Tom is instructed in cases of significant seriousness, weight and complexity. Tom has acted as both leading junior and junior alone. In recent years Tom has acted in a number of serious, large and multi-handed cases with an increasing emphasis on cases involving firearms, attempted murder and large drugs conspiracies.
Tom has extensive experience in representing those accused of offences involving gang related activity, particularly in cases involving murder, serious violence and drugs. Tom has a finger-tip knowledge of the law relating to bad character and gang association and has had a number of successes involving the exclusion of this evidence and in the outcome at trial.
Tom has also acted in conspiracies to defraud and sexual offences including rape. Tom is not afraid to undertake “difficult” defences. He regularly deals with ‘cut-throat’ defences and has had success running duress and other factually complex defences.
Tom is known for his succinct advice and strong jury speeches which have been described as emphatic. He is often requested to act for defendants he has previously represented. He gives each client the same consistently high standard of representation irrespective of the offence or difficulty of the case.
Tom has a relaxed approach with clients but a determined approach to advocacy. He maintains a “can-do” attitude and works well with professional clients in the preparation of his cases, seeking to give a tactical edge wherever possible.
Called: 2008