Practice Overview
David specialises in serious crime, fraud, inquests and regulatory law. He is frequently instructed in high profile criminal cases involving serious and organised crime including murder/ manslaughter, armed robbery, commercial fraud, money laundering, large scale drugs conspiracies, firearms, human trafficking and rape. He is particularly experienced in road traffic law, and he regularly defends privately funded high-net-worth individuals.
Many of David’s cases have been reported extensively in the local and national press. In addition, he has represented a number of individuals over the years that have featured in cases shown on Crimewatch UK.
David is often instructed to appear in cases concerning the Health and Safety Executive and Environment Agency. He provides representation to high-net-worth individuals involving large and complex prosecutions brought by regulatory bodies. David appeared in the North East as defence Counsel in one of the largest prosecutions ever brought by the Environment Agency in recent times.
He has extensive experience representing doctors facing allegations of serious misconduct before the Interim Orders Panel and Fitness to Practise Panel.
David has also developed a strong inquests practice and appears regularly at inquests involving a jury and Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He is the Counsel of choice for many NHS Trusts. He receives instructions from the Police Federation to support and represent their officers when giving evidence at inquests concerning a death in custody or other police involvement with the deceased.
David also has a keen interest in sports law and can provide representation in sporting regulatory matters.
Extremely passionate about the work he undertakes, David adopts a pro-active and determined approach to every case. He works closely with instructing solicitors at each stage of a case and he is always available to discuss any issues that may arise. He can provide advice on difficult areas of law, evidential complexities and strategic considerations at very short notice to enable his instructing solicitors to give immediate feedback to their clients. His strong work ethic and high levels of preparation ensure that he is able to provide all of his clients with an exceptional service.
Cases
Regina v. Stephen Ojo – Successful prosecution of man claiming to be ‘Christian Pastor’ facing five counts of rape and five counts of sexual activity with a child. Received an extended sentence of 18 years and further 4 years on license.
Regina v. EE – £100 million pound European conspiracy to import/distribute Class A drugs – the case involved defendants from seven European countries.
Regina v. PD and Others – “Operation Norfolk” involved the investigation into a £50 million pound conspiracy to import/distribute Class A drugs.
Regina v. CG – £4 million money laundering case involving the proceeds of a drugs operation headed by the defendant’s husband. He had already received 25 years imprisonment for Importation of Class A drugs having been convicted at an earlier trial. The defendant was acquitted of money laundering.
Regina v. PF – £25 million conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine – the case against the defendant did not proceed after extensive legal argument lasting many weeks.
Regina v. MW – double murder of two alcoholics in their own home. Regina v. KB – the torture and murder of a suspected paedophile.
Regina v. SL – murder of elderly lady who disturbed a burglar in her own home – defendant was acquitted as a result of alibi evidence and extensive consideration of CCTV evidence by the defence which placed him away from the scene at the relevant time.
Regina v. MW – 36 armed robberies over a six-month period, this case featured on Crimewatch UK.
Regina v. MA & JM – 10 cash-in-transit armed robberies on G4S vehicles.
Regina v. IT – serious organised crime group involved in targeting high-end jewellers selling luxury Swiss watches.
Regina v. AJ – series of armed robberies on owners of high performance supercars stolen to order for export or for the commission of further criminal offences. Regina v. DJ & Others – represented four of the ringleaders of the “Naughty Forty” Stoke City Football hooligan firm. This involved large-scale football related violent disorder, which occurred throughout Manchester City Centre.
Regina v AK – serious violent disorder between two rival Asian gangs in the Lancashire area – a shotgun was discharged during the incident.
Regina v YM – serious assault and violent disorder between the members of an extended Asian family in the Staffordshire area – all five defendants were acquitted after a four week trial as a result of legal argument resurrected after the close of both the prosecution and defence cases.
Regina v. PK & Others – large-scale conspiracy to defraud involving bogus sponsorship acquired from UK businesses in excess of £8 million.
Regina v. RG & Others – large scale conspiracy to defraud and converting criminal property involving in excess of £1 million – bogus bailiffs contacting small businesses threatening action if payment not made immediately.
Environment Agency v. WF – represented a farmer accused alongside others of a large-scale illegal tipping/burial operation involving asbestos and other toxic chemicals and waste. The financial gain was in excess of £2 million.
Environment Agency v CRG Ltd – represented the Managing Director of a recycling company called before The Planning Inspectorate at a public enquiry in relation to breaches under the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2010.
