to issues and matters that arise. These qualities has allowed him to establish trustworthy relationships between himself and clients.
Elroy has been a Recorder since 1998.
Regularly instructed to defend on a direct access basis.
Criminal Bar Association
South Eastern Circuit
People trafficking, young women from Nigeria to Prague and then on to Heathrow, case required an understanding of the Nigerian culture and traditions of Nigerian village traditions.
Defendant charged with rape allegation that the victim was drugged. Defendant acquitted.
International sex trafficking gang, trial at the Central Criminal Court.
Representing serving prisoner in sexual activity with a child. Defendant had substantial links with the Manchester underworld.
Illegal immigrant fraud exposed by BBC Panorama programme.
Representing man charged with historical rape offences whilst serving a long sentence for rape.
Multi handed fraud case in the North of England.
Perverting course of justice in a multi handed Murder case
Multi-handed mortgage fraud heard in Manchester Crown court.
Leading counsel in £1 million fraud. Five men charged with setting up fraudulent firm with the aim of providing fraudulent HGV licence. Representing only defendant to be acquitted.
Banking fraud, money laundering.
Year of Call - 1985
Pamela Brain is one of the most respected barristers practicing at the criminal bar and has nearly 30 years’ experience in defending in complex and difficult cases. She has defended virtually every kind of criminal offence and is renowned as a brilliant jury advocate. She has successfully defended in murder and attempted murder cases, in particular in those involving ‘battered woman syndrome’. She has been instructed in cases involving allegations of Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Blackmail, Riot, Conspiracy to Import and Supply large quantities of Class A drugs, large scale Fraud and Money Laundering cases and Child Cruelty.
Pamela has a particular expertise in defending these very difficult types of cases. She has represented defendants who have been charged with every type of sexual allegation including those accused of Serial Rapes , Gang Rapes, Rapes involving the Administering of Date Rape Drugs, Male Rape, Paedophile Offences , Indecent Images and Historical Allegations with some dating back 30 or 40 years. Naturally she has gained considerable experience in cross examining vulnerable complainant’s. Some have been as young as 4 years of age and others have needed the assistance of intermediaries because of their severe learning difficulties or mental health problems. She is particularly skilled in cross examining the complainant’s in a way that does not alienate the jury from the defence case. This ability sets her apart from many others at the criminal bar. She also has very good client skills, which is especially appreciated by those who instruct her in these uniquely difficult cases. She often represents young defendant’s as well as those who are vulnerable because of learning difficulties or mental health issues and she has a reputation as being someone who can engage with some of the most challenging of clients.
Pamela has extensive experience in the Court of Appeal. In 3 separate cases of Rape she has managed to successfully persuade the Court to overturn the convictions and allow the appeals. They were cases involving allegations of Gang Rape, a Rape by a Youth and an Historic allegation dating back over 30 years.
Pamela is direct access qualified.
The Practical Challenges of Representing Defendant’s Accused of Sexual Offences
This was a case where it was alleged that the defendant was a serial rapist who had raped 3 women who were unknown to each other. Following a day of legal argument, the Crown offered no evidence.
This was a case which was widely reported in the National Press ( http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ news/article-2063439) It was an historic allegation of Rape involving 2 young complainants.
This was a case involving allegations of Sexual Activity with multiple complainants who were suffering from dementia by an employee of a Care Home.
This was a case involving an allegation of Rape where both the complainant and defendant suffered from very severe learning difficulties and mental health problems. Both required intermediaries. The defendant was acquitted of the charge.
This was a case concerning an allegation of Rape where it was alleged that a date rape drug had been administered. The defendant was acquitted.
This was an allegation of Rape where the complainant had learning difficulties. A defence application for disclosure was made and this resulted in the CPS obtaining third party material. In light of this material the Crown offered no evidence.
This case involved an allegation that the defendant was part of a long running international advanced fee fraud which involved the defrauding of millions of pounds from vulnerable victims.
In this case it was alleged that the defendant had fired a shot gun at a 12 year old girl, causing injury.
This was a case involving a conspiracy to supply large quantities of Cocaine that originated from Colombia.
This was a case involving 2 separate conspiracies to supply large quantities of Cocaine.
This case involved an employee of the DWP who was alleged to have made a fraudulent claim re invalidity benefit. There was extensive surveillance evidence and expert medical evidence. The proceedings were stayed as a result of a successful abuse of process application being made.
Year of Call - 1988
Michelle is a criminal barrister with over 30 years’ experience, she has recently spent 5 years as an in house barrister at cartwright king which has added to her understanding of both sides of the profession. Due to her breadth and depth of experience she is highly regarded for her advocacy and skills in all types of trials dealing with a wide range of offences including serious sexual offences; fraud; murder; manslaughter; child cruelty; drug trafficking and has been instructed in such cases as both a junior and lead counsel.
She has a reputation for first class advocacy and instilling confidence in her clients. She has particular expertise in cases involving vulnerable people, either as defendants or complainants.
Member of the Western Circuit
Member of the CBA
Defending as junior counsel the main 18-year-old defendant in a revenge murder.
Defending Yarlswood detention officer charged with sexually molesting a detainee.
Historic allegation of molesting boys in the woods (high profile case).
Attempted murder with a knife in a revenge attack between drug dealers.
Sham marriages conspiracy with brides being flown in and out of the UK.
Housing benefit fraud defending the lead applicants partner.
Defending in False Trademark prosecution.
Violent disorderly involving two rival gangs.
Year of Call - 1989
Paula Bignall is a London based barrister specialising in serious crime and complex cases of family law. She is recognised as a skilled, highly experienced and resourceful advocate with well honed and sympathetic client care skills.
Criminal Law
Paula is regularly instructed to defend in cases involving serious violence, rape, and all types of sexual offences, large-scale fraud and dishonesty and drugs case including trafficking and production.
Cases more recently defended include large-scale importation of class A drugs, conspiracy to commit fraud and robbery involving 19 defendants and hundreds of pages of cell site analysis, historic rape cases,rape cases involving victims and defendants under the age of 13, kidnapping and false imprisonment involving torture, Child neglect and also attempted murder.
Family Law
Paula undertakes all forms of private and public law work involving children. She has practised at all levels including the high court.
Year of Call - 1990
Called in 1990, Colin McCarraher was the founding Head of Chambers at Church Court and has been in independent practice for 25 years. During that time he has established a reputation for determined, fluent advocacy with a proven track record for winning cases both large and small all over the country.
He is qualified as an International Commercial Arbitrator and is fluent in Russian.
He is registered as a Direct Access Barrister.
Colin McCarraher has advised government departments on Human Rights with regards to the Iraq war and the Republic of Yugoslavia conflict.
He is regularly instructed as leading junior counsel and in that role, recently defended in a 9 million pound drug supply case, murder, major drugs supply and contract killing case.
He represented the Balcombe anti-fracking protesters and frequently advises those engaged in civil disobedience campaigns.
He has been instructed in all aspects of criminal law, prosecuting and defending, particularly serious crime involving banking fraud, organised crime, corruption, money laundering and proceeds of crime. He also appears in human trafficking, child abduction and serious sexual offences.
He served for 25 years in the Royal Naval Reserve and Intelligence Corps (V) so he has a sound knowledge of maritime matters and the Armed forces in general.
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Lincoln’s Inn (Hardwicke Scholar). Call 1990
King’s Inns Dublin. Bachelor of Law
University of Cambridge. MA Law
Civil Service Commission Interpreter : Russian
This is the leading authority on voice identification and the first case in England and Wales to rely solely on voice identification using sophisticated auditory techniques without any further supporting evidence. It broke new ground at the time and resulted in a new area of forensic expertise.
This case resulted in the CA deciding that for the purposes of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 Common Assault was to be construed as including Battery. It involved tracing the entire history of the law relating to violence and is used today for statutory construction.
Year of Call - 1990
Michael Fullerton was admitted to the Victorian Supreme Court as a Barrister and Solicitor in 1981. He practised as a solicitor until 1986 when he signed the Bar Roll of Victoria and was admitted to the Inner Temple as a Barrister in 1990.
Able and versatile Australian barrister with 35 years’ experience as defence jury advocate and civil practitioner covering an extensive range of both criminal and civil law including a variety of appellate cases in crime, civil, court martials and judicial review.
His civil practice includes advising and litigating on behalf of an array of international clients. His case authorities cover personal injury, common law procedure, commercial law and criminal law.
Regulatory work includes licensing offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals)(England) Regulations 2018, Pet Shop licensing, breeding and selling of animals.
He is registered and conducted many cases on Direct Access and is also a Qualified Mediator.
Personal Injury Quantum Reports
Inner Temple
SE Circuit
Sussex Bar Mess
CBA
PIBA
1982: Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
1990: Called to the Bar of England and Wales.
PRACTICE; Established practitioner of both crime defence and civil law.
Direct Access: Registered and accepted both criminal and civil cases.
Mediator: Qualified August 2008.
Attempted murder – Complex case involving multiple experts on injuries, weapon, glass, CCTV identifying vehicle, cell site and mobile phone evidence.
Historic rapes and ABH. Acquitted on rapes.
Leading Ms. Chiara Maddocks. 8-week carbon credit fraud. Six hander, conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to convert criminal property. Voluminous commercial, financial and digital evidence, expert evidence and over 50 lay witnesses. Acquitted on both charges.
s.8 Animal Welfare Act offences re organised dog fighting.
Conspiracy to produce cannabis – Cut-throat three-hander. DNA, fingerprint and satellite navigation evidence.
s18 GBH. Suspended sentence and compensation order.
Benefit Fraud, Suspended sentence.
Sexual assaults – Acquitted on both charges.
Possessing criminal property. Acquitted.
Aggravated burglary, false imprisonment and robbery. Firearms, knives. Acquitted on all charges.
Theft of BMW removed beyond EU. Trial 1 – hung jury. Trial 2 – Acquitted.
Affray, Offensive Weapon, Damaging Property. Absent witness, Hearsay evidence successfully excluded. Three hander. Acquitted.
Acting in breach of Restraining Order – Acquitted.
PWIT – 5 counts of class A and having article with blade – Secured agreement for reduced indictment and sentence.
s.18 and s.20 GBH. Secured agreement for ABH & suspended sentence.
Arson – Fitness to plead enquiry – capacity to form intent.
Burglary & Theft – secured agreement to Theft only – penalty of fine.
Burglary, Damaging Ppty and Theft – Secured agreement to amended indictment re damaging ppty only. Community Order and Restraining Order.
PWIT –Various Class A & B – Community Order and suspension of curfew.
Making indecent photos of child – Cats A, B & C. Possessing extreme photographs. Expert report obtained and at trial prosecution offer no evidence.
S.18 GBH and ABH. Secured agreement for Affray.
Affray – suspended sentence.
POCA hearing.
Two separate counts of Dangerous Driving – hung jury on one count.
ABH and having offensive weapon – Acquitted on both counts.
Putting person in fear of violence by harassment, breach of Non-Molestation Order, ABH, Dangerous Driving. Secure agreement to harassment count only.
PWIT – Class A. Secure agreement to possession only.
ABH – Exclusion of hearsay evidence and BWV – Acquitted.
Kemp & Kemp, The Quantum of Damages Vol. 3 F2-001 (Leading case on whiplash injury);
EWCA Civ 361; [2001] PIQR Q13 (loss of chance)
EWCA Civ 361; [2001] PIQR Q13 (loss of chance)
EWCA Civ 1261 (toboggan accident)
EWCA Civ 546 (Costs of company awarded against Director)
EWHC 500 (Admin) (Animal Welfare)
EWCA Crim 348 (Industrial scale production of cannabis)
EWHC 1418 (Admin) (unlawful use of warrant)
Companies Court. Part 7 and Part 8 claims. International Share purchase agreement & cross-application. Application to re-open previous High Court judgment and various costs orders successfully defended against Leading Counsel.
FPM – Central London County Court – Appeal under s.214 Housing Act 2004 for failing to protect deposit. Secured massive reduction of claimed costs.
Upper limb work related claim – settled for Claimant.
Resulting and Constructive property claim against family member. Claim succeeds.
Setting aside default judgment.
Defending Dogbite claim.
Appeal under s.214 Housing Act 2004 for failing to protect deposit. Secured massive reduction of claimed costs.
Infant settlement including substantial award for gratuitous care by friend of family.
Family Division – Opposing Local Authority Application for Contempt of Court. Application dismissed with costs.
Opposing Appeal against Order dismissing claim for defamation. Appeal dismissed.
Fraud involving summary judgment against fraudulent accountant, Freezing Orders and Injunction involving firms of solicitors, fraud and restitution concerning national company, Insolvency and bankruptcy.
Litigation regarding contractual disputes, building and construction, shareholding and directorships, international drilling contracts.
Litigation against multi-national oil companies in Niger delta.
Year of Call - 1991
At a recent murder trial, a senior Old Bailey Judge, specifically commended Stephen
Bailey, for the “Excellent representation of his client during the trial” See the case of A (2010.)
The Director of Liberty Law, Attiq Malik, describes Stephen as “a true master of advocacy” and Church Court Chambers should be “proud” to have him.
• Instructed on a regular basis in two counsel cases, as leading counsel.
• Instructed in serious, complex and difficult cases but always available to represent clients at all levels of criminal cases to ensure that the client has the best available representation.
• A first – class and very successful trial barrister. A go-to lawyer.
• A hard working and dedicated defence brief, who always presents to the court, fearlessly and without regard to his personal interests, the defence of his client.
• Excellent client care skills.
• A likeable and very approachable lawyer.
Extensive experience in cases involving:
• Serious fraud, murder and sex cases, as leading and junior counsel.
• Organised criminal gangs
• Defendants’ turning “Queen’s Evidence” See the cases of R -V- B Maidstone C.C., and R -V- H Nottingham C.C.
• Mental health, fitness to plead and fitness to stand trial issues.
• The representation of young or vulnerable clients.
• The difficult and sensitive area of the cross examination of child witnesses.
• The cross examination of expert witnesses, in relation to such diverse matters as pathology, blood
spatter evidence, D.N.A, ballistics, fire arms residue, cell site analysis and forensic accountants.
• The vital area in case preparation, of disclosure, P.I.I. and third party disclosure
C.B.A. & South Eastern Circuit.
V.H.C.C: V.H.C.C. accredited.
A 3 handed conspiracy to defraud / commit forgery (production of counterfeit / forged immigration documents). The issues included a cut throat defence by a partially sighted co-defendant, alleged by the Crown to have held himself out as an immigration lawyer and therefore able to assist his clients in obtaining false do.
Murder (led junior). A 12 handed gangland shooting case. Cut throat defences abound. Cell site analysis played a key part in this case. 8 week trial. Reported in the media.
Rape. Complainant had psychological difficulties.
Kidnap and false imprisonment in the context of an attempted rape.
Murder (leading counsel). Drug gang execution. Cut throat defence. Cell site analysis and CCTV analysis played significant roles in the trial.
Murder (leading counsel). The multiple and frenzied stabbing of the defendant’s drug dealer who attempted to rob and attack the defendant with a baseball bat and knife. Unlawful burial of the corpse. Detailed cross examination of the pathologist and blood spatter expert. Bad character played a significant role in the trial. Reported in the media.
Murder (led junior). The execution (shooting) of two hit men who had attended the defendant’s small holding with a view to committing arson and to attack the defendant. Mobile phone evidence, D.N.A, ballistics and bad character played significant roles in this trial. Reported in the media.
Sexual assaults in relation to 3 of the defendant’s step children and computer downloading of voluminous quantities of child pornography. A forensic computer expert was instructed to analyse this case and to give evidence as to the likely user of the computer at the relevant times of the downloads, based upon the actual internet activity on the computer over a 6 month period.
A two handed, historic sexual abuse case. Stephen defended the first defendant, who had been accused of sexually assaulting an 11 year old pupil, when he was a senior lay teacher at St Benedict’s Roman Catholic School. It is noteworthy, that the defence adduced at trial the defendant’s previous convictions (guilty pleas) to similar allegations against former pupils, in three previous prosecutions, as part of the defence case.
This case, and several other cases in relation to this school, have been reported in The Times newspaper. Lord Carlile of Berriew, recently lead an inquiry into sexual abuse at St Benedict’s in the 1970’s and also into the efficacy of the past and current child protection provisions at the school.
A nightclub doorman was accused of raping a customer jn the toilets of the club. Reported in the media.
A very unpleasant child cruelty case.
An historic case, of systemic rape and sexual assaults by the defendant of 3 of his grand children and two of their young friends over a period of 4 years.
Murder (junior alone). The successful defence of a Polish man, accused of murdering a fellow compatriot. As a result of defence submissions, the Crown were persuaded to offer ” no evidence” prior to the P.C.M.H.
A 4 handed witness intimidation case with threats to kill a key witness if he gave evidence the following day in a murder trial. Reported in the media.
A case of the utmost sensitivity involving P.I.I. and informant information. A very successful result.
Murder (led junior counsel). The issue in this case was whether the strangulation / death of the defendant’s partner, occurred during a consensual sex game and was manslaughter, or did not and was murder. Reported in the media.
A major 5 handed conspiracy to steal railway equipment.
Murder (leading counsel). The preliminary issue here, was whether the defendant was fit to plead and or stand trial. The issue at trial, was whether the defendant “did the act”. The case had a heavy forensic scientific content, notably pathology, blood spatter and psychiatric evidence. The representation of Ali, was described by the trial judge, as “excellent” (See above). The case included a relatively novel aspect, as the defendant who was “unfit” to travel south, watched and participated in the proceedings, via video link from Sheffield Crown Court.
Manslaughter (junior alone). The Issue was self defence. A one punch manslaughter case. Reported in the media.
Representing the first defendant, in a multi million pound,
12 handed cannabis cultivation case, using dozens of house in the wider Newcastle area.
Representing one of the main defendants’ in a 16 handed
conspiracy to supply Class “A “drugs between Birmingham and South Wales. The case included a significant amounts of probe and surveillance evidence.
The stabbing of the defendant’s drug dealer. The defence raised diminished responsibility and intoxication.
(Led junior counsel) Stephen conducted the majority of the cross examination of the co-defendants’ in a 6 handed cut throat murder case. The case flowed from a nationwide cannabis cultivation conspiracy. The deceased was punished / attacked for stealing a crop from one of the factories.
An 8 handed, major nationwide D.S.S. fraud.
A 16 handed, conspiracy to supply Class “A” drugs. The case
involved 150 hours of undercover surveillance evidence and test purchasing audio / video tapes. The defendant relied upon the defence of duress.
A 5 handed conspiracy to supply Class “A” drugs. The issues
were duress and entrapment.
A 4 handed conspiracy to import / supply Class “A” drugs with an actual supply to two undercover officers. The issues included entrapment and duress and the admissibility and relevance of an intelligence gathering interview ( the officers were in the witness box for 3 ½ days). The defendant was in the witness box, giving evidence in chief for 3 days. The defendant admitted to being a retired drugs dealer / police informant in Nairobi, Kenya.
A 7 handed attempted murder and violent disorder, at the
Vaisakhi festival, emanating from political differences between worshipers at a Sikh Temple in Birmingham. Reported in the media.
A 3 handed murder case. The Crown successfully applied for multiple anonymity of witness orders.
Representing a 12 year old boy charged along with 5 other boys under the age of 15, with the manslaughter of a 65 year old man. The issues were joint enterprise, causation, and the legal requirements of unlawful act manslaughter. The conviction was overturned on appeal. Reported in the media.
Murder. The Issue was the identity of the killer.
Murder. The issues included the conflict of expert evidence as to whether the stab wound was consistent with the claim of self defence, whether the client was fit to plead and stand trial and whether “he did the act.” Mental Health Act disposal.
