John Harding

Criminal litigation.

John undertakes general crime and police station advice, specialising particularly in relation to allegations of serious assaults, offences of a sexual nature and those relating to child abuse/abuse of positions of trust. John has represented a number of high profile individuals in connection to Operation Yewtree (police investigation into historic sex abuse). He represented the Swiss Re executive accused of murdering his young daughter, culminating in a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. He also recently represented a Russian student from an affluent Russian family in relation to an allegation of gang rape at Woolwich Crown Court. John also represents clients in relation to all forms of serious fraud and business crime prosecuted by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other government agencies. Of note is John’s representation of police officers in relation to both Stockwell inquiries and the resulting inquest in relation to John Charles de Menezes. John also acted for the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire in relation to a misconduct hearing and the Chief Constable of Cleveland in relation to allegations of corruption and misconduct in a public office. He has also represented three senior officers accused of perverting the course of justice in Operation Kalmia.