Chris Waymont

Chris has developed a multi-disciplinary practice which encompasses both criminal and regulatory law. He is regularly instructed in the Crown Court, appearing for both the prosecution and the defence. He has represented defendants who have been charged with serious offences which include aggravated burglary, robbery, drug offences inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, threats to kill, money laundering and sexual assault.

Chris is frequently instructed to represent members of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association and has extensive experience defending those charged with driving offences and other associated matters.

Chris is regarded as an advocate who combines his knowledge of the law with a passion for fearlessly representing his clients which enables him to make persuasive oral and written submissions. It is this approach which has led solicitors to describe him as “articulate and robust in his advocacy” as well as being “meticulous with regards to case preparation”.

Throughout 2018, Chris was seconded to the Business Crime Department at Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP.

Notable Cases

Criminal

R v AH, Snaresbrook Crown Court [2019] – Chris successfully appealed the conviction of a youth who had been convicted of a s.18 joint enterprise stabbing in the Youth Court.

R v JS, Wood Green Crown Court [2019] – Chris secured acquittals for a client charged with threats to kill where a previous jury had been unable to return a verdict.

R v HA, Aylesbury Crown Court [2019] – The defendant faced a multi count indictment alleging that he put an individual in fear of violence through harassment, sent indecent and threatening messages and committed criminal damage. Chris secured acquittals for his client on all counts.

R v AF, Kingston Crown Court [2019] – Chris successfully defended a client charged with weapons and drug offences.

R v FK, Wood Green Crown Court [2018] – The Crown offered no evidence following disclosure requests made by the defence.

R v RM, Hove Crown Court [2018] – The defendant was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour and Chris was able to secure an acquittal after tactful cross examination of multiple prosecution witnesses.

R v LR, St Albans Crown Court [2018] – After cross examination of the prosecution witnesses, the Crown reviewed the case and took the decision to offer no evidence against the defendant.

R v KR, Kingston Crown Court [2017] – Chris secured acquittals on all counts of a defendant charged with possessing an offensive weapon, theft and ABH.

 

Regulatory

HCPC v RH [2019] – Chris persuaded the panel that there was no case to answer where a paramedic was accused of numerous failings which led to a patient falling and breaking her hip.

GB v TFL [2018] – Chris successfully appealed a decision by TFL to revoke a taxi driver’s hackney carriage licence.

HCPC v RD [2018] – The panel were persuaded not to impose an interim order on a social worker who was being investigated for neglect.

HCPC v BC [2018] – Chris successfully persuaded a panel to impose no interim order in the case of a paramedic who was being investigated for failing to provide appropriate treatment.

NMC v DP [2017] – A nurse was cleared of all charges after her actions were alleged to have led to the death of a patient in her care. In this case the panel were not required to consider the issue of impairment as Chris successfully submitted that the facts could not be proved for some of the charges and for the other charges, even if the facts were proved, there was no misconduct.

VS v TFL [2016] – Chris was able to overturn on appeal a decision by TFL to revoke a hackney carriage licence after the driver stood trial for, but was acquitted of, two separate allegations of rape.

Education

• Kaplan: BPTC, Very Competent [2014]
• BPP: Graduate Diploma in Law, Commendation [2013]
• King’s College London: BA History, 2:1[2012]

Awards and Prizes

• Gray’s Inn, Ann Goddard Scholarship [2016]
• Ropewalk Opinion Writing Competition, Finalist [2014]
• Kaplan Mooting Competition, Winner [2013]
• Gray’s Inn CPE Award [2012]

Other Experience

Other Experience

Before coming to the Bar, Chris worked as a paralegal for Aitken Harter Solicitors and as an Independent Mental Health Advocate for the Advocacy Project. He has also volunteered as an Appropriate Adult and as a mentor for Vocalise, Gray’s Inn’s pro-bono programme which taught debating classes in prisons.