A 7 handed Murder case. The case involved a 16 year old contract killer who turned Queen’s Evidence.
An 8 handed conspiracy to import Class “A” drugs from several islands in the West Indies and South America, with a further conspiracy to supply the drugs within the U.K. – Birmingham. The issues included a cut throat defence, cell site analysis, mobile phone evidence and significant disclosure matters. As a result of a section 8 C.P.I.A. 1996, disclosure request, on behalf of this defendant, the Crown offered no evidence against her.
A 16 handed conspiracy to import and supply Class “A” drugs within the UK – London to Birmingham, and Yorkshire. The issues included probe evidence, mobile phone and observation evidence.
The possession with intent to supply “Class A” drugs between
Leeds and London . The issues included entrapment and or fit up.
A 6 handed conspiracy to supply Class “A” drugs. The issues
included a detailed cross examination of 16 surveillance officers and disclosure.
A 7 handed conspiracy to import Class “B” drugs. The issues
included one defendant turning Queen’s Evidence. The client’s co-defendant brother, was a serving
National Crime Squad officer. The case was stayed for an abuse of process, three months after the trial
started.
a 14 handed rape case. The one co-defendant at trial, had committed the offence whilst on the run for the murder of W.P.C. Beshenivsky.
An historic 4 handed gang rape and false imprisonment of two 13 year old girls, over a 3 day period, in 1995. The client was arrested in 2004, on the basis of advances in D.N.A. technology. Stephen led the submissions re: abuse of process (investigative failings). The conviction was overturned in the Court of Appeal, on the basis of the claim of an abuse of process.
A 6 handed conspiracy to commit kidnap, false imprisonment, blackmail, rape, indecent assault and possession of firearms with intent re: 3 complainants. The issues included similar fact evidence and the admissibility of the statement of an unavailable complainant. The defendants were described by the Crown as “dangerous members of a mafia style, Eastern European protection racket”.
A 6 handed conspiracy to commit armed robbery / burglary of
circa 75 supermarkets and warehouses in the South East, over a 12 month period. The issues included a
cut throat defence, the extent of the clients involvement and cell site analysis.
Wine investment / boiler room conspiracy to defraud investors of over £4 million (leading counsel.) 10 week trial. Reported in the media.
Representing (leading counsel) the first defendant, in a 5 handed conspiracy to steal over £1 million, from a bank account. The funds were laundered by a practising solicitor – one of the co-defendants’ at trial. The client had a cut throat defence with 3 of the 5 defendants. Reported in the media.
Represented the first defendant on the Indictment, in a 5 handed conspiracy to defraud / steal 30 high value cars from national dealerships, by making fraudulent applications for loans / hire purchase.
Represented the director of a company, in a 3 handed conspiracy to defraud people who had paid for time share accommodation and cheap flights. Reported in the media.
A 5 handed conspiracy re a large scale and complex car cloning case. The issues included the admissibility of bad character evidence, a cut throat defence and fit up.
A V.A.T. fraud over 8 years by a West London chain of
restaurants
Year of Call - 1992
Alex Specialises in Criminal Law and has a particular interest in Human Rights Law and regulatory Law.
His Practice has included high profile and/or complex cases for which he has represented the Defence or Prosecution.
Alex is regularly instructed to represent the Defence or Prosecution in DWP, VOSA, Serco, Trading standards and HM Custom’s fraud cases.
Alex is an approved prosecutor on the CPS panel of advocates and has been regularly instructed by the CPS since called. In addition Alex has acted on behalf of insurance companies and Local Authorities.
For 18 years Alex was the Deputy Managing Director of a group of French companies with branches across Europe which Alex assisted to set up and develop. He was the Director of Sales and marketing for the companies’ overseas operations.
Alex was also the Marketing Executive for EW Facts Plc’s (now Nord Anglia Plc) School of Finance and Management Division. He was responsible for the marketing and development of the company’s overseas operations in the Far East, Africa, Indian Ocean and Caribbean.
Worked as a freelance lecturer in Business Law to undergraduates undertaking the University of Hull BA degree at the School of Finance and Management in London. Alex was also a part time lecturer to undergraduates undertaking the University of London LLB degrees and to post graduates taking the Inns of Courts, Bar Final Examinations at the London School of Law. Alex was involved in the training of trading standard officers on enforcement laws in Northern Ireland. Speaks fluent French and Italian
Practice Detail
Crime: Serious Fraud, Murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, rape, kidnapping, torture, armed robbery, blackmail, child abduction, false imprisonment, serious drug offences, organised crime and serious motor prosecutions
Health & Safety: Represented individuals and companies prosecuted under the Health & Safety Act, Food Trading standards and other regulatory legislation including fatal accidents. Represented families, local authorities, individuals and companies at Inquests.
Immigration: Asylum applications, entry clearance appeals on behalf of visitors, students and businesses following refusals of their applications and judicial reviews. Alex is especially interested in the link between immigration issues and Human Rights Law.
Alex works as a freelance lecturer in Business Law to undergraduates undertaking the University of Hull BA degree at the School of Finance and Management in London. Alex was also a part time lecturer to undergraduates undertaking the University of London LLB degrees and to post graduates taking the Inns of Courts, Bar Final Examinations at the London School of Law. Alex was involved in the training of trading standard officers on enforcement laws in Northern Ireland.
French
Italian
Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB Hons)
Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
Conspiracy, £ 28 Million VAT fraud.
£38 million, confiscation hearing. Resulted in one of the highest confiscation orders in the UK.
Bad character in the Court of Appeal.
Causing Death by Dangerous Driving, allegedly hit a cyclist like a golf ball at 99mph. Found not guilty.
Organised crime involving black on black killings in North London and Indian/Pakistani gang war crime.
False imprisonment involving the torture of a vulnerable witness with disabilities found gagged with his arms and legs tied up by the police. Found not guilty.
Successfully represented a major European airline against customs and Excise.
Year of Call - 1996
Shaun Esprit is known for having an extremely meticulous approach and an engaging and highly persuasive court presence. He specialises in general crime, corporate crime and regulatory work. He also undertakes work in selected specialised areas of civil law. Shaun both defends and prosecutes, including as a Leading Junior. He is a well-respected barrister, who has an ability to engage with people from all walks of life.
Shaun has appeared a number of times on TV as an expert criminal barrister, including offering detailed commentary and analysis on the Oscar Pistorius’ Trial. All media enquiries for interviews, case comments or analysis on legal news, should be addressed to Chambers’ senior clerk Daniel Bartlett.
Areas of expertise
Crime: including serious violent offences (including murder/manslaughter); sexual offences (rape, child abuse); drugs; regulatory work; fraud
Civil: personal injury; clinical negligence; Court of Protection
Shaun also has a specialist expertise in relation to Proceeds of Crime and the interplay between confiscation proceedings and ancillary relief/financial remedies.
“For Richer, For Poorer”: article on the interplay between confiscation and matrimonial proceedings: The Proceeds of Crime Review (No.2 2008)
“A Fair Share”: article on property rights of cohabitees in context of confiscation/restraint proceedings: The Proceeds of Crime Review (No.4 2009)
“Abuse of Process in Confiscation Proceedings”: The Proceeds of Crime Review (2011)
“Criminal or Casualty: Marine A”: article in Counsel Magazine (2017)
BA (Hons) Oxford University
Common Professional Examination (City University)
Bar Vocational Course
CPS Panel General Crime (Grade 4) and Proceeds of Crime
Specialist Panel (Grade 4)
Fluent French
Fluent Spanish
Defending in large scale conspiracy to supply over 50kg of ketamine (£1.25 million street value).
Prosecuting manslaughter.
Successful appeal to the Court of Appeal for interested third party (wife) in multi-million pound confiscation proceedings.
Attempted murder.
defending historical sexual offences case: defendant acquitted of all 33 offences arsing from alleged incident in 1970s [Stafford Crown Court].
Murder: Central Criminal Court, led by QC
Successful appeal against conviction representing senior consultant physician re possession of indecent images of children (Court of Appeal).
Successful appeal against conviction and subsequent acquittal representing defendant charged with causing death by careless driving.
Murder: Central Criminal Court, led by QC
Defending attempted murder (Blackfriars Crown Court).
Defending attempted murder with gangland background (Inner London).
Cardiff: prison riot; attempted murder/section 18 Cardiff Crown Court.
Lewes Crown Court: representing lead defendant in trial arising from large scale drug importation of Class A drugs in excess of £10,000,000
Defending in prison violent disorder/attempted murder trial (Worcester Crown Court)
Represented Defendant in high-profile multi-handed racially aggravated public disorder case.
Represented Defendant at trial for importation of over 10kg of high purity cocaine.
Prosecution on behalf of RCPO re the importation of 90kg of heroin into UK.
Defended in relation to a conspiracy to commit burglaries and steal high performance motor vehicles for onward sale; value £450,000.
Represented Father in care proceedings arising from his alleged involvement in an extensive paedophile ring
Represented the Sandwell Borough Council in care proceedings arising from alleged anal rape of infant.
Inner London Crown Court: defended firearms case (as led junior) arising from Operation Trident investigation into gun crime.
Represented Appellant before the Employment Appeal Tribunal; setting aside of finding of dishonesty made against senior health care official in his claim for unfair dismissal.
Represented Claimant in successful clinical negligence proceedings arising from obstetrician’s negligence; award of over £500,000 achieved
Defending owner of money exchange business in trial of multi million pound money laundering conspiracy Reading Crown Court.
Prosecuted as led junior a large scale money laundering conspiracy arising from the proceeds of an MTIC fraud.
Prosecuted re-trial of Barclays Bank manager alleged to have stolen from employers as part of a conspiracy with participants in organised crime.
Prosecution on behalf of RCPO re importation of 40kg of herbal cannabis.
Prosecuted on behalf of RCPO case involving just under £1,000,000 evaded duty on imported cigarettes.
EWCA Crim 1368: led junior defending banker allegedly engaged in largest “arrangement fee” fraud ($80,000,000) ever prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office. Leading authority on issue of accidentally disclosed PII material and its effect on fairness of criminal trial.
McClean McNally, International Attorneys, Turks & Caicos in relation to the first copyright case brought in that jurisdiction (re application and extension of the Copyright Acts 1911 and 1956 and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1989 to the Turks and Caicos Islands).
Year of Call - 1996
Robert Newcombe
Barrister – called to the Bar 1996 (Lincoln’s Inn)
After over two-and-a-half decades of heavyweight criminal advocacy involving multiple homicides, hundreds of millions of pounds in defalcations by numerous fraudsters, including sophisticated cyberfraud, covert intelligence and niche regulatory criminal work, Mr Newcombe’s practice has evolved into advisory work in the fields of financial regulatory, business relationships and fiduciary duties.
He completed the CFA UK Society’s Investment Management Certificate in 2022 which includes modules on equity, fixed income and derivative valuation methods and he is a member of the CFA UK Society.
Mr Newcombe sits on the Boards of several companies as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman and has over two decades of wide-ranging business experience, including on the boards of FCA authorised advisory and fund management firms. This experience includes membership of Supervisory Boards, Investment Committees, Remuneration Committees and Audit Committees.
He also chairs a charity and has served as pro bono Treasurer of Church Court Chambers for over a decade.
Cyber fraud and Cyber Security: Trojan Botnets, Web Injects and Mules (at the University of Northumbria’s Centre for Evidence and Criminal Justice Studies) and as part of the Church Court Chambers’ CPD Lecture series.
Firearms: Law and Case Management (CPD for practitioners)
Defending Environmental Prosecutions (CPD for practitioners)
The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers
Criminal Bar Association
UK Environmental Law Association
Royal Forestry Society
Leading Dejan Mladenovic of chambers. Defendant denied conspiracy to manufacture and distribute identity documents on an industrial scale. He was convicted and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment after a two month trial.
Leading counsel in two day Proceeds of Crime and sentencing hearing involving multi-million pound drugs conspiracy. Negative equity in residential property portfolio.
Leading Oliver Grimwood of chambers. Defendant was acquitted of laundering cash to Jamaica using money transfer companies after a two month trial.
Leading counsel, where defendant was convicted of being in possession of a Skorpion sub-machine pistol, key-ring gun and handgun, and more than a kilo of heroin, with intent to supply. Defendant granted bail between conviction and sentence.
Multi-handed fatal stabbing and perverting the course of justice. To be tried in 2017. Led by Kerim Fuad QC.
Defendant acquitted of Murder after being present at the scene of a fatal stabbing, led by Kerim Fuad QC.
Defendant acquitted of Murder after a man was bludgeoned to death on the back seat of the car he was driving, led by Tim Barnes QC.
Defendant acquitted of Murder after three-way cut-throat defences, led by Nigel Baker QC.
Defendant stabbed father and pleaded guilty to Manslaughter on day of trial (provocation); not guilty of Murder, lead by Paul Sloan QC.
Defendant convicted of Murder in the course of robbery on elderly victim. Identity and causation in issue, with numerous similar fact robberies. Medical evidence challenged from neuropathologist; pathologist; neurosurgeon; A&E registrar; ambulance crew and GP, led by Tim Barnes QC.
Defendant pleaded guilty to Manslaughter after injecting friend with heroin, led by Nigel Rumfitt QC.
Murder. Newton Hearing against QC. 2 days of evidence to determine whether Crown could prove whether killing was for financial gain. Finding in favour of defendant which meant Life sentence was some 20 years lower than might otherwise have been the case. Aggravating factors were concealment of body.
Defendant acquitted of Attempted Murder after injured party was shot in the head with a .22 shot cartridge fired from a pre-1880 hammer pistol. Both defendants were successful with their defence of accident.
Defendant acquitted of joint enterprise Attempted Murder, but convicted of aggravated burglary and possessing (and discharging) a firearm during a Schedule 1 offence. Co-accused was convicted of attempted murder.
Defendant acquitted of Attempted Murder after stabbing his brother 9 times. The jury accepted the defence of self-defence. The assailant brother was unarmed.
Defendant was acquitted of Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs. 25kg of drugs in the boot of his car as he entered the UK from a ferry. The two co-accused in the vehicle when it was stopped by Customs were convicted.
Joint enterprise Murder allegation.
Defendant acquitted of Murder after man bludgeoned to death on back seat of the car he was driving.
Defendant acquitted of Murder after three-way cut-throat defences.
Defendant stabbed father and pleaded guilty to manslaughter on day of trial (provocation); not guilty of Murder.
Defendant convicted of murder in the course of robbery on elderly victim. Identity and causation in issue, with similar fact robberies. Medical evidence challenged from neuropathologist; pathologist; neurosurgeon; A&E registrar; ambulance crew and GP.
Defendant pleaded guilty to Manslaughter after injecting friend with heroin.
Defendant acquitted of Attempted Murder after injured party was shot in the head with a .22 shot cartridge fired from a pre-1880 hammer pistol. Both defendants were successful with their defence of accident.
Defendant acquitted of Attempted Murder, but convicted of aggravated burglary and possessing (and discharging) a firearm during a Schedule 1 offence.
Defendant acquitted of Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs. 25kg of drugs in the boot of his car as he entered the UK from a ferry.
Mortgage fraud and money laundering involving fraud on the title of residential properties (re-trial 2015).
Mortgage fraud relating to over 170 residential properties. Conspiracy to Defraud and Obtaining money transfers by deception (for trial 2015).
Leading Dejan Mladenovic of chambers. Defendant denied conspiracy to manufacture and distribute identity documents on an industrial scale. He was convicted and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment after a two month trial.
Leading Oliver Grimwood of chambers. Defendant was acquitted of laundering cash to Jamaica using money transfer companies after a two month trial.
Defendant deputy manager of nursing home convicted of similar fact ill-treatment of multiple residents under s. 44 Mental Capacity Act.
Defendant found unfit to stand trial due to progressive brain tumour – fraud in breach of trust alleged to be £½ million.
Operation Lath: investigation commenced by FBI in USA and involved a conspiracy to defraud UK banks of tens of millions of pounds. The Zeus Trojan virus had been utilised by a sophisticated criminal syndicate to assist in withdrawing funds from internet accessible bank accounts.
This case involved the use of Trojan botnets (to acquire compromised sensitive data), web-injects (to phish) and money laundering mules (to cash-out from drop accounts).
Operation Mandrill: investigation into conspiracy to defraud the Student Loans Company of millions of pounds together with a further conspiracy to defraud UK banks.
This case involved the use of Trojan botnets (to acquire compromised sensitive data), web-injects (to phish) and money laundering mules (to cash-out from drop accounts).
Mortgage fraud and money laundering involving fraud on the title of residential properties: Acquittal.
Mortgage fraud relating to over 170 residential properties. Conspiracy to Defraud and Obtaining money transfers by deception: Acquittal.
Defendant deputy manager of nursing home convicted of similar fact ill-treatment of multiple residents under s. 44 Mental Capacity Act. Expert opinion taken from one of the country’s leading professor’s of psychology to establish whether a base-line existed beyond which the nominal complainants lacked capacity.
Defendant found unfit to stand trial due to progressive brain tumour – fraud in breach of trust alleged to be £½ million. Crown Offered No Evidence.
Defendant convicted of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choice, where 27 year old complainant had a mental age of 4-5.
Abuse of Process involving CHIS, lasting 4 weeks. Reporting Restrictions apply.
Defendant acquitted after 9 week trial of Permitting the Deposit of Controlled Waste, offence under s. 33 Environmental Protection Act. Defence consisted of suitability of deposited material and the de minimis principle and statutory defence. Challenge to the policy of permitting trespass by EA officers even though no Police Act 1997 authorisation is possible.
Defendant pleaded guilty very early in proceedings to numerous charges contrary to the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations and was sentenced to a non-custodial sentence.
Defendant sentenced to a non-custodial sentence after permitting the deposit of hundreds of tons of controlled waste at a swan sanctuary.
Defendant convicted of breaches of the Work at Height Regulations, resulting in a fatal fall from scaffolding, after failing to attend for his trial (whilst serving a life sentence for murder).
Robert Newcombe has been involved with many cases where lack of mental capacity has been in issue and is interested to explore further cases in this area.
Lancashire Mortgage Corporation v Ikoku and Onabrakpeya – the signatory to a false mortgage application was advised to submit to questions on his affidavit of means. He was then not charged with any offence.
Article 2 Right to Life Application for emergency injunction (on behalf of alleged murderer while awaiting trial) to prevent footage of murder victim being broadcast. BBC submitted that the Human Rights Act did not apply to its broadcast function, but this was rejected by Collins J: it was arguable that it did for the purposes of the application.
Statutory appeals to High Court and injunctions specifically in relation to the Town & Country Planning Act.
Year of Call - 1997
Alkan acts in a broad range of commercial litigation, arbitration and transaction matters. His focus includes high value commercial transactions, cross-border banking and finance, banking regulation, commodities trade disputes.
Prior to the Bar, Alkan worked for Clifford Chance and has developed hands-on experience in financial services regulation and banking and finance products such as derivatives and offshore investment funds. At Clifford Chance, he advised a number of pension funds, hedge funds, private equity funds, insurance companies and institutional investors.
Alkan has also advised major banks including The Royal Bank of Scotland, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Bank of America Merrill Lynch on a range of complex disputes involving both institutional and private investors.
At the height of the banking crisis in 2009, Alkan counseled banks on disputes relating to International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) contracts, structured investment transactions, off-shore investment trusts, bank insolvency, FSA/FCA regulatory breaches and anti-money laundering.
Alkan is also a regular commentator on a range of international legal issues and geo-political risks in emerging markets having provided commentary for publications such as Africa Asset Management and MENA Insurance Review.
