I am a highly experienced junior, with a practice including leading in significant complex, multi-defendant cases. I have featured annually as a ‘Leading Junior’ in Chambers and Partners for many years, reflecting my high standing amongst instructing solicitors and their clients.
I have appeared for both prosecution and defence, concentrating more recently in representing defendants in serious crime, in courts throughout England, and so have extensive experience in the complexities of the developing areas of criminal law.
I have led in multi and single defendant murder trials, substantial fraud and money laundering trials, and other categories of serious crime such as drugs importation and supply, and vehicle related crime, over recent years. This has meant that I have developed the ability to recognise the tactical requirements in a huge variety of different situations within both single defendant and multi defendant trials. In combination with the ability to assimilate and understand the significance of vast quantities of documentary exhibits, which are a characteristic of modern trials, I am equipped to deal with the requirements of representing lay clients who face long and complex trials.
I have led, and been led, in many murder cases, ranging from gangland executions to sexually motivated killings, and those with special defences such as provocation and diminished responsibility.
I have led in very complex fraud and money laundering cases, including defendants who were professionals, such as solicitors and chartered accountants, and so have an understanding of the practices involved. I am computer literate; an essential attribute in preparing and presenting such cases before the courts. I have been instructed in cases involving bureau de change, where substantial sums were said to be paid through such organisations in order to launder the proceeds of crime by conversion between currencies.
I pride myself on thorough preparation, and the ability to communicate effectively, and sympathetically, with lay clients from all backgrounds, which I have always believed to be an essential element of the task of the barrister.
R v Skylar Dalziel (2025) Unusual allegations of infringement of copyright relating to selling ‘hacked’ unpublished music from prominent musical artists such as Coldplay, Melanie Martinez etc. Difficult mitigation after guilty pleas. Suspended sentence imposed. News story here
R v Philip Solomon (2024) Very complex allegation of joint participation murder in a drugs-related context, where D1 recruited others, including S to rob drug dealers, with a hidden agenda of exacting revenge on them for stealing his customers. This meant S and others were present when D1 murdered one victim and attempted to murder the other, leading to extremely complex issues of participation, withdrawal, intent, murder/manslaughter alternatives. D1’s defence seriously at odds with that of S. News story here
R v Darren Robertson (2024) Attempted murder involving brutal attack on ex-partner with a brick, leaving her unrecognisable with life-changing facial injuries. Acceptance of infliction of injuries, so issue was intent to kill. Def had serious behavioural issues, and needed sympathetic and careful representation in a case he found difficult to take responsibility for. News story here
R v Daniel Malem (2024) 15 day trial involving allegations of GBH with intent, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assaults over a relationship. Defence was that the defendant was the victim of the assaults and controlling and coercive behaviour by his partner, followed by malicious false complaints against the defendant in order to protect herself.
R v BillJo Smith (2024) Group attack on premises by masked men with a variety of weapons used to smash doors and gain entry. In ensuing confrontation, offences of GBH with intent inflicted. Defence of innocent presence at scene whilst others (never apprehended) carried out the attack. Defendant seriously injured himself, with a broken leg in incident.
R v Kazmierski (2023) Very complex allegation of joint enterprise murder, with 4 + hours of CCTV as a compilation alone, of highlights selected by the Crown. Gang warfare in East London, with a number of linked murders.
R v Andrew Francis (2023) Allegation of murder in extremely unusual circumstances. Burglar unexpectedly encountered elderly occupant and alleged to have assaulted him, resulting in death 9 days later. Complex pathology with pathologists, consultant neuropathologist, consultant radiologist, consultant cardio pathologist all giving evidence. News story here
