Matthew is a criminal defence specialist who is instructed in a wide range of serious criminal cases as both Leading and Led Junior.

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Areas of specialism include drugs, firearms, fraud, serious violence and sexual offences. He is an effective advocate who has a particular strength in building a rapport with and earning the trust of difficult clients, particularly young defendants charged with serious offences. Matthew is also an experienced Courts Martial defence advocate.

Notable Cases

R v C (and others) – large-scale highly organised conspiracy to commit distraction burglaries across 4 counties.

R v S (and others) – International ‘CEO Fraud’.

R v I (and others) (Leading Junior) – 10 week conspiracy to commit violent disorder. Extensive phone evidence and CCTV analysis.

R v Z (Leading Junior) – ‘Massive and sophisticated brothel network’ case followed by complex POCA proceedings.

R v O (and others) – large scale conspiracy to supply drugs throughout the West Midlands.

Reported Cases

R. v Reynolds (Rachel Catherine) Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), 27 January 2016 [2016] EWCA Crim 144; [2016] 1 WLUK 508

Abuse of position of trust; Burglary; Internet auction sites; Sentence length

R. v Dillon (Paul) Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), 20 January 2015 [2015] EWCA Crim 3; [2015] 1 WLUK 296; [2015] 1 Cr. App. R. (S.) 62; [2015] Crim. L.R. 383

Knives; Minimum term; Murder; Sentence length; Starting point; Weapons

R. v Collins (Brenda Elizabeth) Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), 16 May 2012; [2012] EWCA Crim 1161; [2012] 5 WLUK 479

Burglary; Grievous bodily harm; Offending on licence; Sentence length; Sheltered housing; Vulnerable adults

R. v Alexander (Roger Brian) Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), 20 January 2011 [2011] EWCA Crim 89; [2011] 1 WLUK 290; [2011] 2 Cr. App. R. (S.) 52

Concealment; Consecutive sentences; Conspiracy; Drug offences; Drug trafficking; Proceeds of crime; Travel restriction orders.

R. v Bhelt [2008] EWCA Crim 626

Young defendant (16 at time of offence and 18 at time of sentence) charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine.

R. v Hussain [2007] EWCA Crim 2148

Possession with intent to supply cannabis / basis of plea (Judge failing to allow opportunity to call evidence to substantiate basis).

R. v Registe (Michael) Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), 18 October 2006 [2006] EWCA Crim 2614; [2006] 10 WLUK 478

Youth sentencing, concurrent and consecutive sentences

R. v Rees & others [2005] EWCA Crim 1857; [2006] 2 Cr. App. R. (S.) 20; Times, July 22, 2005

Series of linked cases arising from outbreaks of violent disorder following the 2004 European Championship football matches.

(Matthew was commended by Lord Woolf LCJ for his economy and realism in submissions.)

R. v Quarry (Irvin Anthony) Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), 24 June 2003 [2003] EWCA Crim 2158; [2003] 6 WLUK 609

Possession of drugs; Wounding

“Matthew is a persuasive charismatic trial advocate. A very calm influence on a trial. Certainly a favourite when it comes to allegations of violent crimes.” (Legal 500, 2021)

“A strong and fearless advocate.” (Legal 500, 2020)

He can communicate with clients with ease, compassion and empathy.” (Legal 500, 2019)

Qualifications

BA (Hons) – Brunel
CPE (Commendation) – Birmingham
Public Access qualified

Professional Associations

Criminal Bar Association