More recently, Alkan has also advised on legal issues affecting fine arts and antiquities. He has also written extensively on the Elgin Marbles, the Hague Convention and the looting of antiquities in Iraq and Syria.
Called to the Bar, Lincoln’s Inn 1997
University College, London, LL.M. (International Business Law) 1996
Acting for a major US bank in a dispute with a Luxembourg hedge fund.
Defending a UK bank in a claim by a private high net worth client involving financial promotions rules.
Mediating a dispute between East European high net worth clients involving the sale/purchase of oil.
Acting for a Middle East sovereign fund investor in a claim against US and Swiss banks.
Advising a private client in respect of financial mis-selling by a UK bank.
Advising on cross-border civil fraud/breach of trust proceedings in the Caribbean.
Advising shareholders on breach of director’s duties and asset tracing.
Year of Call - 1999
Kevin is a hugely experienced and talented criminal defence barrister and his practice caters mainly for private clients and those who are publicly funded.
Kevin was called to the Bar in 1999 and has been in continual practice in London ever since.
He is highly regarded by both the solicitors who instruct him and the barristers who appear with or against him in court. Judges who know him have described him as an “assured and highly skilled advocate”. He is regularly instructed in the most serious and complex cases both in the Crown Court and in the Court of Appeal. He secured an appeal against conviction for a victim of trafficking who was wrongly prosecuted and convicted in the Crown Court. R v HHD [2018] EWCA Crim 2995 a case which now appears in the CPS guidance on issues surrounding Human Trafficking, Smuggling and Slavery.
Kings Counsel who have led him in complex trials value his tactical awareness, legal knowledge and attention to detail.
As a cross-examiner he is known as a barrister who can undermine the most confident of witnesses and expose weaknesses in evidence others have missed. Due to the reputation he has earned over the years other counsel regularly seek his advice. Kevin is known to have excellent judgement which, combined with a sharp legal brain make him a hugely popular choice with both lay and professional clients.
His vast experience and well-earned reputation has meant he has been instructed in high profile cases in courts both inside and outside London.
He has successfully defended in the most serious cases including those alleging murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, large scale drugs conspiracies, fraud conspiracies, gun crime, bomb making and sex offences. He was also instructed in the first case of its kind brought to court in relation to coercive and controlling behaviour under s.76 Serious Crime Act 2015.
Kevin regularly acts as leading counsel in complex trials and secured the only acquittal as leading counsel in the very first “slave” case brought to trial in the UK in nearly 200 years. The trial lasted three months and was described by the trial judge as one of the “most complex any jury would ever have to deal with”.
Despite a very heavy work load Kevin played a very active part in the management of his chambers for many years. He still chairs the Pupillage committee in Chambers and is Chair of the Herts & Beds Bar Mess and has been made Editor of the Circuiteer, which is published on behalf of the South Eastern Circuit (SEC). Kevin has been a member of the SEC committee for many years. Kevin is heavily committed to diversity within the profession and takes part in initiatives both inside and outside his Chambers to ensure the profession fully represents those it serves.
Contributed to SEC committee response to government paper entitled “Breaking the Cycle of Offending”. Contributed to Circuiteer quarterly magazine.
Committee member South Eastern Circuit
Chair of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Bar Mess
Member of Middle Temple Inn
Chambers representative for Middle Temple Inn
Member of the Northern Ireland Bar
Member of the CBA
Kevin, whilst led by Kate Bex KC secured the acquittal of a 16yo defendant who had been accused of Murder and Manslaughter. The case was particularly complex given the nature of the defences advanced and the ages of those involved. Kevin is particularly skilled at working with young defendants.
A case in which the defendant was accused of sexual assault by two independent and unrelated complainants. The alleged assaults took place during the day on public transport. Although the proximity between the defendant and the complainants was not in dispute, what he was alleged to have done to the complainants was very much in dispute. Following cross-examination by counsel the version of events put forward by both complainants was left wanting and the jury acquitted the defendant of all counts.
In this trial the defendant had been located at the address of a family member. Outside the address was his car and inside that car Police found a loaded semi-automatic pistol and sawn-off shotgun. The defendant had been observed by the Police visiting the car an hour before they arrested him. The defendant was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent in endanger life. Following a thorough analysis of all the observation logs and covert footage made, Kevin was able to expose issues with the timings put forward by the police in their statements and indeed the conduct of police officers carrying out the searches. Doubt was cast over who was responsible for leaving the loaded guns in the car and the jury came back with not guilty verdicts on all the firearms charges. After the verdicts the Learned Judge commented “That’s what you call a result Mr Molloy”.
A unusual case that at first blush looked like a straight forward guilty plea after a defendant had imported a firearm into the UK. In such cases the defendant would have received a “minimum term” of 5 years in prison. Following further research and the instruction by counsel of experts dealing with the defendants’ personality, it was decided that it would be arguable that “exceptional circumstances” should be applied in relation to this case. Following lengthy and detailed submissions by Kevin the Learned Judge eventually agreed and the defendant received a non-custodial sentence
Kevin acted as leading counsel in a murder trial at the Bailey. The defendant decided to plead guilty after day three and faced an almost certain “whole life order” as the defendant already had a conviction for murder and attempted murder. Kevin, after lengthy submissions successfully persuaded the court not to impose such a sentence.
Attempted murder trial at the Old Bailey. Defendant accused with attempting to kill the victim in order to enforce a drugs debt. The victim had been put in a bath and doused from head to toe with petrol before being set alight, suffering 40% burns to his body. The defendant accepted presence but denied being responsible. The victim had studied law and maintained that the defendant was a drug dealer and was the man responsible for his horrific injuries. Following a three week trial the jury unanimously acquitted the defendant.
Court of Appeal, Kevin won an appeal against conviction in relation to a victim of human trafficking, debt bondage and slavery under s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015. The case was of such importance it was referred to the Senior Presiding Judge of England and Wales.
People smuggling trial in Portsmouth. Kevin represented a female defendant who had been charged with two others with conspiring to smuggle into the UK vulnerable migrants. The defendant was stopped in Portsmouth and in her van the authorities found 8 migrants. The co-defendants who were in a car behind tried desperately to blame the female driver of the van. Following a lengthy trial, the jury acquitted the female van driver and convicted both the male co-defendants.
Three month fraud conspiracy at Southwark Crown Court. The case involved benefit assessors who agreed to falsify numerous false benefit applications. These benefits paid out over a period of years and were in excess of a million pounds. Kevin led counsel from chambers in this long and very complex case.
Three month murder trial at the Old Bailey successfully defending the “Snapchat Queen” against an allegation of murder. The defendant was prosecuted as a secondary party who was alleged to have wanted to have a man, who wanted to be her boyfriend murdered. She recorded footage of the victim dying on the street and uploaded it onto Snapchat.
Prosecution alleged defendant had smuggled firearms into a property in Luton. Following two days of legal argument Kevin secured the dismissal of the case.
Unusual and novel gross negligence manslaughter trial which involved experts giving evidence from the USA with regard to a drug called Ibogaine. Following lengthy legal argument at the close of the Crowns case the defendant was found not guilty.
The only trial to be conducted with the defendant appearing in court via video-link and not in person in the dock. The trial Judge described the defendant as the “most dangerous man currently in prison in the UK.”
Secured the acquittal of a “faith healer” accused of serious sexual misconduct at Luton Crown Court.
Secured the acquittal of defendant accused of Murder and familial homicide under s. 5 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 relating to the murder by family members of his sister. The trial lasted 10 weeks and involved the defendants wife trying to blame the defendant. The wife was convicted of the murder.
Represented a defendant at the Old Bailey accused of the double-murder of members of a rival drug gang. The trial lasted 4 months.
Secured the acquittal of a retired professional who was accused of serious sexual assaults which dated back 40 years.
Contract killing trial which lasted 4 weeks and involved six defendant’s. One co-defendant tried to say Kevin’s defendant was heavily involved. Following lengthy cross-examination of this co-defendant by Kevin, the jury convicted the co-defendant and acquitted Kevin’s client.
Serious s.18 GBH trial involving a victim who was a trainee lawyer. Following a detailed attack on the accuracy of the identification evidence by Kevin, the prosecution conceded their case was no longer one they could put before a jury and a not guilty verdict was entered.
Kevin led counsel in first “slave” case of its kind in Wales and led counsel from chambers. Another acquittal was secured whilst the co-defendant was convicted.
Notorious “slave” case, the first of its kind in the UK in 200 years. Mr Molloy led counsel from chambers and secured the only acquittal in the trial. It was described by the trial Judge as “one of the most complex cases any jury would ever have to deal with.”
Represented a client accused of making a bomb and leaving a device outside the address of a love-rival.
Represented a client who was accused of murdering his own mother in the first case of matricide to be heard in Exeter crown court.
Year of Call - 1999
“A force of nature. George has a very quick mind and an electric personality, and is great fun to work with”
Giles Bark-Jones, Principal, Bark & Co, a 'Top Tier' Legal 500 Firm
George Hepburne Scott is a highly experienced expert extradition defence specialist. He has experience in all types of cases brought under the Extradition Act 2003 including Part 1 cases, Part 2 cases and ‘ad hoc’ cases.
He is highly experienced in all aspects of oral and written advocacy relating to extradition including: securing bail in extradition proceedings, attending case-management and directions hearings, and leading full extradition hearings and extradition appellate proceedings in the High Court including by way of Judicial Review. He is also experienced in applying to Interpol to have Red Notices removed.
He has dealt with myriad cases relating to extradition requests including from the following countries:
Part 1: Poland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark, Lithuania, Ireland, Estonia, Sweden, Norway, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, Finland, Luxembourg,
Part 2, Type A: Albania, Moldova, USA and Switzerland
Part 2, Type B: Ecuador, Thailand, India, Antigua and Bermuda
Part 2, Ad hoc: Japan
He is highly experienced in running all available objections to extradition including the following:
Lack of prima facie case (part 2 only),
Lack of particularisation in warrant,
Failure to establish identity,
Failure to establish an extradition offence,
Double jeopardy,
Forum,
Specialty,
No decision to charge or try,
Oppression due to passage of time,
Less coercive measures available,
Proportionality generally,
Oppression due to medical condition,
Extra-territoriality,
Right to life (Article 2),
Risk of inhuman treatment due to prison conditions (Article 3),
Risk of harm from non-state actors (Article 3),
Right to liberty and security (Article 5), and
Right to a fair trial (Article 6),
Right to respect for private and family life (Article 8).
He appears in extradition cases at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the High Court almost every day. He has been involved in extradition since 2006. He has been involved in many of the most high-profile extradition cases in recent years, including the following:
Japan v J.C. & Ors – first ever Japanese extradition request to the U.K.
Queen (on the application of J.C. & Ors) v Home Secretary & National Police Agency of Japan – related judicial review
India v N.R. – India requesting extradition of a billionaire said to be mastermind of $1 billion global banking fraud. This case generated global media attention.
Italy v M.H. – regarding alleged kidnapping and ransom of English model in Milan by Polish brothers as part of an international crime group. This case generated global media attention.
Belgium v S.H. – Extradition request of Albanian accused of triple murder. Case re-opened on the identity issue after the initial hearing and the requested person discharged and released.
He is connected to a wide network of international lawyers and expert witnesses covering all areas of human rights and relevant law and procedure in foreign jurisdictions.
He has published widely in leading legal journals on the subject of Extradition law including, New Law Journal, Lexis Nexis and Law Society Gazette, and he frequently appears in the media as a commentator on Extradition: eg BBC News, ITV News, & Reuters.
He has been quoted in questions to ministers in the U.K. Parliament as a commentator on extradition matters.
Member of the Criminal Bar Association
Member of the Extradition Lawyers Association
Appeal Against Crown Court Sentence bailii
Appeal Against Crown Court Conviction bailii
Appeal Against Crown Court Conviction bailii
Appeal Against Crown Court Conviction bailii
Successful appeal against a Crown Court sentence where the sentence of 16 months’ immediate custody was quashed and replaced with a Suspended Sentence securing the defendants’ immediate release.
Appeal against Crown Court Sentence where the structure of the Extended Sentence was reduced on appeal.
Appeal against a Crown Court sentence.
Successful appeal against Crown Court Sentence.
Appeal against Crown Court Conviction and Sentence. George was described by Leveson LJ as ‘a powerful advocate’. Bailii
Successful appeal against Crown Court Sentence.
Successful appeal against Crown Court Sentence.
Successful appeal against Crown Court Conviction and Sentence.
Times April 22, 2011 – Successful appeal against Crown Court Conviction. This case involved serious sexual offences and the defendant’s convictions and sentence were all quashed and the defendant was unanimously acquitted by the jury at his retrial.
Successful appeal against Crown Court Sentence. This case involved over 70 TIC’s for Burglary.
Successful appeal against Crown Court Sentence.
Successful prosecution appeal against Crown Court Sentence.
Appeal against Crown Court Sentence.
Successful appeal against Crown Court Sentence.
This was one of the first major cases involving the Extradition Act 2003. This case served to limit the scope of ‘no-evidence’ extraditions involving category 1 territories.
George acted for the Crown in this case which is now the leading authority on stranger kidnapping sentences.
This case involved the concept of the mercy where a terminally ill man was given a sentence that would involve his inevitable death in custody. The appeal was successful.
This case involved the successful appeal of a sentence of 9 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine. Following extensive courtroom exchanges with Mr Justice Calvert-Smith (former DPP) the sentence was reduced from 9 to 7 years.
Successful appeal of Crown Court sentence.
The Halloween Nunchaku murder involved the murder of a 15 year old boy at a Halloween party. George was led by David Fisher QC in this notorious murder trial. BBC
Murder case involving a dealer murdering his best-friend in a frenzied knife attack. George was led by Sascha Wass QC in this trial. BBC
‘Caterham Bus Bomber’: this was an allegation of a ‘home-grown’ terrorist who was found to have a cache of chemical weapons at his home. George successfully defended this man and he was acquitted of all charges. BBC
Successful prosecution of multi-defendant football hooligan case involving widespread public disorder. BBC
Successful prosecution of a serious stranger kidnapping case involving an armed stranger kidnap of young children. George was subsequently instructed by the Crown to appear in the Court of Appeal and this case is now a leading authority of Sentences for Kidnapping. BBC
This case involved an Albanian/Chechen criminal gang selling highly sophisticated cash-point scamming kits to other criminal gangs in Wales. It attracted nationwide publicity including the front page of the Times. BBC
George was initially instructed in this extradition of this notorious Holocaust denier. The extradition was successfully opposed. BBC
George was instructed in this case involving the ‘Gatwick shooter’ who was apprehended and Tasered by police as he wandered around Gatwick Airport brandishing a firearm. BBC
George was instructed to defend a member of this notorious tie-up robbery gang that committed more than 12 robberies involving serious violence. BBC
Serious historical sexual assaults in children’s home. Defendant received 20 years’ custody. BBC
Successful Extradition Appeal (A8) bailii
Very High Profile First Instance Extradition Decision bailii
Extradition case involving Judicial Review of the Home Secretary bailii
Successful Extradition Appeal (s.2) bailii
High Court appeal involving s.2 and Article 8.
High Court appeal involving Article 8.
High Court appeal involving kidnapping allegation.
High Court appeal involving multi-million VAT fraud.
High Court appeal involving multi-million fraud allegation.
High Court appeal involving human trafficking.
Part 2 case involving Murder conviction and Articles 2, 3, & 6.
Complex Part 2 case involving Articles 3, 6, & 8.
High Court appeal involving multi-£ fraud accusation.
High Court appeal involving murder conviction.
High Court appeal involving attempted murder.
High Court appeal involving Article 8.
High Court appeal involving Articles 3, 6, & 8.
High Court appeal involving Article 3.
High Court appeal involving ss. 2, 14, 20 & Article 8.
High Court appeal involving s.2 & Articles 3, 6 & 8.
High Court appeal involving s.14 & Articles 3 & 8.
High Court appeal involving Articles 3 & 8.
High Court appeal involving Article 8.
High Court appeal involving double jeopardy & A8.
High Court appeal involving s.14 & Article 8.
High Court appeal involving s.2 & Article 8.
High Court appeal involving Article 8.
High Court appeal involving ss.2, 14 & Article 8.
High Court appeal involving right to re-trial s.20
High Court appeal involving Articles 6 & 8.
Extradition case involving Judicial Review of the Home Secretary.
Year of Call - 2000
“Reliable with a character that can charm a jury.”
“An excellent advocate who cuts to the heart of the issue. He has a presence in court and superb client care skills.”
Edward’s practice in the UK is predominately Criminal defence. He is regularly instructed to defend clients charged with serious offences including, armed robbery, murder, rape, large scale importation of drugs, fraud and serious violent offences. Edward is an accomplished advocate with a wealth of experience representing clients involved in complicated and serious cases.
He adopts a practical approach to case analyses and problem solving which makes him a “go to lawyer” and a formidable opponent in the court room.
Researched and drafted legal argument in a case that involved EU law and is cited as the leading authority on EU nationals and recommendations for deportation.
Researched and drafted successful grounds of appeal against conviction. Case involved identification evidence and the applicability of the Codes of PACE to civilians.
Researched and drafted grounds of appeal which resulted in the Court of Appeal giving guidance on sentences for offences where knives used to cause serious and fatal injuries.
Represented one of two brothers charged with murder.
Represented a 13 year old charged with attempted murder.
Case involved a high profile murder of a teenager in South London.
Defendant charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a child.
Represented a defendant charged with the fraudulent evasion of VAT payable on importation of pharmaceutical goods. The fraud spanned the UK and Nigeria.
Represented a defendant charged with defrauding HMRC and the DWP. The value of the fraud was estimated to be in excess of one million pounds. Instructed as junior counsel.
High profile multi-handed conspiracy to evade import duty on tobacco. The value of the evasion was estimated to be approximately two million pounds.
Large scale conspiracy involving forged passports and Home Office travel documents. At the time considered to be the largest find of counterfeit passports in the UK.
Representing an international digital media company, in an action against the Government of Ghana in connection with a dispute over termination for convenience clauses in a contract.
Representing a major processor and exporter of tuna products, in a dispute over a distributorship agreement.
Represented a major oil and gas exploration company, in a dispute concerning unlawful interference with contracts and inducing third parties to breach a contract.
Representing a multi-national automotive corporation, in a dispute regarding product liability.
Regularly advising a major soft drinks manufacturer, on issues of employment law.
Year of Call - 2001
“I would just like to say thank you for your help and assistance with regard the hearing on Monday. It has been an incredible strain for me over the past months being a LIP and your understanding of my position has helped me tremendously; the outcome of which I could not have asked any more.”
2017
Sumita was called to the Bar in 2001. She practices in the areas of crime and family law. Her practice in the area of family law encompasses the following: Child arrangements (contact and residence); specific issue orders (name change, religion and schooling); adoption and special guardianship applications; domestic violence injunctions; financial matters and disputes and leave to remove from the jurisdiction.
She is able to use her own experiences in understanding that clients in this arena are at their most vulnerable and therefore require counsel who is empathetic to their situation and can provide reassurance; her client care is exceptional and she has an ability to communicate the technical legal process to vulnerable clients. Sumita recognises that at whichever court or stage of the proceedings, the outcome for the client is significant. In addition to this her aim is to achieve the best outcome for the client in the most timeliest manner. She represents parties in all children proceedings, both care and private children law and also undertakes cases in financial remedy proceedings. She also has experience of acting on behalf of parents in care proceedings and recently represented the child in care proceedings, who had separate representation.
As a result of Sumita’s criminal practice, she has particular experience in inter disciplinary cases, where there is a cross over between family law and crime, which provides for tough and effective advocacy.
