John is a highly respected senior criminal law specialist with over 30 years experience in cases which encompass the full range of criminal law.

His practice is exclusively based in criminal defence work with the emphasis upon complex cases. John’s work includes fraud, murder, drug conspiracies and organised crime where he regularly appears as a leading junior as well as appearing alone. He has represented clients prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue and Customs, NCIS and the Specialist Crime Directorate.

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John has an aptitude for preparation in cases requiring both an understanding of complex case material as well as an ability to understand and simplify technical and scientific issues. John has been commended on numerous occasions for his preparation and analytical presentation of cases involving difficult legal issues. He enjoys the challenge that novel issues of fact and law present. He has considerable experience in cases involving multiple defendants including cases arising out of a gang background. He is liked by juries.

He practices mainly in the Crown Courts and is prepared to travel. John enjoys a good relationship with both judges and court staff.

Notable Cases

R v Mahoney – Junior counsel in an allegation of murder in prison (acquitted).

R v Zielinski & Otrs – Defendant charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, blackmail and GBH (acquitted).

R v Mount & Otrs – Leading counsel and first on the indictment in an allegation of conspiracy to de- fraud the Inland Revenue of millions of pounds (acquitted).

R v Boakye & Otrs – Five defendants charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, GBHÂ and blackmail. Defendant was convicted but achieved a very lenient sentence, which was subsequently un- successfully AG referenced.

R v Dayaparan & Others – Junior counsel in a seven handed allegation of Murder and attempted murder. (Defendant acquitted on all charges)

R v Bennett – Defendant was a senior lecturer at Middlesex University charged with numerous historic sexual abuse allegations against his stepdaughter along with allegations of cruelty against the same stepdaughter his son and his wife.

R v Whitehouse – Junior counsel on an allegation of murder (acquitted)

R v Yelizarov – Junior counsel on an allegation of murder.

R v O’Shea & Others – Three handed blackmail and false imprisonment

R v Foyjul Islam – Conspiracy to transport people illegally out of the UK.

R v Ruskels – Junior counsel in a murder.

R v Ivgi & Otrs – The illegal trafficking of 69 illegal entrants into the UK on a fishing boat.

R v Bricka – Leading counsel in a in extremely unpleasant 10-month campaign of stalking

R v Machlachan Sim & Otrs – Conspiracy to convey illicit items into prison including drugs and phones.

R v Glenford Brown – Historic rape allegations

Fraud

John has been instructed in a number of fraud cases both as junior and leading counsel.

Drugs

John has represented many defendants charged with the full range of drug offences, including

production, importation and conspiracy to supply both Class A and B.

Firearms

John has been involved in a number of firearms cases.