CALLED 1972 Gray's Inn
QC Northern Ireland 1973
SC Republic of Ireland 1982
QC England and Wales 1986
QC Bermuda
QC Hong Kong
“A very charismatic presence in court”
Chambers & Partners 2009
Much has been written about his merits and all of it well justified. “A man who radiates authority and learning,” he continues to involve himself in the weightier matters of the day.
Chambers & Partners 2008
“He is God - he has the kind of voice that could read the jury a phonebook and they would listen.”
Chambers & Partners 2007
“Always at his best in the big trials” by virtue of being able to “combine poise and persistence with razor-sharp delivery”
Chambers & Partners 2006
SPECIALISATION
Crime; Commercial crime; Health and Safety; Libel; Terrorism; Courts Martial.
COMMERCIAL CRIME
Defence of Ernest Saunders in the Guinness Trial.
Defence of the Administrators in the Polly Peck case.
Illegal export of arms to Iran.
Defence of Hong Kong solicitor.
Other high profile fraud cases.
INTERVIEWS
18/04/05 Law used as 'political football' (BBC News)
18/04/05 Legal eagle still flying high (BBC News)
NOTABLE CASES
R v. Lance Corporal Crowcroft
The trial of the recent case of war crimes under the International Criminal Court Act (ICCA) 2001. The case was stopped following half time submissions by Richard Ferguson QC. The Court Martial marks the first time that British Servicemen have been prosecuted for war crimes.
R v. Dl Gregorio
Alleged murder of Iraqi at roadside during vehicle check point in Iraq.
R v. Beckford & Others, Leicester CC.
The trial arising out of the shooting of two girls outside Birmingham hairdressers on New Years Eve, the only defendant to be aquitted on the murder charges. (read more)
R v. Da Costa, Southwark CC.
Defending in an alleged Marine Insurance Fraud, prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office, involving alleged false dealings and representations on the NASDAQ, the purchases of an Italian Insurance Company and other companies in Ireland, United States and the United Kingdom. The Serious Fraud Office abandoned the case after six months of legal argument.
R v. Rosemary West, Winchester Crown Court.
Taylor sisters, CCA.
Conviction successfully quashed on appeal following trial for murder of Alison Shaughnessy.
R v. Nicholas Van Hoogstraten, CCC.
Property tycoon charged with murder and conspiracy to murder.
R v. Melanie Cangerdel, Maidstone CC.
Attempted murder of millionaire husband.
R v. Terry Marsh, CCC.
Attempted murder of Frank Warren.
R v. Peter Buck, Isleworth CC.
REM guitarist acquitted of air rage.
R v. Millman, CCC.
The Millennium Dome Robbery.
R v. Patrick Magee, CCC.
The Grand Hotel, Brighton Bombing.
IRA Bombings and the Birmingham six
The Cyprus spy trial
The Stansted Afghan hijack case
R v. John Fashanu
R v. Ronnie Knight
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Acting for Lloyds Register in Ramsgate gangway collapse.
Counsel for Railcare following derailment.
Counsel for HBG.
United Biscuits misdescription of products.
Boots PLC.
LIBEL
Hamilton v. The Guardian
Branson v. Snowden
Kiffin v. Associated Newspapers
Has acted for The Sunday Times, The Guardian, Mirror Group and Private Eye.
REPORTED CASES
McGreevy v. Direct of Public Prosecutions [1973] WLR 276.
R v. Brophy [1972] AC 476.
In re C [1985] AC 528.
R v. Clegg [1995] 1 AC 482.
R v. Aziz [1996] 1 AC 41.
OVERSEAS APPEARANCES
Bermuda
Hong Kong
Singapore
Cayman Islands
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
• Bencher of Gray's Inn.
• Chairman of Criminal Bar
• Association of England and Wales 1994-1996
• Member of Bar Council 1991-1996
• Member of Bar Committees on selection for silk, judicial appointments and Treasury Counsel
• Chairman of Mental Health Review Board for Northern Ireland
• Vice Chairman Bar Council of Northern Ireland
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