She has also provided a webinar lecture for the Lexis Nexis website on an update in family law 2017- a yearly roundup.
Sumita’s criminal practice encompasses all areas of serious crime, including murder (arguments on new law of joint enterprise) serious violent and sexual crimes and rape.
The case of R v RH 2017, was an appeal from Oxford Crown Court where LJ Treacy gave sentencing guidance on cases of child abduction. In the reported case of R v Darlow, the Court of Appeal gave guidance on sentencing for cases of indecent exposure, where the Court commented upon ‘Miss Mahtab’s earnest and excellent submissions’. In her serious sexual offences practice, she has represented a serial rapist who was operating in East London, rapes and sexual assaults against minors, grooming cases, historical rapes and relationship rapes. She also has experience in proceedings involving young and vulnerable witnesses and has been involved in many s.28 hearings, and so has the necessary and vital experience in cross examining vulnerable witness. She has had involvement in Operation Bullfinch (Oxford sexual grooming case).
Sumita has been instructed on many multi hander drugs and fraud trials and has experience of dealing with the forensic analysis of scientific evidence and cell site analysis data which is always present in that arena. Due to her exceptional client care skills and ability to put clients at ease, whilst at the same time instilling confidence, she is particularly effective in dealing with vulnerable clients and has conducted finding of fact hearings upon a finding of unfitness to plead and has also represented defendants requiring an intermediary. She takes great care to ensure that each case is fully prepared and all legal arguments made in a timely manner, in fact in a recent rape case, following a section 8 disclosure application being aggressively pursued, the Crown subsequently offered no evidence.
She has also appeared at the Court of Appeal, including cases which have been reported in the law reports.
Current instructions include:
R v X: Led by Amjad Malik QC in a multi hander defence trial involving an organised crime network ‘Encrochat’ prosecution.
R v K: Sole counsel on behalf of a mentally vulnerable defendant in a historic sex case.
R v. B: Sole counsel on behalf of the defence in a sex case involving a vulnerable and young complainant (s.28 case).
R v. W: Sole counsel on behalf of the defence in a historic sex case, which has included legal arguments on the admissibility of ABE.
R v. S: Sole counsel on behalf of the defence in a historic sex case when the defendant was a youth.
Recently concluded instructions include:
August 2021, R v. A- Led junior in a 4 week trial at Southwark crown court prosecuted by Trading Standards. The trial included legal arguments of duplicity of the indictment, s.8 disclosure arguments and legal arguments, including the definition of a ‘trader’ within the Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008.
R v. J: Sole counsel in rape case involving young defendant and complainant involving analysis of DNA evidence.
R v. F: Leading junior in a 9 -hander, 5 month perverting the course of justice trial where 5 of the co-defendants were being tried for murder.
Direct public access
Member of the Criminal Bar Association
Member of the Family Bar Association
Pupil supervisor in Chambers
School Governor in Barnet
Former volunteer in National Bar Mock Competitions
Former school advisor to schools in the London Borough of Newham
LLB (Hons) University of Northumbria at Newcastle
Called to the Bar in July 2001 by the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
Fluent Sylheti Bengali
Conversational Hindi and Urdu
Sumita undertakes all forms of private and public law children work and also accepts instructions in ancillary relief matters, having practised at all levels including the High Court.
Led junior on Murder at Oxford Crown Court. Issues as to the new law on joint enterprise, including lengthy and detailed arguments on hearsay and bad character.
Section 18 GBH on pregnant partner with multiple stabbings.
Section 18 GBH attack with hammer on the street. Not guilty to section 18 GBH.
Threats to kill made by wife against husband during a prolonged incident with a knife. Not guilty.
Court of Appeal reported case law on sentencing for offences of exposure, where the Court commented upon ‘Miss Mahtab’s earnest and excellent submissions’.
Led junior at Snaresbrook Crown Court where the defendant faced trial for a series of stranger rapes in the East End of London.
Rape and sexual activity with a child. Alleged grooming over a considerable period of time. Not guilty.
Rape and sexual activity with a child. Not guilty.
Woolwich Crown Court, Rape of girlfriend. Not guilty.
Marital rape, involving issues of immigration, complainant’s capacity to consent and intermediaries.
Marital rape of 4 counts, involving issues of immigration. Upon section 8 disclosure applications being vigorously pursued, Crown reviewed the case and offered no evidence.
Led junior at Reading Crown Court in a multi-hander case involving conspiracy to supply large consignments of cannabis.
Multi hander conspiracy to supply class A drugs and money laundering.
Multi hander conspiracy to import class A drugs, involved PII legal arguments.
Possession of firearm. Expert evidence on the issue of antique firearm.
Child abduction by a parent. Legal argument regarding interpretation of defence available.
This was the reported case at Oxford Crown Court of the bogus MI5 agent who was jailed for conning his ex-girlfriend!
Led junior at Birmingham Crown Court, involving a family alleged to have conspired together to launder the proceeds of the two brothers’ drug dealing.
Sumita also practices in the areas of housing and landlord and tenant (both residential and commercial). She has extensive experience in possession hearings and also has experience in defending actions brought by social landlords.
Her practice also comprises conducting county court trials from the small claims track to the multi track in areas ranging from RTA’ s to contractual disputes.
Year of Call - 2002
Rajesh is an experienced practitioner who is regularly instructed to advise on and appear in a broad range of civil, criminal and immigration cases. Recognised as a resourceful negotiator and advocate. He has significant experience and success in the presentation of cases to juries and tribunals.
He regularly appears on behalf of the major prosecuting authorities and on behalf of leading defence solicitors in the crown court and appellate courts. He advises and prosecutes on behalf of Trading Standards departments, DVSA, SERCO and the DWP throughout the United Kingdom. In regulatory work he has a wide range of experience in the civil courts and tribunals, and in judicial review.
Rajesh has become a specialist in matters concerning paper heavy fraud, road transport law and financial regulation. He has been instructed by the SFO on a number of high profile cases concerning fraud, bribery and corruption. He has been instructed by the FCA to review evidence and advise on cases concerning money laundering regulations and financial regulations governing financial promotions.
Rajesh is regularly instructed by the DVSA to advise on and prosecute MOT, tachograph and driving theory/practical test frauds. He has represented the DVSA in the high court and at public inquiries.
Corporate and Financial Crime
Rajesh represents professional and corporate clients facing high-profile allegations of corporate and financial crime including: rate manipulation; all types of fraud including tax fraud; tax evasion; bribery and corruption; and corporate health and safety breaches. He is instructed by firms who demand impeccable tactical planning and precise advocacy. He has been instructed in some of the SFO’s and FCA’s most significant prosecutions and investigations.
Rajesh brings tactical insight, intellectual ability and expert advocacy to bear in cases frequently involving complex and voluminous evidence and legal issues. He defends corporate clients and professionals who require impeccable preparation and case presentation in respect of financial crime and regulatory allegations; he also prosecutes in complex fraud and has experience as Independent Counsel dealing with matters of LPP. He is often engaged from the earliest stage of an investigation, throughout, until conclusion.
Rajesh has acted for HMRC in forfeiture proceedings against a MSB hiding £100,000 in cash.
Rajesh has defended in one the country’s largest VAT frauds.
Road Transport Law
Rajesh has been representing companies, individuals and prosecuting authorities in all aspects of road transport law for 17 years. He has a acquired an excellent knowledge base and is an ideal position to represent anyone facing a criminal prosecution by the DVSA or a public inquiry.
Rajesh has dealt with matters concerning Tachograph Fraud, Driving Licence Fraud and MOT Fraud. Recently he has prosecuted a defendant on 9 counts of fraud. The matter concerned the sale of recalled motorcycle parts.
Rajesh has dealt with issues concerning recovery vehicles; vehicles carrying waste; vehicles carrying a dangerous load and with overloading offences. He has dealt other offences that concern the state of a transport vehicle.
Rajesh has represented VOSA/DVSA and individuals at public inquiries and appeals from those inquiries. He has dealt with issues concerning the seizing of limousines and the suspension of operating/HGV/PSV licences.
Rajesh has argued issues concerning road transport law in the High Court.
General Crime
Rajesh prosecutes and defends serious general crime cases. He is forensically astute, dealing with the most complex evidence and he is adept at dealing with extremely difficult legal issues. Rajesh is well placed to defend professionals as investigations by regulating agencies move into the criminal sphere. He also has experience of defending and prosecuting private prosecutions.
Prosecution
Rajesh has prosecuted on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service. He has
secured convictions against defendants committing fraud, serious violence and drugs
offences.
Rajesh is noted as a leading Counsel in prosecutions of Trading Standards offences for Breach of
Copyright, Counterfeit goods and Trademark infringements.
Rajesh has prosecuted on behalf of the National Probation Service and Prison Security Services for breaches of Community and Curfew Orders imposed by the Criminal Courts.
Rajesh has prosecuted benefit fraud cases on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
Rajesh has conducted complicated confiscation proceeding for Kent County Council.
Rajesh has been instructed by HMRC to conduct forfeiture proceedings and to review a court of appeal corruption case.
Defence
Rajesh has developed a substantial practice representing clients in all courts in the United Kingdom.
Rajesh’s trial experience includes Attempted Murder, Kidnap, Prison Riots, large scale Violent Disorder, serious Sexual Offences, Fraud, Robbery and Conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
He has an impressive record of appeals against conviction and sentence in the Criminal Court of Appeal
Family law
Rajesh has represented parent and grandparents in public law matters which have involved fact finding hearing relating to significant harm caused to children.
He has represented husbands and wives in financial relief cases.
He has represented parents in private law contact cases and cases involving applying for non-molestation orders and occupation orders.
Immigration
Rajesh has resolved applications for political asylum, spouse and family visas and permanent settlement.
Significant experience in cases involving Civil Rights and Human Rights abuses.
Represented clients from an expansive list of countries in Immigration Appeals hearings.
Civil
Rajesh is regularly instructed on behalf of Trading Standards departments throughout the United Kingdom.
Advised on civil complaints, breaches of consumer protection legislation and breach of contract.
Successfully obtained enforcement orders against traders for infringements of domestic and European Community legislation.
Advised and appeared on behalf of HMRC in forfeiture proceedings involving substantial sums.
Advised and appeared on behalf of DVSA at public inquiries and on appeal from those inquiries with great success.
Outstanding record of favourable verdicts and settlements.
Member of the Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London
Former Co-ordinator of the Lecture Programme at 7 Bell Yard [CPD accredited] (2002 to date). Providing lectures on specialist topics including the Enforcement of LGV PSC license infringements, Human Rights and Criminal Sentencing.
Rajesh is currently instructed as disclosure counsel on a case concerning an multi-jurisdictional oil industry fraud.
Rajesh has been instructed to review and advise on evidence relating to misleading financial promotions made by a financial institution, which has caused thousands of investors to lose money.
Rajesh was instructed to advise on the extradition of an individual who is suspected of being in charge of a financial firm making millions of pounds by breaching money laundering regulations. Rajesh also worked with a team to advise on whether to pursue criminal offences or regulatory sanction.
Instructed by the SFO as disclosure counsel on a case concerning the 2008 capital raising from Qatar.
Instructed as disclosure counsel in an SFO investigation concerning allegations of bribery and corruption in relation to contracts secured by Sarclad Ltd. The case resulted in a Deferred Prosecution Agreement between the SFO and the company and the prosecution of three individuals.
Rajesh was instructed by the SFO on a case focusing on alleged corrupt contracts in South Korea. The case resulted in a Deferred Prosecution Agreement and the prosecution of 3 defendants.
Advised on and then successfully prosecuted the owner of a Haulage Company who conspired to create false records with his Transport Manager.
Successfully prosecuted a company for permitting its drivers to create false records.
Successfully prosecuted a company for permitting its drivers to create false records.
Rajesh represented the DVSA at the High Court where was listed to determine the definition of a recovery vehicle.
Rajesh successfully appealed the sentence of a defendant who was convicted after trial of a benefit fraud that cost the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds.
Rajesh successfully defended a defendant who was accused of stealing over a £100,000 worth of IPADs from his employer.
Successfully prosecuted a company for operating a vehicle with a dangerous load, namely scaffolding.
Successfully prosecuted 15 defendants for a conspiracy to create false records. Advised from the outset on the buildings of a case, drafted charges and advised on the evidence. All 15 defendants were convicted.
Rajesh successfully represented a defendant accused of a half a million pound credit card fraud.
Prosecuted a company for the creation of false MOT certificates.
Rajesh successfully prosecuted a company for operating a HGV without an operator licence and without using a tachograph. The issue concerned the definition of a showman's vehicle. The defendant was found guilty after trial.
Rajesh advised on and then prosecuted a defendant for Conspiracy to commit Fraud. The defendant was convicted of conspiring with another to cheat the driving theory test.
Rajesh successfully prosecuted the defendant for instructing another to take her practical driving test.
Rajesh successfully prosecuted the first ever case of fraud concerning the sale of recalled motorcycle parts.
Successfully prosecuted several defendants for tachograph fraud.
Rajesh successfully represented a respondent who was called before the traffic commissioner to review his operator licence because of repute issues.
Rajesh successfully prosecuted a person operating a company that removed vehicles from airports. The case concerned the definition of a recovery vehicle. It was successfully argued by the prosecution that the defendant was not removing a disabled vehicle and as such was required to have an operator licence for his business.
Rajesh successfully represented VOSA before the Traffic Commissioner. They were defending an application by United Limos to recover their Limousines. The Limousines were retained.
Rajesh ably represented the defendant who faced an indictment alleging that she Conspired to Supply class A drugs. The case involved the analysis of thousands of pages of telephone evidence. The Crown were forced not to proceed with the case.
The defendant received a non custodial sentence for her part on a money laundering offence involving thousands of pounds.
Successfully appealed the sentence of a defendant convicted of Child Cruelty.
Successfully represented a young defendant facing an indictment charging Conspiracy to Rob with 10 others. The defendant was acquitted of conspiracy to rob and was convicted of violent disorder after a 2 month trial.
Successfully represented a defendant charged with stranger Rape. The defendant was found not guilty.
Successfully applied to vacate the plea of a defendant charged with the unauthorised provision of immigration services.
Represented a defendant charged with 3 others for a Conspiracy to Produce class B drugs. They were running several cannabis farms.
Represented a defendant facing an indictment charging him and several others for Conspiring to Produce class C drugs. They were running a multi - million pound steroid factory.
Represented a defendant charged with Importing class A drugs.
Represented a defendant charged with Arson with Intent to Endanger Life. He was said to have set fire to a flat where two elderly residents were living. The defendant was found unfit to enter a plea. There was a trial of issue after which the defendant was found not guilty.
Legal 500 2020, 2021 & 2023, Ranked as a Leading Junior for both Sports and Crime
Year of Call - 2002
'Yasin is able to grasp the most difficult, complex and challenging cases, even at very short notice. His written work is excellent and his advocacy is exceptional. He has superb people skills and no matter how grave or serious the offence, he is able to put the client at ease that they are in safe hands.'
Legal 500 2022, Ranked as a Leading Junior
"Yasin is extremely thorough with his work. Always detailed advice on evidence, action plans are provided. Yasin has a great eye for detail."
Legal 500 2022, Ranked as a Leading Junior
‘Yasin is an extremely hard worker and thorough with his work. Has the ability to develop great rapport with all types of clients regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, cultural backgrounds. A key strength is his ability to handle all types of complex cases.’
Legal 500 2021, Ranked as a Leading Junior
"Extremely effective – he maintains a concise, measured approach."
Legal 500 2020, Ranked as a Leading Junior
Yasin conducts all aspects of Criminal defence, White collar and fraud, International Appellate work, Regulatory and Sports Law both nationally and International, Commercial Law and many other areas.
In fraud and financial regulation, there is an abundance of expertise in national and International complex fraud, money laundering, commercial fraud and business crime.
In addition, the criminal defence work encompasses a CV full of work that includes murder and grave offences, sexual offences, human trafficking and human rights cases.
Experienced in all aspects of Sports Law with a wide range of clients. This ranges from Sports Professionals, governing bodies (national and international), professional teams and clubs, agents, journalists and broadcasters. Appeared regularly before national and international courts and tribunals.
Advisor and counsel to clients abroad in International Cases of MTIC, Carbon, Ponzi and other fraud cases including clients in Dubai and the Middle East, the US (‘million-dollar man’) and in Europe (‘Deutsche Bank’ fraud and other cases).
Has been advising and dealing with regulatory work including representation of Dentists, Pharmacists and other Medical Professionals.
Highly experienced in Inquests, Public Enquiries and Judicial Reviews as well as Civil Actions against the Police, highlight a practice that is multi-disciplinary and covering many aspects of Civil Work. Appears regularly before the Parole Board representing terrorists and those convicted of grave crimes.
Reported Cases include, R v Salman Butt (the former Pakistan Test Cricket Team Captain in the spot-fixing case), R v Yasir Ali (human trafficking, rape and grooming), R v Patel (multi-million pound Bosch fraud), R v Hassan (double-murder), R v Uddin (honour-killing case) and R v Yousaf (Metropolitan Police Officer involved in human trafficking).
For further information on Yasins Sport Law work please visit www.slam.global.
Interests
– Pro Bono work for Newham Monitoring Project
– Trustee and Volunteer at Frenford Clubs for Young People
– Adviser to Gujarati Metropolitan Cricket League (GMCL) and Essex Association of Boys Clubs
Unexplained Wealth Orders: The ‘What, Where, When and How’ of the new Legislative Provisions
“Image Rights” Exploitation, Investment or Protection for ‘Good Looks’?
“Shamima Begum: UK Citizen, Terrorist, Isis Wife, ‘Groomed Schoolgirl’ Or None Of The Above?”
“Tax Avoidance and Evasion? Legal or Illegal?”
“Drones – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly”
“The Crime (Overseas Production Order) Bill (‘The Bill’)”
“Drugs, Slavery, Trafficking, Exploitation and Links to County Lines. What Can and Is Being Done By The Law?”
Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL)
Young Fraud Lawyers Association
Extradition Lawyers Association
Criminal Bar Association
CiArb
Marylebone Cricket Club
British Association of Sport and Law
Accredited Pupil Supervisor
Florida Advanced Advocacy Course
South Eastern Circuit Keble College Course
Gujarati
Hindi
Urdu
Punjabi
Turkish
Operation Patos – Led Junior in a murder committed in Enfield linked with the DA and the GMG. A ‘cut-throat’ between all of the defendants.
Operation Nunton – Led Junior in trial at Central Criminal Court following a murder in Romford linked with drugs and ‘County lines’. In the cut-throat proceedings, Mr Charles was acquitted of the grave charges.
Operation Dynasty – Leading Junior in a tragic death in Leicester that was broadcast nationally where the defendant was charged with conspiracy to murder but found guilty of lesser offences resulting in a sentence of just over 8 years.
A brutal double-murder gang-killing in Leytonstone that was tried at the Central Criminal Court and involved a ‘cut-throat’ between two factions of defendants from the one gang.
Junior counsel in a nationally broadcast and publicised honour killing case at St. Albans Crown Court where the defendants were charged with murder and the new Section 5 DVCDA.
Junior counsel in a nationally broadcast trial of numerous counts of rape, human trafficking and grooming in Peterborough and surrounding areas.
Murder of a young medical graduate battered to death with a cricket bat in an alleged gang related fight in South London.
Representation of the defendant tried and convicted in the Rachel Manning murder.
Representation of a Metropolitan Police officer charged with multiple rapes, human trafficking, sexual assaults and perverting the course of justice.
Young defendant charged and tried of grooming and rape of a teenage girl in the north of England: a hung jury resulted in this politically sensitive case.
