Simon is a highly esteemed senior criminal law specialist with over 30 years of experience accrued in cases which encompass the full spectrum of criminal law. His practice is principally based in criminal defence with the emphasis upon cases of a complex nature.
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Simon’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.
Simon’s aptitude in preparing cases requiring an understanding of voluminous and complex case material is renowned as is his technical and scientific prowess. Simon has been commended on numerous occasions for his preparation and analytical presentation of cases involving difficult legal issues and he enjoys the challenge that novel issues of fact and law present. He has considerable experience in cases involving multiple defendants including cases alleged to have been committed arising out of a gang background.
He practices mainly in the Crown Courts in Central London, but in addition Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire where Simon has enjoyed a long professional association and where he is well acquainted with both the judiciary and court staff.
Notable Cases
R v RI (2019) – Death of a vulnerable adult – a case involving exploration of cultural and complex medical issues. A press report on this case can be found here. (Central Criminal Court)
R v IH (2019) – Firearms – a case where identification evidence was central. (Harrow Crown Court)
R v KT (2019) – Gangs and runs. A press report on this case can be found here. (Snaresbrook Crown Court)
R v AY (2018) – Gunpoint robbery and burglaries. A press report on this case can be found here. (Woolwich Crown Court)
R v CM (2018) – Importation of Class A drugs by rip-on method. A press report on this case can be found here. (Manchester Crown Court)
R v CL (2018) – Relationship attack – female on male. A press report on this case can be found here. (Blackfriars Crown Court)
R v JW (2018) – Fraud – boiler room – coloured diamonds and online binary options – defendant acquitted. (Basildon Crown Court)
R v SF (2018) – Attempted Murder – gang related. A press report on this case can be found here. (Blackfriars Crown Court)
R v RH (2018) – s.18 – Random attack by defendant with mental health issues. A press report on this case can be found here. (St Albans Crown Court)
R v AK (2018) – Shooting – anonymous witnesses. A press report on this case can be found here. (Wood Green Crown Court)
R v MN (2017) – Drug conspiracy. A press report on this case can be found here (the defendant was acquitted so is not named in this report). (Stafford Crown Court)
R v ME (2017) – Fraud – money laundering. A press report on this case can be found here. (Central Criminal Court)
R v MH (2017) – Conspiracy – moped enabled robberies. A press report on this case can be found here. (Blackfriars Crown Court)
R v CC (2016) – Firearm conspiracy – a press report on this case can be found here (the defendant was acquitted and so is not named in the report). (Central Criminal Court)
R v JP (2016) – Drug conspiracy – disclosure issues – judge stopped trial after failings by undercover officers to make a proper disclosure. (Wood Green Crown Court)
R v JM (2016) – Attempted murder of partner – the case raised issues of improper jury behaviour. A press report on this case can be found here. (St Albans Crown Court)
R v AB (2016) – Money laundering – professional poker player – case involved the movement of large amounts of cash. (Harrow Crown Court)
R v OA (2016) – Fraud – lonely heart scam. A press report on this case can be found here. (Basildon Crown Court)
R v FE (2015) – Drug Importation using Royal Mail. A press report on this can be found here (the defendant was acquitted, so they do not appear in the report). (Isleworth Crown Court)
R v PJ (2015) – Murder and severe intoxication. (Central Criminal Court)
R v JP (2015) – Drug networks being run from prison cell – a great deal of telephone-based evidence was used. (Wood Green Crown Court)
R v NM (2013) – Long term organised crime. A press report on this case can be found here. (Birmingham Crown Court)
R v MP (2013) – Vulnerable female defendant. A press report on the Ian Watkins case can be found here. (Cardiff Crown Court & Court of Appeal)
R v LS & others (2011) – Organised Crime Group/Gang Case – £1m jewellers robbery conspiracy involving the kidnap and torture of a jeweller. LS was the only Defendant acquitted. (Woolwich Crown Court)
R v LP (2008) – Gang membership evidence – murder reduced to manslaughter. The press report on this case can be found here. (Central Criminal Court)
R v FA (2008) – Supergrass case – this case involved consideration of huge amounts of disclosure. (Kingston Crown Court)
R v GM & others (2008) – A case involving sensitive cultural issues – the murder of a faith healer. The press report on this case can be found here. (Luton Crown Court)
R v YT (2008) – International Hearsay and evidence presented using Skype. A press report on this case can be found here. (St Albans Crown Court & Court of Appeal)
R v MD & others (2007) – People trafficking, child prostitution, firearms, in a case that would now be considered Modern Day Slavery. A press report on this case can be found here.
“Simon is a very thorough and well prepared barrister, inspiring confidence in his ability to represent the client. He breaks down the evidence in a clear way making it easier to focus on the issues to be addressed when taking instructions from the client. I found him to be very calm and patient.” (Legal 500, 2021)
Qualifications
LLB (Hons) London
Professional Associations
Criminal Bar Association
South Eastern Circuit
Herts and Beds Bar Mess
Old Bailey Bar Mess
Bar of Ireland
Gray’s Inn
