Door Tenant

Matthew practises in criminal law and the complementary areas of police law, private prosecutions, licensing, financial crime, professional discipline and court martial.

Matthew also has a developing public law practice accepting instructions on behalf of government bodies. Since he started practising Matthew has rapidly earned a reputation for building solid client rapport and delivering excellent results.

Matthew became a tenant at 9BR Chambers upon completion of pupillage. He has since moved back to his family home in the North East, but maintains an interest in London based work through his 9BR door tenancy.

Areas of Expertise Crime & Police Law

Matthew has a busy defence and prosecution practice in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court. He has experience across a range of offences including: fraud, proceeds of crime, firearms, drugs, violence, motoring and sexual offences. Matthew has experience as both prosecution and defence counsel in a variety of single and multi-defendant Crown Court trials and has handled demanding cases involving considerations as to dangerousness, fitness to plead and young and vulnerable witnesses. Matthew has experience in dealing with Criminal Behaviour Orders, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, and Proceeds of Crime related proceedings and associated orders. As a CPS Grade two prosecutor Matthew frequently advises on issues relating to disclosure.

Additionally, Matthew accepts instructions on behalf of police forces making civil applications relating to domestic violence, sexual offending and applications under the Proceeds of Crime Act, including contested applications for forfeiture of cash. Utilising his broader criminal experience, Matthew offers well-reasoned and timely advice to police forces on operational queries and on issues arising out of disclosure and LPP.

Public Law

As a member of the Government Legal Department’s ‘Junior Junior’ scheme, Matthew accepts instructions on behalf of government bodies. Currently, Matthew is instructed in the defence of a high value malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office claim, on behalf of a central government department.

Recently, Matthew has also acted on behalf of the Cabinet Office on the Covid-19 Inquiry.

Private Prosecutions & Local Authorities

Matthew represents local authorities in private prosecutions, including prosecuting individuals for fraud and trademark breaches and well as breaches under consumer regulations. Matthew is currently instructed as sole prosecution counsel prosecuting a high-value fraud and regulatory case on behalf of a local authority.

Matthew also defends private prosecutions brought by local authorities.

Professional Discipline & Court Martial

As a Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) Case Presenter, Matthew has experience of presenting cases relating to interim measures and substantive order reviews.

Prior to being called to the Bar, Matthew served as an army infantry officer for over 5 years up to the rank of Captain; leading combat troops on overseas deployments, including multiple active operational tours. Aside from tactical command, he was also involved in overseeing soldiers engaged with internal disciplinary procedures gaining an early insight into military justice often attending court martial as an Assisting Officer. Accordingly, Matthew is well placed to understand military systems and quickly build quality client relationships with servicemen and women.

Firearms & Firearms Licensing

Matthew maintains a keen interest in firearms law, utilising his understanding of firearms from his time in military. Matthew appreciates that firearms law is often a challenging area of practice and enjoys bringing his knowledge and expertise to bear to deliver solid and well-reasoned advice and advocacy.

In addition to firearms within a general criminal context, Matthew also represents private clients at the Crown Court appealing police decisions relating to their certification and licensing.

Financial and White-Collar Crime

Having been selected from a veterans’ programme, Matthew spent time working in the front office of an investment bank whilst converting to law. Consequently, he is well positioned to advance a financial criminal practice. Previous instructions include, working for a band 1 US white-collar law firm on a multi-jurisdictional and multi-enforcement agency internal investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption. Matthew has also been instructed to assist an international law firm defending two company executives accused of fraud, following the insolvency of a multi-billion dollar publicly listed healthcare company.

Beyond white-collar and financial criminal defence, Matthew has gained prosecution experience through instructions for the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). Matthew spent over 24 months working for the SFO advising on disclosure, relevance and LPP on a fraud and money laundering case in the energy sector.

CPS Panel (Grade 2)

NMC Case Presenter

ICCA “Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training Programme”

AG Civil “Junior Junior” Panel

Gray’s Inn

Criminal Bar Association

South Eastern Circuit

Young Fraud Lawyers' Association

University of Manchester, Politics & History – 1st Class BA (Hons)

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

CFA (UK), Investment Management Certificate

BPP University, GDL – Commendation

University of Law, BPTC – Very Competent

BPTC James Crouch Scholar (Gray’s Inn)

Internship Award (Gray’s Inn