An 86-year old charged with a number of historical sexual offences of rape and sexual assault of children.
Cleric charged with multiple counts of rape and indecent assault upon young students.
Man accused of raping a prostitute and causing serious injuries to her body.
Man with serious mental health deficiencies accused of raping young children.
Junior counsel in multi-million pound drugs conspiracy trial and confiscation proceedings at Kingston Crown Court.
Junior counsel in a conspiracy involving theft of machinery involving BOSCH UK at Reading Crown Court.
Charged with several other defendants with a conspiracy to steal spanning 18 months and across the South East of England involving 100’s of offences.
Representation before the Recorder of Southwark where an old lady was killed via the act of death by careless driving.
Representation of a man charged in conspiracies involving kidnapping, blackmail, Section 18 offences and drugs supply at the Central Criminal Court.
Air-rage case, where the accused was arrested and charged following efforts to force open the plane doors and storm the flight deck.
A drugs conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in the Watford and surrounding areas from a gang alleged to have made millions of pounds from their actions.
Tried for conspiracy to supply Class A at the Central Criminal Court, the defendants were alleged to be part of a gang who had conspired to Supply Class A across London.
Successful representation of a man charged with section 18 offences and on a life licence.
Armed Robbery conspiracy on an armoured vehicle by a prominent gang in the Midlands.
Representation of a man charged with armed robbery and featured on the BBC’s ‘Crimewatch’ programme.
Operation Osmoregulation – Led Junior in terrorism trial as the Old Bailey where the defendant was acquitted of all terrorism charges. The trial involving young children, schools and prayer classes was publicised nationally
Arrested on Terrorism matters and subsequently tried on possession of explosive substances and improvised explosive devices, the Attorney General ordered for the matter to be dropped following lengthy legal arguments and submissions by the defence.
Representation of leading client charged with terrorism and drug related offences in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Parole Board Hearing, representing client convicted of terrorism offences.
Representation of prisoner before Parole Board hearing convicted of terrorism offences and recalled to prison.
Terrorism matter charged under new legislation.
Operation Ensete and Operation Amaryllis – Leading Counsel in an International multi-million pound fraud and money-laundering case where Mr. Gidde was deemed to be the leading criminal but received a lesser sentence then all other defendants.
Operation Tarlac – Leading counsel for the main defendant in this multi-million pound International fraud to be tried in October 2016 in a conspiracy that resulted in world-wide money-laundering
Representation of the ‘second in command’ in the £130 million fraud reported throughout the Press.
Operation Cave II – A fraud involving the smuggling and importation of tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol worth millions of pounds. Hamdi walked free from the court of the conspiracy charges.
Operation Fardel – An International Fraud where the accusation was was that the defendant defrauded many victims and laundered the proceeds worldwide.
Operation Susomo – Junior Counsel in a fraud conspiracy involving Forex Exchanges in and around London with International organistaions in the Middle East, Asia and Far East.
Operation Perhaps – Representing one of the lead defendants in a mortgage conspiracy and money laundering case at Birmingham Crown Court involving millions of pounds.
Operation Jibe – Tried at the Central Criminal Court and accused of assisting the main defendant in a mortgage fraud involving numerous financial institutions and banks amounting to millions of pounds
Operation Enderby – Junior counsel in a multi-million pound fraud and money-laundering case at the Central Criminal Court where the SFO offered No Evidence after 19 days of a trial.
In this ‘spot-fixing case’ which was broadcast all over the world, was representing the Pakistan Cricket Team Captain in charges of conspiring to cheat and obtain financial advantage at Southwark Crown Court
‘Bollywood Film Fraud’: a conspiracy to cheat HMRC by claiming rebates and VAT on Bollywood films that were never produced; one of the first film frauds to be tried in the UK, where HMRC lost millions of pounds.
Charged with conspiracies regarding Money-laundering, VAT and phone frauds following multi-national investigations and charged with a number of International defendants.
Held at Southwark Crown Court, the first trial under the Bribery Act 2010, in conspiracies linked to bribes taken by an employee of HMCTS.
Representation of defendant charged with a multi-million pound mortgage fraud.
Client charged with various fraud and copyright offences and linked to £63 million HMRC Fraud.
Conspiracies linked to Immigration fraud offences, false passports and documentation, tax evasion and benefit fraud on an International scale
Heard at Southwark Crown Court, a conspiracy where the banking fraud involved employees of the bank being accused of withdrawing savings of clients who were deceased and transferring the money to international accounts abroad.
Benefit fraud involving hundreds of thousands of pounds and multiple fraud identities around Maternity Benefits, Child Tax Credits, Child benefits and other benefits by the defendant on behalf of persons residing abroad.
Charged with several other defendants on a variety of fraud conspiracies associated with letting businesses and the letting of properties and money laundering offences.
A fraud committed against TFL totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds by using the refund scheme on Oyster cards and electronic refunds.
Representation of one of the UK’s leading Aston-Martin dealers accused of defrauding Williams (F1) and causing them huge financial losses.
Fraud case involving laundering of money and proceeds through the ‘Havalla’ method.
Multi-handed social security fraud involving 6 defendants and housing, council, social security and mortgage fraud.
A Judicial Review of the Parole Board and Prison Service regarding the recall and lack of education and training to a recalled prisoner.
A Judicial Review of detention of a foreign national held in custody despite the expiry of his custodial term.
Judicial Review of a prisoner incarcerated beyond his minimum time tariff due to the lack of courses in the Prison Establishment.
Various Human Rights arguments for a defendant prosecuted under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2003, for protesting outside Parliament and other protesting activities.
Judicial Review of the rights to privacy and family life of a defendant whose personal and family details were being broadcasted and reported daily through the national press.
Representation of Sri Lankan Tamils, protesting about the selling of arms to the Sri Lankan government and the subsequent killing of Tamils.
Defendants charged with violent disorder offences and riot in Burnley and Oldham in 2001 and whose defence was defence of the community from Far Right racists.
Parole Board hearing, representing client convicted of terrorism offences.
Representing a prisoner before the Parole Board, convicted of terrorism offences and who was recalled for breaching licence conditions.
Representation of foreign nationals in parole proceedings who were sentenced to extended sentences.
Reported Inquest of a prisoner whose suicide was partially blamed on the Prison authorities who removed his suicide watch to facilitate his transfer from one prison to another.
Death of a prisoner and Rule 39 order in relation to the availability of defibrillator’s in prison establishment.
Inquest that ordered the updating and minimal requirements of first aid equipment in prison establishment.
Tried in Frankfurt, advised and represented the client charged as one of the leaders of a conspiracy involving a number of defendants and forming a multi-million Euros MTIC and VAT Fraud.
Carbon Credit Fraud and Phone Fraud charges and allegation against a defendant in Munich involving tax evasion of over 12 million Euros.
Dubbed the ‘Million dollar man’, representation included the fighting of his extradition from the USA to Europe and then the defence in various charges of VAT Fraud, Carbon Credit Fraud, Money Laundering and other offences totalling over 100 million Euros and many companies.
Charges varying from MTIC and Carbon Credit Fraud and also tax evasion and linked to one of the biggest Carbon Credit Frauds in Frankfurt.
MTIC Fraud matters covering a whole European Network and specifically linked with emissions fraud in Poland
Worked for Reprieve 2003/2004 to today in representing inmates on Death Row and facing the Death penalty in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Florida.
Advising clients in Caribbean Death Row cases.
Advising clients in Pakistan who are sentenced to the Death Penalty.
Extradition Proceedings sought by GDR: defence of Extradition on Article 8 Human Rights Grounds and also Legal Submissions on Article 2 Grounds.
Involving a warrant issued by the GDR and arguments against extradition of client accused of being the ‘mastermind’ behind a multi-million-pound VAT Fraud. Defence based upon Article 8 of the ECHR and the validity of the arrest warrant.
Extradition proceedings relating to various Category 2 states demanding extradition of a defendant charged with grave crimes.
Extradition was requested by the GDR following the issuing of an EAW in relation to fraud allegations. Human Rights defences were submitted and argued all the way to the High Court.
Application by Turkish state to have Kurdish refugees extradited: Human Rights based opposition led to the application being refused.
Application to have a Chinese political dissident extradited to China.
Representation of the Former Pakistan Cricket Captain at the International Cricket Council Tribunal Hearing in Doha, Qatar, and at the Appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), in Lausanne.
Representation in proceedings before CAS and in hearings before an Independent Tribunal in Bangladesh on offences of match-fixing in the BCB with evidence of fixing in test matches and One-Day Internationals.
Part of Tribunal Team that heard the cases and Hearings of Cao Yupeng and Yu Delu before the WPBSA Board.
Representation of International cricketers in defamation matters arising out of match-fixing allegations and Al-Jazeera Documentary.
Representation of International Tennis Star in Appeal Proceedings before CAS.
English cricketer represented in proceedings of numerous individuals of various fixing offences in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Successful Appeal of a young English cricketer before the EWCB Independent Tribunal Appeal and representation in other hearings and cases.
Successful Appeal of a young English cricketer before the EWCB Independent Tribunal Appeal.
Advising of International Cricketer charged with match-fixing offences.
Representation of an International cricketer investigated by the ICC for Breaching the Code on corruption.
Representation of an International cricketer investigated by the ICC for match-fixing.
Successful representation of wrestler charged with offences linked to steroids and enhancement drugs.
Dispute between the Lawn Tennis Association and a young black tennis player: instructed by the CAS to represent Mr Stoute.
Disciplinary Hearings Tribunal Member for various offences committed by members of the MCC.
County cricketer represented in front of County Tribunal Hearing.
Representation of Football Club and individual players charged by the FA.
Contractual negotiations on behalf of International cricketers.
Advising the Franchise Team, its owners and management body in relation to a ban imposed by the BPL and the ICC.
Advising Players and Franchise sides on player contracts, Image Rights and terms and conditions of League and Franchise.
Contractual Negotiations and Agreements on behalf of International Sportsmen with Worldwide Sporting Broadcaster.
Contractual Negotiations with National Sporting Teams for player contracts, Image Rights, Endorsements, bonuses and more.
Advising International Sportsmen and Women on Image Rights companies, contracts, clauses, structures and benefits in a variety of sports
Committee Member and Advisor to Membership and General Purposes Committee
Speaking at Premier League clubs to players and officials on contracts, terms, conditions, wages and various legal duties and rights within contracts
As well as representation, advice has been provided to Sports Leagues Committees, teams and individuals in relation to a plethora of subjects including drugs and misconduct issues
Speaker at International Sports law conferences involving topics such as corruption, drugs use, betting and corporate governance
Adviser and trainer at Professional sports clubs and bodies including rugby, cricket, football and martial arts.
Yasin Patel has also been involved in various aspects of Sports Law in advising, negotiating and drafting contracts for professional sportsmen with media companies for commentary, commercials and advertising and media work
He has been instructed to represent International Sportsmen in their contractual negotiations as well as drafting of their professional playing contracts
He is advising International Sports franchises on a variety of legal matters including good governance, contracts, image rights and media contracts
Furthermore he is advising and representing International Sports personnel in governing body disciplinary issues and allegations
Representation of a dentist alleged to have caused permanent damage to a patient in relation to treatment of sporting injuries.
Representation of professional students excluded from the institution and excluded from legal societies due to cheating.
A pharmacist accused of breaching GPC rules in relation to ethics, standards and professional code for prescriptions.
Year of Call - 2002
Appointed on the Safeguarding Panel of The Lawn Tennis Association
LTA
Vice Chair of the British Boxing Board of Control
BBBC
Guy has a commanding presence in the courtroom which he uses to good effect. His imposing figure stems from former careers as a senior police officer and super heavyweight amateur boxing champion.
Guy has significant experience in the successful defence of trials for robbery, offences against the person and public order, sexual offences, drug trafficking and POCA applications, fraud, and immigration related cases. In addition he has undertaken police disciplinary hearings and courts martial. Guy appears in courts and tribunals at every level.
He has a keen interest in sports law, the regulation and governance of sport, and the interaction between sport and the criminal law.
Achievements
Guy was decorated with the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service in 2004.
During his 28 years of police service, he was the holder of a Chief Constable’s Commendation.
Boxing:
He was formerly European Amateur Super Heavyweight Champion, Chief Coach to the British Amateur Boxing Federation Team at the Police Amateur Boxing World Championships in Calgary.
1997 World Championship Gold Medal winner for the Super Heavyweight division at San Jose
1985 and a Gold Medal Winner in the same category at the Arizona, 1984 and Sydney, 1988 P.E.S. Olympiads.
Year of Call - 2002
“Simply the best; a barrister with depth of knowledge, sharp intellect, and able to think outside the box. Fearless and presents every argument with confidence, reassuring, and clients could not ask for more.”
Cosmas Dikeocha, Solicitor
Mohammed has mixed criminal and personal injury practice. He regularly appears as a specialist defence advocate in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court, and on personal injury matters in the County Court and High Court.
Mohammed is hard-working, analytical, thorough and fearless in court. On a practical level, Mohammed has an approach which is empathetic to the clients’ needs, and he is conscious that often it is the defendant’s family who suffer along with the defendant. Mohammed prepares thoroughly for cases, whether they are Magistrates trials or lengthy Crown Court trials.
Mohammed has a broad defence practice, encompassing the breadth of criminal and regulatory offences. He is known for his representation of clients organised accused of crimes involving drugs and organised crime networks facilitating the importation and onward distribution of drugs and firearms.
Mohammed understands that defendants’ needs can be wider than just representation in court whilst trials are in progress; he is able to give advice relevant to these issues.
Mohammed also specialises in representing defendants involved in satellite crimes associated with drug supply, such as burglary, thefts, credit card fraud and money laundering.
Outside of court, clients may find Mohammed relaxed and approachable, willing to travel to conferences across the country. He is good-humoured and patient when dealing with clients, both professional and lay outside of court.
In the BBC documentary ‘Hell in a Bottle‘, Mohammed provided some insight as to the rise, cause and judicial approach to acid attacks across the United Kingdom.
LLB Law
BVC Inns of Court School of Law
Junior Counsel representing a Defendant allegedly involved in Perverting the Course of Justice after an alleged 'gangland' murder.
Operation Deghvard. Junior Counsel during a trial involving 11 Defendants charged with a Conspiracy to Commit Grievous Bodily Harm. The case centred around historical and ongoing gang rivalries and involved the analysis of complex GPS vehicle data and phone data.
Operation Hipsometer, Leading Counsel in a complex multi layered trial involving the specialised theft and dismantling of over 200 vehicles valued in total at over £1 million. The Defendant was alleged to have been a significant and central element to the ringing and concealment of vehicle identities and parts along with their onward sale and concealment as well as arranging for the vehicles to be moved to and from across the United Kingdom.
Leading Andrew Kerr in a lengthy multi-handed trial involved in the organised theft of vehicles valued in the region of £1.2 million. Defendants used cloned car keys, false number plates, forged vehicle documentation, surveillance of targets and hi-tech computer technology to steal luxury vehicles. The case was reported in the Daily Mail.
Multi-handed violent fight between gangs of boys resulting in a stabbing. Client was acquitted after a successful submission of no case to answer surrounding issues of identification and participation.
Successful reduction in sentence involving submissions on the correct approach to written bases of pleas, offender mitigation and credit by crown court judges.
Successful appeal against the sentence of Truro Crown Court's incorrect imposition of an indeterminate life sentence when the correct sentence should have been a determinate sentence. As reported on ITV.
Selling of fake Viagra and associated confiscation proceedings, reported in The Sun.
Murder of Olu Olagbaju in Shadans nightclub December 2006, reported in the Evening Standard.
Prosecuted Importation of Class A drugs in luggage.
Student loan fraud valued at £175,000 and ongoing confiscation proceedings.
Dealing of drugs to undercover officers and test purchase officers in Lewes over a two-year period.
Benefit fraud by a young mother over a two-year period totaling £3,000
Council tax and housing benefit fraud by an elderly lady over a 20-year period.
Largest ever conspiracy to produce cannabis.
High-profile acquittal in a wilful neglect case involving an Alzheimer’s patient left overnight in a Council bus, reported in The Mirror.
£1 million mortgage fraud.
Acquittal of delivery driver allegedly involved in the importation of heroin in rice sacks from India.
Acquittal after a seven-week trial of a clearing agent alleged to have been the central figure in a network of importations of drugs into the West and South East of England.
Personal injury claim arising out a road traffic accident valued at £1 million approx, as reported in The Guardian.
Contempt of court case, where the court imposed a custodial sentence on both a wife and husband for outrageously exaggerating the wife's personal injury claims. The case attracted wide media attention, including in the Evening Standard, and it remains one of the few cases of its kind.
Year of Call - 2003
“He is a seriously good jury advocate who is always in demand and his friendly but no nonsense approach makes him extremely popular with clients. His attention to detail and meticulous preparation serve him extremely well in complex cases.”
Paul is a London based barrister specialising in serious crime with a particular interest in cases involving firearms, ballistic evidence and scientific analysis and also fraud cases involving ‘real’ property. He is also frequently requested in complex cases of family law, especially in cases with a mental health dimension. His knowledge of mobile phone data and cell site analysis has proved invaluable in a number of cases.
Areas of Work
Murder & attempted murder; rape & sexual offences; drugs; firearms; serious violence; vulnerable witness cases & psychiatric issues; fraud; complex family law. Accredited by the Bar Council to undertake ‘Direct Access’ work.
Criminal Bar Association; South Eastern Circuit.
Inn of Court & Degree: Middle Temple; LLB (Hons)
Central Criminal Court – Murder.
14 year old – possession of ‘Mach 10’ machine gun and a large quantity of ammunition.
Isleworth Crown Court – Large scale cocaine importation.
Harrow Crown Court – Child cruelty.
Harrow Crown Court – Aggravated Burglary, Possession of Firearms.
Southwark Crown Court – Fraud – Large scale Internet & credit card fraud.
Southwark Crown Court – Kidnapping & People Trafficking.
Kingston Crown Court – Robbery.
Central Criminal Court – Rape of a child.
Snaresbrook Crown Court – in excess of one hundred dwelling burglaries.
St Albans Crown Court – Fraud.
Kingston Crown Court – Arson with intent to endanger life.
Year of Call - 2006
Francis has a busy practice defending all areas of general and serious crime.
He was called to the Bar in 2006 and cross-qualified as a Solicitor Advocate in 2016. He has several years of criminal defence experience, covering violence, drugs, fraud, public order, sexual offences and domestic violence, vulnerable witnesses and youths. Francis trained with a sexual offences specialist practice and was part of the defence team at several notorious prosecutions, including “Operation Pallial”, a series of linked prosecutions concerning North Wales care homes. He also has experience of historic sexual abuse cases.
Francis has regularly appeared at Magistrates Courts and Crown Courts throughout the jurisdiction, dealing with first appearances, case management, bail applications and all sentencing matters, all interlocutory applications, including abuse of process, bad character, disclosure disputes, etc; and, at the Magistrates Court and Youth Court, very many trials covering all topics, over a number of years, with a good deal of success.
Before a career change to law, Francis worked in public and regulatory affairs in London and Brussels, for businesses and organisations.
Francis is a persuasive and determined advocate. He is a people person, with strong case analysis skills and much life experience. Francis relishes speaking for a whole range of people – so as to get their case over, to other people. Francis’s aim is that the client feels fully heard – and so that they obtain acquittal and satisfaction.
