Described by those who instruct him as ‘excellent at thinking on his feet’, Andrew joined Chambers in 2016. He appears in the Crown, Magistrates’ and Youth Courts for the defence on a daily basis. He has a wide range of experience in criminal matters including violence, drugs and sexual offences, as well as public disorder and breach of protective orders. Andrew has been recognised for his ‘very high quality’ advocacy and as someone who works ‘diligently and tirelessly…to provide excellent results’.

Andrew also has experience representing clients in POCA confiscation hearings and extradition matters, and has successfully defended a wide range of driving offences. He is regarded for his assured yet approachable manner, and routinely requested by clients and solicitors alike.

Andrew has been commended for his ‘very impressive retention and appreciation of information’, while his ‘closing speeches are powerful and creative with his own personal touch’. He has also acted in an appellate capacity to the Crown Court and is regularly instructed by members of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association.

Notable Cases

R v A & A (2016, Wood Green Crown Court) – assisted pupil supervisor, Michael Latham by drafting skeleton argument in relation to the two limb test emanating from R v Galbraith. Submissions of no case to answer led to a threat to kill charge being dropped. Client later acquitted of remaining charge of putting a person in fear of violence by harassment.

R v F & Others (2017, Birmingham Crown Court) – POCA confiscation hearing. Negotiated realisable amount £93,000 lower than that originally sought by prosecution.

R v H (2017, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court) – secured acquittal for assault with intent to resist arrest. Under cross examination, complainant/police officer accepted no assault shown despite Body Worn Video recording for duration of incident.

R v H (2017, Ealing Youth Court) – successfully reopened conviction of a youth under s.142(2), MCA 1980 using previously unavailable medical evidence.

R v D & Others (2017, Stratford Youth Court) – Basis of Plea drafted in relation to theft and accepted by the prosecution. Two co-defendants pleaded guilty to robbery, the original charge for all defendants.

R v B (2017, Stratford Magistrates’ Court) – secured acquittal for assault by beating. Complainant’s motive and ill feeling towards client (not supporting Home Office Visa application) brought out in cross examination.

 R v D (2017, Willesden Magistrates’ Court) – all charges dismissed against client (assault by beating; criminal damage). Prosecution made application to adjourn, which was successfully opposed. Prosecution then made application to rely upon hearsay evidence under s.116(2)(e), CJA 2003, which was also successfully opposed.

R v P (2017, Medway Magistrates’ Court) – assault occasioning ABH. Obtained Suspended Sentence Order despite two previous sentences of immediate custody. Mitigation underpinned by provocation and lack of premeditation.

R v A (2017, Havering Magistrates’ Court) – secured acquittal of client charged with assault by beating. Client’s sister and mother gave evidence for the prosecution.

R v T (2017, Maidstone Magistrates’ Court) – fraud by false representation (x2). Previous Suspended Sentence Order not activated for second time. Mitigation predicated upon personal circumstances.

 

Other Experience

Andrew came to the Bar following a previous career in public relations. His first role involved organising events in the Commons and Lords, and drafting daily bulletins for those with interests in the defence industry. The event management involved liaison with parliamentarians and defence industry chiefs, as well as current and former officials from the Ministry of Defence and The Security Service. He later conducted PR on behalf of various multinational sports and outdoor companies, including Nike ACG.

Immediately prior to commencing pupillage, Andrew worked as a civil paralegal at David Gray Solicitors in Newcastle upon Tyne. This allowed him to acquire invaluable experience in case preparation, drafting pleadings and managing an extensive caseload. Andrew was also previously employed as a commercial paralegal for Carillion Advice Services. He was assigned to e-disclosure projects and tasked with document review.

Andrew has a long association with Newcastle Law Centre. He began volunteering in 2014 before being offered the salaried post of Legal Assistant. This involved assisting the Senior Solicitor with asylum claims and undertaking Employment Tribunal representation. While studying on the Bar Professional Training Course, Andrew acted for the Free Representation Unit as part of the FRU Employment Law option.

 

Education

• Bar Professional Training Course – Very Competent (City University, 2015)
• LLB (Hons) Law – First Class (Northumbria University, 2013)
• BA (Hons) History & Politics – Upper Second Class (Stirling University, 2006)

Scholarships, Awards & Prizes

• Sir Horace Avory Benefactors Scholarship (Inner Temple, 2013)
• BPTC Exhibition Award (Inner Temple, 2013).
• Duke of Edinburgh Entrance Scholarship (Inner Temple, 2013)
• Newcastle upon Tyne Law Society Prize – Best LLB (Hons) P-T Student (2013)
• Ben Hoare Bell Solicitors Contribution Roll 2012/2013 (Northumbria University)
• Bond Dickinson Solicitors Honour Roll 2012/2013 (Northumbria University)
• School of Law Work and Travel Award (Northumbria University, 2013)
• CPE/GDL Exhibition Award (Inner Temple, 2010)