James enjoys a busy practice in all areas of Crime, both defending and prosecuting, with experience in serious and domestic violence, weapon, drugs trafficking, and sexual offences. James also accepts instructions concerning driving, animal welfare, and fare evasion matters.
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James accepts instructions in all criminal matters in the Crown Court, both prosecuting and defending. James excels as a jury advocate but is as adept at delivering clear and concise arguments on complex parts of law. James has been praised by member of the judiciary on his ability to handle cases with confidence and precision, whilst making his clients feel at ease.
Notable Cases
General Crime
R v F – Snaresbrook Crown Court
Led junior in serious child rape trial.
R v W – Isleworth Crown Court
Unanimous acquittal of a Defendant charged with serious Domestic Violence and Malicious Communications offences.
R v H – Snaresbrook Crown Court
Unanimous acquittal of Defendant charged with Intentional Strangulation and Witness Intimidation following the successful exclusion of confession evidence.
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 S – Inner London Crown Court
Secured conditional discharge for a client who had pleaded guilty to a serious immigration offence following an argument of “exceptional circumstances”.
RSPCA v B & S (Private Prosecution) – Lewes Crown Court
Private prosecution on behalf of the RSPCA of two Defendants charged with animal cruelty offences.
RSPCA v J (Defence) – Birmingham Magistrates’ Court
Represented a client charged with numerous animal cruelty offences.
RSPCA v M (Private Prosecution) – Worthing Magistrates’ Court
Private prosecution against a client charged with animal welfare offences.
R v C – Colchester Magistrates’ Court
Successful submission of no case to answer where the Defendant had accepted driving whilst over the legal alcohol limit. James successfully argued that the Crown could not prove that the Defendant was driving in a “public place”.
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 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.
Members of the judiciary have praised James by stating “his written advocacy, cross-examination and oral advocacy were each excellent, well formulated, and showed good judgement.”
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
Memberships
Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Young Fraud Lawyers Association