• BA (Hons) Politics and Modern History, University of Manchester
• Graduate Diploma in Law, MMU
• Bar Vocational Course (Very Competent) MMU
• LLM, Costs, MMU
• Legal Practice Course, College of Law
• Solicitor-Advocate, College of Law
• Magistrates Court, Duty Accredited, Cardiff University
• Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice
• The Honourable Society of Middle Temple
• Criminal Bar Association
Year of Call - 2007
Mizan enjoys a broad practice at the Bar which includes Family, Sharia (Islamic Law), Crime and Commercial litigation. He is a CEDR Accredited Mediator.
Mizan has expertise in all areas of family law including Islamic Law (Sharia Law); matrimonial finance and related proceedings; public law children work; private law, contested contact and residence disputes; and non-molestation injunction proceedings involving domestic violence. Mizan has experience of obtaining mirror orders in the Middle East, and has knowledge of family rights within Islamic law, as well as rights conferred via Islamic Nikkah (marriage) contracts.
Between 2011 and 2014, Mizan was Legal Assistant to [then] commercial barrister Robin Knowles CBE QC, as of October 2014 the Hon Mr Justice Knowles CBE. This role has allowed Mizan to gain a wealth of experience within the environment of contract law, bankruptcy and corporate insolvency and reconstruction, mediation, arbitration, commercial litigation and company law.
Mizan assisted with legal research on various aspects of counsel’s practice and with the encouragement and development of Pro Bono work nationally and internationally.
Mizan gained commercial trial experience, equivalent to that of a second junior in major cases. Examples include: (a) He assisted counsel in the case of New Cap RE v AE Grant, which went to the Supreme Court of England and Wales. A landmark case of 2012, the question for the Supreme Court was when enforcement of a foreign judgment may be effected at common law, or under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1933 or through the Insolvency Act 1986, s 426. (b) Mizan also assisted on a contract and partnership trial in the Chancery Division of the High Court; and (c) He assisted with a Commercial Court trial (with experts) concerning the validity of a multinational restructuring.
Mizan also assisted with two Civil Justice Council initiatives: A Response on behalf of the Civil Justice Council to the “Draft Defamation Bill” Consultation; and the Civil Justice Council Report (and following work) on “Access to Justice for Litigants in Person”.
A recent client quoted:
“Mizan was an invaluable asset to my case. He discussed with me very difficult matters in a friendly and approachable way with great explanation to ensure I fully understood the situation. Above all else his manner is natural and likeable and he has integrity, so whilst it is never a great day in court he carries you through it smoothly and keeps your spirits high. On the day Mizan delivered a better result than I could have expected”
Mizan has a strong commitment to pro bono and has been involved in the development of projects at local and international level.
Jan 2006- date: Pro Bono in the LMC (PBLMC). (Founder and Director)
London Muslim Centre (LMC), Whitechapel Road, London E1 1JX
At PBLMC, Mizan had led the arrangement of a number of seminal speeches and seminars:
– Organised the trip to London and keynote speech of the Chief Justice of Rwanda entitled “Rwanda, Past Present and Future” (2013)
– A conference co-organised with Oxfam on the “United World” (2012)
– “Evolving World: international law” speech by ICJ President H.E Hisashi Owada (2012)
– “Forced Marriage, Law, Religion and Practice” with Sir Mark Potter, then President of the Family Division of the High Court ) and Sir James Munby, current President of the Family Division (2010)
– Lord Chief Justice (Lord Phillips) unique keynote speech on “Equality in Justice” (2008)
– 2013 to date, Advisor to the Pro Bono Project in the British Virgin Islands
Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre, (DOHA)
Mizan has a detailed understanding of the QICDRC and is able to both represent clients in the QICDRC and advise on the procedure applicable.
Qatar Law Forum, Junior Lawyers session, (Joint Chair) 2012
Australian Biennial Access to Justice Conference 2009
Risk Advisory Council 2009
Bar Conference (England & Wales) 2008
The Pro Bono Conference 2008
2013 CEDR Scholarship for CEDR Mediation Course
2006 Middle Temple Scholarship (Major award), Diplock Scholarship
2012 to date, Vice Chair, UK Board of Sharia Councils
2012, Qatar Law Forum, Member of the International Organising Committee
2011 to date, Trustee of Richard House Children’s Hospice
2010 to date, Trustee, East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre (LMC)
2013 CEDR Accredited Mediator
2007 Called to the Bar of England & Wales by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
2007 Bar Vocational Course, The College of Law, London.
2006 LLB (Hons) Law, The School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London.
In addition to the ‘black letter subjects’ Mizan studied Islamic Law. He also undertook an independent study project on the Recognition of Muslim Family Law within the Scope of the English Divorce Law.
The project required an interview with Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss GBE the former President of the Family Division.
1994 Financial Services and their Regulations parts 1/2/ and 3. SFA Securities Representative.
COURSES
2013 Advanced International Advocacy Course at Keble College (August 2013), 1994 Government Debt
Bengali (Sylheti)
Hindi (spoken)
Urdu (basic)
Arabic (basic)
Year of Call - 2007
Patrick hails from Gibraltar. He was called to the bar in England and Wales and in Gibraltar 2007 and is a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. His workload is predominately criminal defence. Patrick accepts instructions in all areas of criminal law and has also acted on behalf of construction companies in health and safety matters. Patrick is the Honorary Consul for Italy in Gibraltar, a member of the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club and Honourable Artillery Company.
The Open University – LLB (Hons) 2:1
The College of Law – London BVC
Spanish (Fluent)
Italian (Intermediate)
Attempted Murder. It took a 7 to 2 majority to convict.
Rape, two counts. One count withdrawn following half-time submission. Second count unanimous not guilty verdict.
Defendant was 14 at the time of the offence. Secured not guilty verdict in an allegation of robbery involving an imitation gun.
Sexual assault of a child under the age of 13. The defendant was 17 years old at the time of the offence the defendant suffers from a complex disorder involving autism spectrum condition and ADHD. Sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment quashed and substituted with a 3 year Community Order.
Fraud. Ponzi scheme. Not guilty verdicts following half time submissions.
Year of Call - 2007
Simon is a criminal law specialist with a busy practice in London and the South East. Simon prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court. He is currently a Level 3 CPS Advocate. Simon also undertakes regulatory and other work. He maintains a strong commitment to being friendly, down-to-earth and realistic in his advice. Prior to coming to the Bar, Simon taught law for two years at a private university in Hamburg, as well as working for a firm of solicitors in a regulatory capacity, on instructions from the SRA.
Recent cases have involved conspiracy to blackmail, armed robbery, breaches of ancillary orders, affray, possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply, fraud with a value in excess of £120k, witness intimidation, threats to kill, burglary and GBH.
Simon has extensive experience of conducting confiscation proceedings.
Simon often acts for vulnerable people with behavioral problems, learning difficulties and mental health issues. He prides himself on being able to make proceedings intelligible, straightforward and as painless as possible for his lay clients.
Simon has defended clients in serious Youth Court matters and has experience of large-scale joint enterprise violence, sexual assaults, robberies and Operation Withern cases involving burglaries committed during the London Riots. Simon has defended young people in cases across the full spectrum of Youth Court work, although now primarily focuses on Certificate for Counsel cases.
Simon regularly undertakes appellate work, including appeals against conviction and sentence. Simon has successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal.
Simon has extensive fraud experience, both prosecuting and defending. He has dealt with offences well in excess of £100k.
Simon has been extensively instructed by the Serious Fraud Office and the DWP to deal with the prosecution of large-scale fraud, some of which has been valued in excess of £100 Million.
Simon undertakes cases involving the full range of road traffic, dangerous dog and health regulations matters.
Simon has accepted instructions from the Department of Health for civil drafting.
BVC (VC), Nottingham Law School.
Law, LL.B (Hons) (2:1), The University of Nottingham
Member of the CBA.
Member of the Cypriot Lawyers’ Association.
Year of Call - 2008
Mazharul is a specialist in immigration, nationality and asylum law. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of appeal and judicial review work.
Immigration Law
Mazharul has an extensive immigration law practice, having appeared in hundreds of immigration appeals. His immigration law work includes appeals/litigation arising from decisions concerning family and private life cases, EEA law, visit visas, points-based system, detention, removal and deportation.
Nationality Law
Mazharul has a strong nationality law practice. He appears in the Administrative Court and his nationality law work often includes litigation arising from complex right of abode claims.
Asylum Law
Mazharul has a broad asylum law practice which sees him acting for clients from a range of countries. He has particular experience of acting for clients who fear persecution on account of their political opinion
Prior to joining Chambers, Mazharul was a solicitor-advocate specialising in immigration, nationality and asylum law with an extensive advocacy and drafting practice.
Sir Thomas More Bursary, Lincoln’s Inn
Lincoln’s Inn Denning Society
UCL Bentham Association
Professional Ethics Marker - Bar Standards Board
Constitutional and Administrative Law Bar Association
LLB (Hons), Brunel University
LLM, UCL
BVC, BPP Law School
LPC, BPP Law School
Higher Rights of Audience (Civil & Criminal), City Law School
English
Bengali
Judicial review of a decision to refuse a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode.
Upper Tribunal considered the scope of para S-LTR.1.6. of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, and construction of para S-LTR.4.2. of Appendix FM, including the Home Office’s duty to plead and reason decisions under one or both clauses of para S-LTR.4.2.
Year of Call - 2008
“...He has great courtroom style & is aware of the scrupulous attention he gives to preparation, in addition to the effort he commits to the actual hearing.” The SSHD commented “The commendation received was also highly complementary about his advocacy style. I have personally observed him on a number of occasions & would describe his advocacy as calm, professional, proportionate & measured. He is very well aware of ethical standards & he demonstrated his awareness of disclosure by challenging me on that very issue.”
The Secretary of State for Home Department on Asylum and Immigration Judge
“It is the first time I have worked with Islam Khan, he was very helpful, thorough, and professional given the last minute instructions. He was able to get the result we wanted, and for that I am hugely appreciative. I look forward to working with him again.”
Ainsley Harris Solicitors - Solicitors and Commissioners for Oaths & Higher Court Advocates
Islam Khan started working from a very young age in various respective fields to hold and support his family together; he came to the Bar with life experience with a varied career background from becoming a chef to owning my own catering businesses and working as a host at the Millennium Dome.
Islam Studied law as a mature student whilst working full time as a civil servant in various departments of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This included the Human Rights Policy Department, UK-visas, Consular and heading the Benefits, Pay and Policy section of HR. He also served overseas as an Entry Clearance Officer in Lagos, Nigeria.
Islams main practice is defending in serious crime. In particular, Conspiracy related crime, all Proceeds of Crime, Fraud, Drugs and Immigration related criminal fraud. He is also often instructed on serious violence including murder and manslaughter and gang violence. Islam is instructed on appeals against sentence and conviction regularly.
Islam is also instructed by individuals who often find themselves in disputes with the GMC, NMC, SRA, BSB and the UK Charities commission. He is instructed by a number or organisations across the country in relation to HR policy and regulatory matters including charity commission and constitutional disputes in charitable institutions.
Islam is an expert in appeals on Asylum, Trafficking, Deportation and Urgent removal hearings (including out of hours injunction) and bail hearings with many years of experience. He was involved in the Court of Appeal case of Quila researching on points of law for Bibi and others challenging the UK government’s age bar policy on overseas marriages that lead to striking down legislation.
Whilst sitting on a number of panels in Tower Hamlets he advises a number of charitable organisations across the country and has developed an array of knowledge in the area of charitable organisations and the legal implications. Notably, he was involved in engaging various stakeholders to diffuse the Shajalal mosque fiasco in Tower Hamlets that was widely reported. He has been legal advisor to the Council of Mosques, the Stifford Centre in Tower Hamlets and has worked at Bail for Immigration Detainees, Fair Trials International, Hackney Law Centre and was an active mediator for Tower Hamlets Mediation Services.
Islam has a keen developing interest in probate/administrative of estates law. He obtained above and beyond a first class in this topic during his Academic studies leading my personal tutor commenting “I am professionally pleased and delighted to give these marks for this topic”. He often draft Islamic Wills for members of the community free of charge, subject to a donation to a charitable cause and have been advising and instructed on probate matters.
LL.M Public Law & Human Rights (King’s College, London - Merit)
Bar Vocational Course, ICSL (Outstanding in Legal Research)
LLB Hons. (Upper Second Class) at London Guildhall University
British Computer Society (Cybercrime panel)
Criminal Bar Association
International Law Association
Chadwell Heath Bowling Club
Canary Wharf Legal Training Award
Tower Hamlets Bar Vocational Award
Fight for injustice Scholarships
Tower Hamlets Mentor of the Year 2009
Lady Oliver Cup Mooting Competition (Quarter Finalists)
Judge at BPP annual moot competition
Presented on Visa and Human Rights training courses at Foreign Office
1st year LLB Moot assessments (1st class)
The Notary of England and Wales, American Bar Association’s Section of International Law, Europe Committee - Europe Update (Newsletter), Issue 3, February 2013
Comparative Judicial Supremacy, issue 6, October 2012 – www.dictumlawmagazine.com
International Law and The legality of the Flotilla raid by Israel, Islamic Digest;
Indirect discrimination by raising the marriage age rule to 21, New Law Journal;
Religious implications for Hindu pyres in the UK (Ghai and Others);
FGM: “an Islamic practice or modern fashion;
Mediation in practice;
Bengali (fluently)
Sylheti (fluently)
Urdu (conversational)
Hindi (conversational)
Attempt Murder
People Smuggling, assisting Asylum Seekers and organised crime
Lead in this Paddington Murder trial, gang violence, at Old Bailey
Attempt Murder and Possession of Firearms, Acquittal
Multi-handed conspiracy fraud in Tower Hamlets revenue
Junior in a Multimillion pound fraud across many years
Conspiracy Aggravated burglary and handling stolen goods
Conspiracy Drugs county lines
Conspiracy to supply with intent
£34 million fraud collapses at Snaresbrook Crown Court due to “catastrophic disclosure” failures by CPS
2022 Attempt Murder and Possession of Firearms, Acquittal
2023 Attempt Murder
2023 Attempt murder, representations leading to s18 OAPA being offered at court
2023 Junior in this Paddington Murder trial, gang violence, at Old Bailey
Challenging the UK age bar to overseas marriage.
Challenging that it is contrary to fair trial rights to allow the SSHD to adduce evidence on its own volition without challenge.
Challenging the SSHD that the rule on intention to live together and subsisting marriage should apply at the same time and not separately.
Challenging the MOJ’s inefficient and incompetent new interpreting services that denies access to justice and develop a case law guidance given the severe civil war in Bangladesh.
Year of Call - 2009
Richard appears on behalf of the Defence in a wide range of criminal matters in all courts.
He receives regular private and public instruction in cases of violence, sexual offences, drugs, theft, identity documents, public order, fraud, confiscation and driving offences.
Richard is known for and prides himself on his client care, ensuring they are fully informed and advised at all times. His court manner lends itself to being well received by Judges and juries alike. He is skilled at dealing with vulnerable witnesses and experienced in dealing with issues relating to mental health and proceeds of crime.
He accepts instructions on various private civil matters.
Before practice Richard worked in the criminal department of a busy High Street Solicitors firm. He garnered expansive experience of criminal litigation having conduct of cases from the Youth Court to Court of Appeal.
Richard is currently instructed on a multi-handed GBH and possession with intent to supply class A case.
Criminal Bar Association
Middle Temple
LLB Law (Hons) – Nottingham Trent University
Bar Vocational Course – Nottingham Law School
Inner London Crown Court – successful unanimous acquittal of three rape counts after a 5 day trial. Included threats to kill with knives and prolonged detention.
Croydon Crown Court – Two counts of sexual assault (acquittal) and two counts of sexual activity of a child under 16. Involved the cross-examination of a child witness.
Southwark Crown Court – ABH and common assault (acquittals) of security guards in KFC, Leicester Square. Successful submission of no case to answer and not guilty pleas entered.
Oxford Crown Court – Six benefit fraud (totalling over £100,000) and two identity document counts. Involved a mentally ill Defendant.
Kingston Crown Court (privately funded) – Threats to kill (acquittal) wife with a knife in the presence of their children.
Basildon Crown Court – Mortgage fraud of over £200,000. Persuaded the Prosecution to offer no evidence.
Woolwich Crown Court – Possession of an offensive weapon (acquittal) to scare children aged between 10 – 15. Involved the cross-examination of an 11 and 13 year old.
Central Criminal Court – Possession with intent to supply cannabis. Involved a strong application of the R v Twist rules relating to mobile telephone evidence.
Croydon County Court – Infant settlement hearing in relation to payment for injuries in a road traffic accident.
Westminster Magistrates Court – Cash forfeiture of over £50,000.
Westminster Magistrates Court – Article 8 right to a family life argument.
Legal 500, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 Ranked as a Leading Junior Tier 1 Chambers & Partners 2023 ranked as Leading Junior
Year of Call - 2010
Deputy District Judge, appointed 2022
CPS Grade 4
"Colin is a natural advocate. His charisma and flair can make even the most unlikely and difficult defence seem plausible. His commitment and passion to his client’s cause is obvious to all. The combination of these qualities as well as a commanding grasp of the law make him a formidable opponent. You want Colin on your side"
Legal 500 2023, Ranked as a Leading Junior Tier 1.
His written submissions are really persuasive and his speeches are brilliant. He uses the right level of humour when it's needed
Colin is the sort of lawyer you would want on board if you were faced with a novel point of law. He has a real passion for his subject and understands the law very well
Chambers & Partners 2023 - Ranked as Leading Junior
"Colin is extremely bright, with a very calm and engaging manner. He is a fearless court advocate. Clients know they are in safe hands with him"
Legal 500 2022, Ranked as a Leading Junior
"Colin Witcher is incredibly calm and well organised, safe and reassuring with clients, with a superb legal brain which gives great attention to the detail in the most complex of cases"
Legal 500 2021, Ranked as a Leading Junior
"Juries warm to him; he approaches the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses with care and skill."
Legal 500 2020, Ranked as a Leading Junior
“A very fine Advocate”, “an impressive knowledge of law and procedure”
Legal 500 2019, Ranked as a Leading Junior
The “extremely bright” and “standout junior” Colin Witcher has been ranked as Leading Junior by the Legal 500 since 2019 and is one of only 13 juniors in ranked in Tier One Crime, London 2024, where commentators praise his charisma, flair and natural advocacy.
Colin has cemented his position as Counsel of choice for instructing solicitors and King’s Counsel in complex and paper-heavy cases. He is routinely instructed in the most sensitive and high-profile criminal cases, often dealing with cases concerning complex legal and factual issues. Colin now practices predominantly in crime, but has previously acted in employment, tax, costs, and defamation matters. Colin has acted in several Court of Appeal cases of note including as Leading Junior Counsel in Yaryare [2020] EWCA Crim 1314 and Inns [2018] EWCA Crim 1081.
Colin is a recognised specialist in financial crime and corporate offending, including recently having acted as Leading Counsel in two lengthy fraud trials at Southwark Crown Court (on behalf of the first defendant in both cases) and recently prosecuting a fatality at work arising from health and safety failings. Alongside a busy court practice, Colin was recently retained by the Bank of England assisting in a complex investigation and prior to that spent three years assisting a Regulator with an EU competition procurement matter. He is as comfortable in the boardroom as he is in Court with clients appreciating his realistic, pragmatic, and user-friendly approach.
