James joined Chambers following the successful completion of pupillage. James regularly prosecutes and defends in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, and Youth Court.
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Prior to joining Chambers James worked as a Modern Slavery Outreach Advocate and gained unique insight into matters pertaining to issues of Modern Slavery in criminal practice.
Whilst at University, James worked for the National Centre of Domestic Violence, working closely and tirelessly for victims of domestic violence in obtaining non-molestation and occupation orders against abusive partners and relatives.
Whilst studying on the Bar Course, James volunteered as a mentor at Vocalise. James conducted tutorials for members of HMP Brixton, teaching the skill of debate of public speaking.
Notable Cases
R v F – Inner London Crown Court
Persuaded the judge not to active the mandatory minimum sentence for a second-strike bladed article offender.
R v F – Isleworth Crown Court
Secured the acquittal of a defendant charged with racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm, or distress following a three-day trial.
R v C & C – Croydon Magistrates’ Court
Secured the acquittal of two young football supporters charged with Public Order Offences, thereby preserving their good character.
R v O – Barkingside Magistrates’ Court
Secured the acquittal of a defendant charged with assaulting a police officer and the assault of a civilian. Acquittals on both charges meant that the defendant avoided a term of immediate imprisonment.
R v R – Slough Magistrates’ Court
Secured the acquittal of a defendant charged with the intentional strangulation and assault by beating of her sister, thereby preserving her good character.
R v B – Staines Magistrates’ Court
Secured the acquittal of a defendant who had been jointly charged with her boyfriend for assaulting a moped driver. The judge accepted the defendant’s excuse of self-defence. Her boyfriend was convicted after trial.
R v A – Worthing Magistrates’ Court
Represented a defendant who had pleaded guilty to selling unregulated cigarettes and tobacco. The defendant received a conditional discharge following submissions that the value of harm had been miscalculated and inflated by the Crown.
R v G – City of London Magistrates’ Court
Represented a client charged six fraud offences. After negotiating for four charges to be withdrawn, the prosecution submitted that the offences attracted a starting point of 18-month’s custody. Following submissions, the defendant was fined £500.
R v C – Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court
Persuaded the Crown Prosecution Service to offer no evidence on a single charge of criminal damage in light of comprehensive psychiatric evidence in the defendant’s favour.
R v SB – Isleworth Crown Court
Successfully defended a client in a domestic violence trial. After a 5-day trial at Isleworth Crown Court, the client was unanimously acquitted of controlling and coercive behaviour, ABH, assault by beating, intentional strangulation and threats to kill.
R v D – Central Criminal Court
Unanimous acquittal of client charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place.
R v M – Isleworth Crown Court
Successful Appeal against Conviction for a client found guilty of two breaches of a non-molestation order at the Magistrates’ Court. D was acquitted and, as a result of evidence adduced at trial, the Crown made no application for a Restraining Order on acquittal.
R v B – Southampton Crown Court
Secured a suspended sentence for a client who had pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and perverting the course of justice.
James has been described as “a capable and polished advocate”.
James has been commended for his “careful consideration and preparation of
cases, his advocacy, and his courtesy”.
Clients have described James as being “very friendly and made them both feel that they were in safe hands”.
“James is very easy to communicate with and is able to carry out the instructions to a very high standard.”
“Highly professional and approachable.”
Qualifications
Grade 1 CPS Panel Advocate
The University of Law (2020), BPTC LLM, Very Competent & Distinction
University of Surrey (2019), LLB, Upper Second Class Honours
Publications
“The Public Order Bill: A lesson in legislative irony” – Barrister Magazine
Professional Associations
Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Young Fraud Lawyers Association