Current instructions
R v G and others: Led by Kate Bex KC in the prosecution of five defendants for conspiracy to rape (Trial fixed 2024)
R v D: Led by Lewis Power KC in point-blank revenge shooting on behalf of extradited defendant (Trial fixed 2023)
R v D: Led by Kate Bex KC in history rape case on behalf of the defence (Trial fixed 2023/2024)
R v D: Counsel alone defending banker in internal banking fraud (trial fixed 2024)
R v E: Counsel alone on behalf of defendant charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to posses firearms with intent to endanger life (Trial fixed 2024)
Recently concluded instructions of note:
R v D: Leading Counsel (Leading Fiona McAddy of 2 Bedford Row) on behalf of the first defendant in an investment banking fraud over a six week trial (2023)
R v D: Led Junior for a defendant facing indictment arising from twenty separate complainants of sexual abuse over a seven week trial (2023)
R v F: Led by Maria Kariaskos KC in manslaughter trial requiring consideration of complex neuropathology evidence (2023)
BBC v X: Led by Lewis Power KC in defamation case arising from the Bashir/Princess of Wales interview (2022)
R v E: Leading Counsel (Leading Michael Polak of Chambers) on behalf of the first defendant in a large-scale sporting event fraud over a six week trial (2022)
R v T: Led by Kate Bex KC in unusual and sensitive historic sex case concerning deception as to anatomical sex (2022)
R v L: Sole Counsel on behalf of defendant who faced allegation of kidnap with intent to commit rape (2022)
R v D: Sole Counsel successfully defending in historic sexual abuse case (2021)
R v W: Led by Alisdair Williamson KC in high profile perverting the course of justice concerning a missing body murder trial (2021)
R v H: Led by Alisdair Williamson KC in high profile manslaughter case in which 39 people died (2020)
Extradition: Old Dogs, New Tricks (published by IFO) Colin co-wrote this article on extradition law with Kerim Fuad QC offering commentary on the separation of powers in the light of recent high-profile cases.
Disabled Children, a legal handbook (published by LAG) Colin was a researcher for this leading textbook on child disability law, focusing on researching and drafting content in respect of Statements of Special Educational Needs.
An Innocent Man’s Parole (Published by Converse) Article co-written with Charles Archer of J4E ltd offering advice for prisoners seeking parole whilst maintaining their innocence
The Value of Legal Learning (Law Conference 2014)
TUPE, an update (Chambers’ Lecture Series)
Contempt of Court (Chambers’ Lecture Series)
Forensic Science (Chambers’ Lecture Series)
Confiscation in drug conspiracies (Chambers’ Lecture Series)
Comparative Trial Advocacy (Stetson Law School, USA abroad programme)
Effective Technology in case presentation (Delaware, USA)
Deputy District Judge, Appointed 2022
Member of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA)
Inns of Court: Pegasus Scholar 2014
Grade Four Crown Prosecution Panel Member
SFO: LPP Disclosure Counsel
Nottingham Law School, LLB (top 2.5 % in cohort)
BPP Law School, BVC (top 2.5% in cohort)
Nottingham Law School: European Funding Award
Middle Temple: Jules Thorn Scholarship
Middle Temple: Certificate of Honour for performance in Bar Finals
Appeal against conviction; judicial conduct in VAT fraud.
Appeal against conviction; cross territorial jurisdictional of document fraud offences.
Appeal against sentence in respect of manifestly excessive sentence; drugs.
Appeal against conviction in cold case review; murder, fresh evidence.
Appeal against sentence in respect of error of law and manifestly excessive sentence.
CCRC Appeal in respect of cold case review; bank robbery, fresh evidence.
Led Junior in five day final hearing; confiscation sought for £152million; awarded £500,000.
Privately retained on behalf of company directors in patent/trade mark offences.
Privately retained on behalf of multimillionaire property developer; confiscation sought for £1million; awarded £190,000.
Privately retained; successfully opposed an application by the Crown under section 22 to increase available amount.
Successfully made section 23 application.
Application for Certificate of Inadequacy.
Leading Estelle Thornber of Chambers in paper heavy case (150,000 pages) where 11 defendants faced an indictment alleging violent disorder in the context of an attempted murder.
Led Junior in four week murder trial.
Led Junior in multi-million pound conspiracy to supply Class A and B Drug, value in excess of £5million.
Led Junior in two month conspiracy to supply / import class A Drugs trial, value in excess of £7million.
Led Junior in a five week conspiracy to murder trial.
Led Junior in £1m fraud against the Government (deaf defendants).
Led Junior in a seven week multi-million pound money laundering trial.
Led Junior in £1.5m fraud against HMRC.
Led Junior in three week attempted murder trial.
Gang rape by young males of drunk complainant.
Multi-Count familiar rape (24 alleged occasions of rape); cross-examination of young complainant.
Violent rape in the context of domestic violence.
Knife point repeated rape of prostitute.
Assault allegation jointly charged with codefendant facing attempted murder; cross examination on premises of fabrication and “stitch up”.
Successfully defended in Section 18 and Threats to Kill matter.
Successfully acted at trial on behalf of a defendant (a victim of domestic violence) who stabbed her husband four times in self-defence.
Secured not guilty verdict for lifer charged with aggravated burglary.
Defence of company accountant; three separate trials resulting in acquittal.
Six week 17 handed conspiracy to rob trial (69 separate high value robberies). Secured one of two only acquittals.
Led by QC in high-profile and unusual fraudulent trading case.
Led by QC in cheating public revenue matter.
Together with QC advising on an international injunction case for LA based clients.
Retained privately by the European subsidary of an international finance company (with $2.5billion holdings) to advise on insider trading (both FSMA and CJA).
Retained as LPP Counsel by SFO in respect of international bribery case.
Retained as LPP Counsel by HMRC in respect of £400m tax fraud.
Defence Counsel on behalf of an accountant charged with fraudulent trading.
Instructed defence Counsel in 12 handed trading standards trial, prosecuted by Queen’s Counsel.
Privately retained in a five day fraud trial concerning misrepresentation to induce and retain building contracts.
Privately retained on the behalf of a company director of a large-scale importers and distributors in respect of trade description offence arising from EU patent breaches.
Junior Alone in a £3million Freezing Injunction arising out of a breach of fiduciary duty.
Successfully secured not guilty verdicts in a health safety prosecution in respect of contractors working at height.
Led by Damien Brown QC in a high-value Employment/Commercial Dispute involving high profile clients and media coverage.
Successfully acted at trial in respect of defending liability for valuable cargo which was damaged during transportation.
Led by Kerim Fuad QC in advising a leading commercial firm in respect of private prosecutions and injunctions due to conduct by former employee.
Legal 500 2023, Ranked as a Leading Junior
Year of Call - 2012
'Michael is an incredibly dedicated barrister. He works tirelessly to advance clients' interests both in court and other arenas, including the media, raising public pressure on authorities to overturn miscarriages of justice and reopen cases.'
Legal 500, 2023 - ranked as leading junior
Michael Polak represents clients in the most high profile and important cases before international courts, United Nations bodies, in human rights related arbitrations, in proceedings around the world, and before the courts of England and Wales.
Michael’s work covers public international law, international crime, human rights, fraud, private prosecutions, strategic litigation, and serious criminal offences. Michael’s work often has an international element, and he was awarded the prestigious International Bar Association’s Outstanding Young Lawyer in 2021. This award is given to one young lawyer every year in recognition of their ‘excellence in their work and achievements in their career to date, but also a commitment to professional and ethical standards as well as a commitment to the larger community.’ Michael was recognised as the most outstanding young lawyer in the world for his ‘commitment to defending human rights across the globe through his professional practice and personal endeavours’. Michael was described as ‘relentless in the pursuit of justice’ and IBA President Sternford Moyo stated the following:
‘As the global voice of the legal profession, the IBA recognises the importance of celebrating lawyers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Mr Polak is undoubtedly one such lawyer. In a relatively short period, he has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to humanitarian causes and an unrivalled determination to make a positive impact on the legal world. It is my sincere hope that Mr Polak’s work serves as inspiration to other young lawyers and encourages them to fight against injustice, wherever they see it.
Examples of Michael’s recent work includes:
The bringing of a case against Chinese regime leaders for genocide and crimes against humanity before the Courts of Argentina;
spearheading the defence of the teenager in the Cyprus Rape trial and her successful appeal in the Supreme Court of Cyprus, a case which is currently before the European Court of Human Rights in relations to an allegation that the Republic of Cyprus has failed in their duty to properly investigate the rape allegation’
The representation of David Hunter a pensioner accused of killing his wife who had terminal cancer in a mercy killing; and
Acting as leading Counsel in the largest ever prosecution for unlawful eviction and violent actions carried out against tenants over an 11-year period, a case in which Senior Counsel represented the two main defendants.
Michael has used both his knowledge of domestic criminal law and international law to push for justice for Mehul Choksi in relation to his kidnapping and illegal rendition from Antigua and Barbuda to the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Michael is also the Director of Justice Abroad. In this role he represented the family of George Lowe who was murdered in Ayia Napa in their pursuit of justice, a number of Uyghur clients who have been arbitrarily detained in the Uyghur Region, Chau Van Kham a Vietnamese-Australian democracy activist, who has been found by the United Nations to be being arbitrarily detained in Vietnam and the family of Dean Wright who was found dead on a luggage trolley inside a Cancun resort in suspicious circumstances.
International
As well as the matters listed above Michael has experience managing client’s cases in places as diverse as Belarus, Myanmar, Cyprus, Australia, Spain, Mexico, the USA, China, Greece, the Middle East, and India. Michael’s international work has included:
Submitting communications to the United Nations’ Special Procedures,b the Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and appearing before these groups on behalf of clients in China and Bangladesh including Australian Uyghur Mehray Mezensof whose husband is detained by the Chinese regime and for Barrister Ahmad Bin Quasem, who was unlawful seized by law enforcement in Bangladesh in 2016 and is still subject to arbitrary detention;
Assisting the Uyghur community with a number of different legal areas, including a challenge to the Government’s Huawei 5G plans, and speaking at the World Uyghur Congress’ Conference in Washington in 2019;
Drafting successful representations to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files to remove Red Notices. Michael is also the author of leading legal publisher Westlaw’s Insight article on INTERPOL Notices explaining the notices and the possibilities as to how they can be removed;
Assisting clients as a member of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Pro Bono Panel set up to promote and protect the human rights of British nationals detained overseas including a British National who was released halfway through a lengthy sentence in Myanmar after Michael’s intervention and a British national who was on trial in Belarus;
Assisting on research for an appeal at the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia;
Working on the Mau Mau litigation in regards to the situation in Colonial Kenya;
On placements with the Public Defender in Jamaica, the Black Sash in South Africa, and at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal in Cambodia; and
Working on a number of Hague Convention and other international child abductions cases involving Italy, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom.
Serious Criminal Defence
Michael is regularly instructed to defend in the most serious criminal matters including as junior Counsel in murder cases, leading Counsel in a number of areas, and acting alone in serious fraud, violence, and drugs cases.
Michael is a leading junior ranked by Legal 500 who applies a forensic approach to preparation and legal arguments but is also able to relate well to juries and explain his client’s case persuasively in closing speeches.
Michael has acted in trials involving the full range of criminal offences including:
Sports Hospitality Fraud
Being led in a high profile sports hospitality fraud by Colin Witcher, where the Church Court team represented the first defendant over the course of a five-week trial at Southwark Crown Court in January and February 2022. The defendant was alleged to have been the lead defendant and party to the global conspiracy in which fake hospitality packages for high profile rugby matches were fraudulently sold to businesses. However, the Jury rejected that argument, and the defendant was convicted of involvement in only one strand of the fraud. The same made a demonstrable difference at sentencing today both in respect to harm and culpability.
The case was covered in the press:
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nine-guilty-over-international-rugby-tickets-fraud-2022-04-07/
https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2022-04-08/gang-behind-twickenham-international-rugby-ticket-scam-netted-18m
https://www.bedfordshirelive.co.uk/news/bedfordshire-news/dunstable-man-amongst-nine-fraudsters-6923186
https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/crime/dunstable-man-who-scammed-people-out-of-more-than-ps18m-for-fake-rugby-tickets-is-convicted-3645293
8 Handed 75 Tonne Tobacco Fraud
Michael represented the first defendant of eight as junior Counsel, alleged to be the mastermind of a conspiracy to evade excise duty payable on the manufacture of hand rolling tobacco from raw tobacco in regards to consignments imported by air with a gross weight of 75 tonnes.
It is alleged that the defendants created an “immensely complex” set of records and numerous shell companies to hide their real purpose – to import raw tobacco and then treat it so it could be sold for use by smoking. Michael’s client was alleged by the prosecution to be the ringleader of the scheme. At the first trial, all other defendants were found guilty and a retrial for Michael’s client was ordered. When the case came back for retrial Michael’s client was acquitted against the odds.
Murder and GBH Trial
Michael, led by Lewis Power KC, represented one Romanian man who along with his brother, was alleged to have attacked and killed another Romanian man and to have seriously injured the deceased’s brother.
Lengthy Courier Fraud Trial
Michael Polak successfully represented a Defendant in a lengthy trial St Albans Crown Court who was alleged to be involved in a 8 handed courier fraud conspiracy involving the defrauding of a number of individuals of over £350 000 by the participants.
The trial included a large amount of telephone cell-site evidence and the cross-examination of an expert in this area. The defendant Michael Polak was representing was one of only two Defendants out of eight who were found not guilty after trial.
Large Scale Drug Importation Trial at Canterbury Crown Court
Michael Polak secured a unanimous acquittal for his client at Canterbury Crown Court. Michael Polak’s client, an Italian national, was stopped when entering the United Kingdom at Dover Port and the van he was driving was found to be carrying 134 kg of high-purity cocaine. At one of the first COVID trials at Canterbury Crown Court the jury were unable to reach a verdict and the case was set for a retrial. The retrial resulted in Michael’s client being found not guilty by the jury.
Successful Firearms Defence
Michael successfully defended a youth who was accused of possessing an unlawful firearm even though the gun was found in a box within the youth’s bedroom.
Successful Defence in Woolwich Crown Court Rape Trial
Michael Polak successfully defended a foreign national in a week-long rape trial at Woolwich Crown Court.
Leading in Multi-Handed Lengthy Robbery Trial
Michael acted as leading Counsel representing a defendant in this 9 handed lengthy youth robbery at St Albans Crown Court. The case involved three knife point robberies committed by a gang of 9 young men against other youths in the local area. This case involved a large volume of telephone and CCTV evidence and careful management of young a vulnerable defendants and witnesses. Michael led a junior barrister in this trial and held his own amongst significantly more senior barristers.
Kidnapping Trial
Michael Polak successfully defended a client alleged to have been involved in the assault and the kidnapping of a youth. After a 5-day trial at Northampton Crown Court the jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts.
Secondment to the FCA
Michael has also been on secondment to the Financial Conduct Authority where he worked on a matter concerning alleged breaches of the listing rules by a major financial institution expanded his fraud knowledge and experience.
Private Prosecutions
Michael has conducted a number of successful private prosecutions from inception for a variety of offences as well as acting as leading Counsel for Thanet Council prosecuting the largest ever unlawful eviction case.
Michael is currently advising on three high profile private prosecutions concerning allegations of torture, coercive and controlling behaviour, and fraud.
Appellate Work
Michael is regularly instructed to advise on appeals of both convictions and sentences to the Court of Appeal and is currently has a number of application before the European Court of Human Rights.
International Crime
Michael has the experience needed to advise on international criminal cases given his Master’s Degree in Public International Law which included international criminal law, his research for an appeal before the Mechanism UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunal, his attendance at a training course at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and his work as an intern with the Defence Support Section of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal.
Michael can advise individuals who may find themselves subject to the jurisdiction of an international court or tribunal as well as organisations who may be considering submitting a communication to the Prosecutor of the ICC for the opening of a potential investigation.
Michael specialises in finding avenues for accountability and justice for the victims of international crimes both in domestic courts around the world through universal jurisdiction provisions and before international courts and other bodies.
Human Rights and Inquiries
As well as the international matters listed above which involve human rights arguments Michael is often instructed in domestic human rights public law and civil cases. This has included judicial reviews involving the provision of Kosher food to Jewish Prisoners, actions for assault on prisoners by prison guards or other inmates, public law challenges to unfair prison adjudications, and the defence of an artist’s freedom of expression,
Another human rights area in which Michael practices is extradition law and cross-border criminal investigations. In extradition, Michael has appeared in multiple applications for the Respondent raising arguments based on the Human Rights Act, procedural bars, and conviction in absence grounds. Michael has also successfully acted for a Pakistani national who was apprehended in Eastern Europe on a Red Notice issued at the request of a Middle Eastern state.
Further to this, Michael is also the author of leading legal publisher Westlaw’s Insight article on INTERPOL Notices explaining the notices and the possibilities as to how they can be removed.
Michael also has experience of inquiries have worked as a paralegal for the Secretariat to the Alexander Litvinenko Inquest before commencing pupillage and having also spent time on the West Kingston Commission of Enquiry (the Tivoli Enquiry) in Jamaica which examined the circumstances surrounding an incursion by the Jamaican security forces into an inner city community which resulted in the death of over 70 people.
Michael is the elected Chair of the Young Bar of England and Wales, past President of Middle Temple Young Barrister’s Association, and past Chair of the HRLA’s Young Lawyers Committee where he started the annual judicial review competition and journal, the Young Human Rights Lawyer.
Michael is also an elected member of the South-Eastern Circuit and the Bar Council.
Michael has been a visiting Lecturer at Birmingham University Medical School where he taught subjects such as the law of abortion, patient choice, and euthanasia. Michael has also provided a guest lecture on criminal law at Birkbeck College, University of London.
Michael has been awarded the following awards and scholarships:
• IBA Outstanding Lawyer Award 2021
• Middle Temple Harmsworth Scholar (Major Scholarship);
• Middle Temple International Internship Award;
• South Eastern Circuit scholarship to attend the Gerald T. Bennett Prosecutor and Public Defender Trial Training Program at the University of Florida College of Law;
• London School of Economics and Political Science Anniversary Scholarship
Michael undertake a range of voluntarily work including with youth charity the Renaissance Foundation and during the Coronavirus crisis Michael set up and ran Fuel Our Frontline which delivered over 14 tonnes of groceries to frontline NHS staff members at over 30 British hospitals.
Polak, M.J. The Jadhav case and the right to consular assistance: ‘confessions’, spies, and remedies in international law. Indian Journal of International Law 57, 385–409 (2017).
Interpretation of Legislation under the Human Rights Act, November 2016
Westlaw Insight article on INTERPOL Notices, November 2015
Domestic Workers’ Rights Booklet, You and Your Rights, the Black Sash, South Africa, 2010
Constitutional Rights of Children Booklet, You and Your Rights, the Black Sash, South Africa, 2010
Sierra Leone: Blanket Ban on Political Rallies and Public Meetings Illegal, Article 19, 2010
Net Neutrality: Stronger Rules Needed in US and EU, Article 19, 2011
The Exclusion of Evidence in Criminal Law, Brunel University, January 2017
Visiting Lecturer at Birmingham University Medical School teaching subjects such as the law of abortion, patient choice, and euthanasia, 2015-current
Member, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Pro Bono Panel
Executive Committee, Human Rights Lawyers Association
Executive Committee South-Eastern Circuit
Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Criminal Bar Association
Young Fraud Lawyers Association
Panel Member, Bar Pro Bono Unit
Member, Law Society International Action Team
European Criminal Bar Association
Amnesty International
Extradition Lawyers Association
Anglo-Australasian Lawyers Society
Past President of Middle Temple Young Barristers’ Association
2015-2017 Master of Law (LLM) (Public International Law) London School of Economics and Political Science Merit (Distinction in Law of War, UK Human Rights, and Dissertation published by Indian Journal of International Law https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40901-018-0077-8)
2014-2015 Peacekeeping & International Conflict Resolution, Peace Operations Training Institute.
2011-2012 Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), Kaplan College, London. Very Competent.
2007-2010 Bachelor of Law, City University London, Upper 2nd Class Honours, 66.7%, Ranked 5/120 (top 4%) 1st Class in International Human Rights Law, European Law, and Public International Law
Michael secured a unanimous s18 GBH, Wounding, and Assault Trial acquittal after a 4 days trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Michael successfully represented the defendant who was found not guilty in a case of Sexual Touching of Someone under the Age of 13. This case involved pre-recorded evidence and the cross-examination of the 10 y.o complainant.
Michael represented an Italian national who was facing 5 counts of sexual assault. Michael obtained the taped interview of the defendant which showed that the transcript was incorrect in that the defendant had not be properly cautioned before the interview commenced despite the transcript stating that he had. Michael successfully argued that the interview could not be relied upon ending the prosecution’s case against the defendant.
Michael made successful submissions to the Court of Appeal in regards to the length of the sentence and application of an extended sentence for the appellant who had been convicted of a serious armed robbery and burglary. After hearing Michael’s submission the Court shortened the length of sentence.
Michael appeared in a multi-handed 2 day sentencing hearing in regards to ‘sham’ marriages which were conducted in two locations on the same day. His defendant was one of a very small number of defendants not to receive an immediate custodial sentence.
Michael is currently instructed to privately prosecute an ABH matter which occurred when a taxi driver struck another taxi driver in a dispute over a carparking space causing permanent damage to his vision. Michael undertook all work on this case from its inception including the drafting of the information that was laid before the court, written submissions to the court as to why a summons should be granted, a successful application for a witness summons requiring the Detective Constable to produce all documents that the police have in regards to this incident, and appearing at all hearings in this matter. Michael is particularly keen on using the Public Prosecution procedure to prosecute Police misconduct and other cases where the authorities fail to live up to their duties.
Michael represented an Islamic Community Centre for failure to comply with an enforcement notice restricting the hours of operation of the centre. After lengthy mitigation submissions the defendant was fined only £100 per offence, an unusually low fine.
Michael drafted a number of written representation on behalf of a small business which had been investigated by the Fire Service for a number of breaches of fire safety laws. After Michael’s representation’s the Fire Service agreed to work with the company to remedy the breaches rather than to pursue enforcement actions and prosecute as they had said they would.
Michael successfully represented the mother of an Italian/Russian girl who was the respondent in a Hague Convention child abduction matter. The matter was concluded in the mother’s favour.
Michael was instructed by the Treasury Solicitor’s Department on large scale, ongoing litigation into the alleged abuses by the Colonial Government in Kenya against the Mau Mau as part of the BB scheme.
Treasury Solicitor’s Department
Michael is currently instructed in a civil Human Rights Act claim against the Ministry of Justice in regards to a Jewish prisoner who alleges that the prison where he was detained failed to follow the policy correctly in not giving him two kosher meals daily.
Michael is currently instructed in a civil claim by a prisoner who contracted HIV after being bitten by a fellow prisoner who subsequently died from AIDS.
Year of Call - 2013
Ciara is a committed defence barrister who is regarded as a first class advocate with over 12 years experience in the Criminal and Appellate courts. Ciara has an enormous capacity for complex criminal cases and has the ability to assimilate large quantities of evidence. Ciara is highly regarded for her meticulous preparation of cases, her impressive court room manner and her ability to form an instant rapport with clients. Ciara is regularly instructed in cases involving allegations of murder, large scale complex frauds, sexual offences and serious and organised crime.
Current Instruction
R v I: Multi – handed murder and attempted murder.
R v X: Multi – handed case involving the supply of several kilos of class A drugs.
R v H: Defendant charged with supplying 11 kilos of class B drugs.
R v L: Defendant charged with possession with intent to supply (6 kilos of cocaine and 11 kilos of cannabis)
R v W: Instructed to represent the Defendant in respect of allegations of rape and violent assault.
Regular appearances before the parole boards for lifer prisoners.
HDC applications, ROTL and re-categoristaion applications for serving prisoners.
Representation of prisoners at adjudication hearings for offences committed in prison.
The Honorable Society of Middle Temple
Member of the Fraud Lawyers Association
Higher Rights of Audience (All Proceedings)
The Criminal Bar Association
The South Eastern Circuit
University of North London- LL.B Hons Law
Inns of Court School of Law- Legal Practice Course
Higher Rights of Audience (all proceedings)
Fully duty accredited (courts and police stations)
Represented 1st Defendant of 13 as Leading Counsel in £20 million fraud involving Transport For London (TFL). The Defendant, together with others ran a highly sophisticated operation, fraudulently producing counterfeit rail cards on a massive scale. The Defendant was head of the distribution and manufacturing chain and was at the pinnacle of the operation. This case involved vast quantities of electronic telephone evidence.
Represented 1st Defendant in multi- handed large scale banking fraud which took place across England & Wales involving involving the use of cards which were adapted with false chips and magnetic strips encoded with legitimate bank card numbers to make large cash withdrawals. This case involved the manipulation of the cash withdrawal system resulting in huge financial losses to Barclay's Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland.
Represented Defendant following NCA investigation into the large scale import, export and distribution of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). Over 600 kilos of AAS was seized from Heathrow Airport which led to the investigation and arrest of the Defendants who were an organised crime group which was the most prolific of its kind ever uncovered in the world and likely to be the biggest global players in the AAS market. This case involved complex legal arguments surrounding breaches of the relevant PACE provisions and hundreds of hours of surveillance evidence.
Perverting the Course of Justice- Represented two defendants in separate trials in an operation involving a total of thirty Defendants. This case revolved around the activities of a former employee of EMS Limited, a Ministry of Justice appointed electronic monitoring company. It was alleged that EMS employees arrange wholly outside of the proper scope of their dues and /or any legitimate authority, to use genuine issued equipment to tamper with electronic monitoring equipment. It was alleged that the equipment was tampered with in an effort to evade the practical restrictions which electronic monitoring necessarily involves. This case involved a vast quantity of raw scientific data and lengthy cross examination of the Crown's scientific experts.
Complex banking fraud involving transferred funds amounting to several million pounds. Bogus shelf companies were created with the intention of defrauding major banks of significant sums of money.
Appeal against conviction and sentence in a baby shaking murder case. Instructed post conviction to advise on the merits of an appeal and draft fresh grounds of appeal (Pro-Bono). This case involved expert medical evidence on the correlation between spinal injury and the respiratory system.
Represented Defendant charged with murder which was committed in custody. This case involved complex issues regarding diminished responsibility.
Represented Defendant in stranger rape case in which the Complainant was drugged, physically assaulted and violently raped over an extended period at the Defendants address.
Represented Defendant charged with the rape of a female on the premises of a Bar/Nightclub.
Represented Defendant charged with large scale, multi-kilo supply of class A & B drugs involving. Case involved surveillance evidence and a large quantity of telephone raw data.
Year of Call - 2014
Caroline has a busy and developing Criminal practice. Caroline is instructed across a range of criminal matters including serious violence, dishonesty, drugs, possession of weapons, fraud and sexual offences. Caroline also has experience of quasi-criminal matters including sexual harm prevention orders and cash forfeiture matters.
Caroline prides herself on her client care and empathetic, but realistic approach with clients, easily creating a rapport with lay clients. This is coupled with Caroline’s practical, pragmatic advice and a fierce tenacity in the court room.
Caroline has been instructed in recent years in two large scale fraud operations as disclosure counsel for both the SFO and the FCA, developing her skills and specialism in the financial and corporate crime sector. These instructions are developing Caroline’s knowledge and expertise in this area which stems from her work prior to tenancy as a paralegal for Hickman and Rose in their financial crime and regulatory departments, assisting in various high-profile cases most notably the acquittal of the Tesco UK directors for Fraud and False accounting and the LIBOR rate scandal.
The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn International Criminal Court (ICC) Internship Scholarship (6 month placement), The Hague, 2017
The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn Continuing Education Fund, Amicus Internship, Jackson, Mississippi, 2016
The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn Bursary – European Court of Human Rights Visit, Strasbourg, July 2015
The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn Bursary – International Criminal Court (ICC), June 2015
The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
Criminal Bar Association
Amicus
Young Fraud Lawyers Association
University of Exeter, LLB
BPP Law School, BPTC
Year of Call - 2016
Amy has shown herself to be an able, versatile and dedicated advocate whose client care is widely recognised. Throughout her time in Chambers, Amy’s hard work, understanding of the law and measured approach has earnt her numerous plaudits from clients and solicitors.
Prior to commencing pupillage, Amy worked as a Parliamentary Researcher and as a county court advocate.
During law school, Amy strengthened her experience in a variety of areas including employment law as a FRU representative and volunteering as Housing Law advisor. She also volunteered for Street Law and the Citizens Advice Bureau. This has provided her with a wealth of knowledge, particularly when dealing with vulnerable clients.
Amy is Direct Access qualified and accepts instructions directly from the public and business alike.
• Lord Diplock Scholar - The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple (2014 – 2015)
• Blackstone Entrance Exhibition Award - The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple (2014 – 2015)
• Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR) Scholar – (2015)
• Graduate Diploma in Law - City Law School, University of London (2013 – 2015)
• Bursary Award for Advocacy - Criminal Bar Association (November 2020)
• Criminal Bar Association
• Young Fraud Lawyers Association
• The Honourable Society of Middle Temple
• Completed the ICCA Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training Programme
• Completed the Youth Court Advocacy Training Programme
• Case Presenter for the Nursing and Midwifery Council
• CPS - External Advocates Panel (Grade I)
• Government Legal Department 'Junior Junior' Scheme .
• FA Independent Discipline Panel Member.
4-day Substantive Hearing, representing the NMC in a case where a nurse was found to be on duty whilst under the influence of drugs. The nurse was found to be impaired by reasons of health and conditions of practice were imposed.
NMC
7-day Substantive Hearing, representing the NMC in a fitness to practise hearing. The registered nurse failed to sufficiently identify risks during an assessment for patient that later died. Conditions of practice were imposed.
NMC
Representing the NMC in an 8-day Substantive Hearing concerning a registered nurse stealing medications from Hospitals and Patients. The nurse’s fitness to practise was found to be impaired and the nurse was stuck off from the Register.
NMC
3-day Interim Order Hearing concerning a registered nurse facing multiple allegations of historic and recent sexual abuse. The Panel imposed an interim suspension order.
Year of Call - 2018
Jibreel has a broad mixed common law practice. He has earned a reputation as a strong, robust and thorough advocate – often providing solutions to complex cases. His approach to all cases is to be pro-active and communicate with others in an open and transparent manner so as to provide the best solution to any given case. His advocacy is robust and he adapts to various situations in an effective and determinative manner. He was called to the Bar in October 2018 and he gained relevant experience at a firm of Solicitors. He has also undertaken Human Rights work with a Non-Governmental Organisation on various human rights situations across the world (including Yemen, Kashmir, Alaska, Palestine). He has attended sessions within the United Nations (Palais Des Nations, Geneva) and the European Parliament. He has also assisted in organising round tables and side events in which official members of the UN and EP would regularly attend. As mentioned above, he is also a qualified football coach and is passionate about football.
Jibreel has appeared in all civil claims from the small track to the multi track. His approach to these kind of cases is to always uncover the best possible solution for his clients in the circumstances.
Jibreel’s expertise in the Family area begins with private child law – often building a strong rapport with his clients so that they feel comfortable and feel the compassion that he offers. His approach is always to resolve the issues between parties in a pragmatic manner. Alongside this, he has dealt with a wide ranging financial issues between separated parties. He adopts a similar approach to child law but his experience allows him to robustly, calmly and swiftly resolve issues outstanding between parties.
Jibreel has drafted and appeared at a level challenging the point of law in respect of administration so as to ensure a fair, just and streamlined execution of administrative law. He regularly drafts grounds for judicial review on points of challenge which is aimed at deciphering and solving issues which are of great public importance.
Jibreel has appeared at the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal dealing with complex public and human rights matters. He regularly advocates on the engagement of Article 8 ECHR. He often appears on matters of immigration and has expertly dealt with all relevant matters on Immigration to which he has provided effective and successful outcomes.
Jibreel has built a robust understanding in matters relating to sports, particularly football and accepts instructions on this area in respect of: contracts, agency contracts, advice on sports law and the like. He is a qualified Football coach (Level 2) as has been coaching since he was 18. He is currently a Football Coach at St Lawrence School of Football and Juventus Academy London. He is also the legal director at Ultimate Sports Group (USG)
BPTC – BPP Law School (Holborn)
LLB – Brunel University London
British Association for Sport and Law
Pro Bono Legal Advice Panel Member of Sport Resolutions
Law Tutor at BPP
Member of LawInSport
Acted for Defendant in an inheritance case for the will of the deceased worth £395,000. Successfully argued that the Claimant had no ‘reasonable financial provision’
In a Judgement handed down on 7th January 2022 at the Central London County Court by Her Honour Judge Baucher, Jibreel secured Judgment for the Defendant.
In a case concerning a friendly 11 a side game at Middlesex Stadium in 2016, the Defendant accidentally injured the Claimant (resulting in an unfortunate leg break) with a sliding challenge in an attempt to prevent the Claimant scoring a goal.
Amongst other submissions, Jibreel maintained that the tackle was committed late but nothing more than an error of judgment and relied upon case law reinforcing that position. Jibreel further emphasised that the timing of the challenge was crucial in determining the Defendant’s error of judgment.
Her Honour Judge Baucher concluded that [at 74]:
“I am satisfied that this was a late tackle but late in the context of a fast moving football match. I am not persuaded that in acting as he did that the Defendant was reckless or negligent. It was an unfortunate error of judgment and no more.”
http://churchcourtchambers.co.uk/jibreel-tramboo-secures-judgment-for-defendant-in-football-personal-injury-case-claimed-up-to-150000/
Jibreel was instructed by Naresh Kapoor of Kingsfields Solicitors.
Naresh Kapoor
Appeal allowed under after successful argument under EEA Regulations 2016 8(2)(b)(ii) on the word “joined” at the First-tier Tribunal
Permission to Amend granted and relied on the case of Balijigari v SSHD at the Upper Tribunal
http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKAITUR/2019/HU004902019.html
http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKAITUR/2020/PA080592019.html
Successful appeal allowed at FtT on family route pursuant to the Immigration Rules under Appendix Fm
Acted for the Employer against the Claimants’ claim for constructive unfair dismissal claim and age discrimination. The Claimant’s claim was dismissed. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60f97f37d3bf7f044c515918/Mrs_A_Dopson_v_Stag_Publications_-_3352829-2017_-_Reserved_judgment_and_reasons_-_signed_on_6-7-21.pdf (also reported at various news outlets)
Successful claim for Claimant in a redundancy matter involving matters relating to TUPE claims (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62568793d3bf7f600c14ebc5/Mr_V_Stroud_and_Otrs_v_Arriva_London_North_Limited_and_Otrs_3335108_2018_and_Otrs_Judgment.pdf)
Year of Call - 2019
Angela has worked in corporate banks and aviation for over 14 years, negotiating highly complex contracts. She was called to the bar of England and Wales in 2019 and specialises in complex Immigration matters. This includes appeals against refusal, challenging existing case law and third country asylum cases. Bail applications to Judicial review.
Often her clients have criminal matters that also need to be dealt with, while their immigration matter is pending, and she has simultaneously managed such cases in the Crown Court. She has conducted defence for assault, possession of drugs, proceeds of crime, deportation matter and drink driving offences.
Angela has experience in representing individuals or their spouses/ partners in complex divorce and financial disputes often involving complex justification issues, and separation and cohabitation disputes and private children proceedings.
She recognises that every client’s circumstances are unique and she is dedicated to providing tailored solutions designed to meet her client’s needs. Angela works directly with the clients, drawing on experience, and research to prepare the high-quality application and present my client before immigration courts. She is dedicated to providing expert legal advice and representations.
• Brunel University/ Buckinghamshire Chiltern BA(Hons) Business and Marketing
• University of Huddersfield Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Bar Vocational Course from BPP
• Member of Grays Inn
• Accredited with the OISC
Year of Call - 2022
Year of Call - 2021
Llewellyn practices within Chambers’ Crime, Regulatory and Private Prosecution Teams. Llewellyn practices predominantly in the Crown Court, however he is available to receive instructions to represent or advise on both pre-charge and post-charge issues, as well as appeals from the Magistrates and Crown Courts.
He is available to advise or represent on a range of issues including Driving Matters, General Crime, Private Prosecutions, Criminal Housing offences such as Unlawful Eviction, Environmental Protection Act prosecutions and HMO offences, and POCA proceedings. Furthermore, he appears in the Youth Court to defend young clients for serious offences, including Serious Violence, Robbery, Drugs Offences and Offensive Weapons.
Alongside his criminal practice, Llewellyn has experience being instructed in Taxi Licencing Appeals and Civil Confiscation.
Llewellyn is also developing a thriving private prosecution practice. He is regularly instructed by local authorities on matters concerning the Housing Act, Environmental Protection Act and the Protection from Eviction Act. Llewellyn is currently working with other members of Chambers in designing a training programme for local authorities on bringing private prosecutions in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts.
Current Instructions Include:
R v W: Sole Counsel for the second defendant in a multi-handed robbery trial involving a child complainant
R v M: Sole Counsel for the first defendant in an assault with intent to rob trial involving a child complainant
R v C: Sole Counsel in a s.18 GBH trial involving an acid attack
R v E: Sole Counsel for the first defendant in an aggravated burglary trial involving an allegation of attempted GBH on a child in a care home
R v H: Led by Lewis Power KC in a matter before the Court of Appeal
R v B: Sole Counsel for the second defendant in a large-scale conspiracy to commit theft
Recently Concluded Instructions of Note:
R v K: Sole Counsel for the defendant, acquitted of charges of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs (2023)
R v S: Sole Counsel for the Defendant, acquitted of charges of sexual assault (2023)
NAJ v LBE: Prosecution Counsel for a private prosecution of a landlord, prosecuted by their tenant for offences under the Environmental Protection Act (2023)
M v JC: Junior Counsel to Colin Witcher in successful High Court private prosecution challenge (2023)
R v C: Sole Counsel for the Defendant, acquitted of charges of money laundering (2023)
MVB v JC: Sole Counsel in a successful defence of a landlord, privately prosecuted by their tenant for offences under the Environmental Protection Act (2023)
R v D: Junior Counsel for the third defendant, acquitted on charges of being involved in an EncroChat conspiracy to supply cocaine (2023)
R v M: Counsel defending a youth charged with a stabbing of another youth outside their college (2023)
R v H: Junior Counsel to Lewis Power KC in a 2-month multi-kilo county lines drug conspiracy trial (2023)
JC v O: Disclosure Counsel for the prosecutor in a private prosecution for a allegation of fraud and forgery
TDC v T & Ors: Junior Counsel to Michael Polak on a 4-week unlawful eviction trial involving four defendants, believed to have been the largest trial of its kind in England and Wales (2022)
Life Before the Bar
Prior to joining the Bar, Llewellyn worked as a drafting and research assistant within Gainsborough Law Chambers, where he gained experience in Civil, Employment and Chancery matters. As a result, he has a firm grasp of the civil procedure rules and other non-criminal areas. This has proved of significant value in his quasi-criminal work.
Outside of his practice, Llewellyn works with organisations to expand access to legal professions from underrepresented and marginalised groups. He has a passion for expanding the diversity of the legal sector and has worked for a number of years in outreach projects.
Inner Temple Marshal Hall Trust Award
Inner Temple Basil Neild Prize
Inner Temple BPTC ‘Outstanding’ Award
University of Law Negotiation Competition Winner
University of Law BPTC Scholarship
Swansea University: LLB
University of Law BPTC: Outstanding
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