David is regularly instructed in the Crown Court appearing in a range of matters on behalf of both the Prosecution and Defence.
David has experience of dealing with cases involving vulnerable witnesses and takes a sensitive approach to clients suffering from mental health issues. He is keen to develop a balanced practice and wants to build a reputation as a courageous and committed advocate.
David is on the CPS Advocacy Panel.
Recent Work:
R v AA (Aylesbury Crown Court) – represented a 20 year old man alleged to have committed two violent sexual assaults. Complainant was exceptionally vulnerable and in poor health so restrictions were imposed on cross-examination. Client acquitted after closing speech which the judge described as “helpful and eloquent”.
R v QN and Others (Aylesbury Crown Court) – led junior prosecuting members of a conspiracy to supply cannabis worth over £3million. Case centred around hours of surveillance evidence from undercover officers, supported by cell-site, ANPR and phone evidence. QN, who played a leading role, received nine years after trial.
R v AR (Luton Crown Court) – represented an 18 year old alleged to have threatened another male with a flick knife. Cross-examined four Crown witnesses present at the scene (two of which said that they saw a knife) and drew out substantial inconsistencies between each of their accounts. Client acquitted in 10 minutes.
R v RK (Central Criminal Court) – represented a man alleged to have submitted a number of falsified documents as part of an application for leave to remain. At the end of a five-day trial the judge remarked that David put his client’s case “forcefully” and with “conspicuous care and professional skill.”
R v DB and FQ (Croydon Crown Court) – prosecuted two men from South London who held a screwdriver to a young woman’s neck and robbed her of her mobile phones. FQ pleaded guilty on first day. DB convicted after a three-day trial involving critical legal argument relating to hearsay and bad character.
R v JG (Reading Crown Court) – prosecuted a man said to have burgled three homes in Reading over the course of one week. Issue in the case was identification. Utilised the evidence of a facial mapping expert at trial to secure convictions.
R v IC (Harrow Crown Court) – instructed as disclosure junior in historic sex case. Defendant was alleged to have raped and sexually abused his niece from the age of three. Defendant convicted on 11/13 counts and sentenced to 20 years’ custody.
Advisory Work:
R v BR (Nottingham Crown Court) – advised CPS on whether sentence imposed on 17 year old who pleaded guilty to a s.18 wounding (five stab wounds to the abdomen, chest and legs) was unduly lenient.
R v CE (Ealing Youth Court) – provided written advice on whether it was possible to judicially review the decision of the CPS to prosecute a 13 year old boy for possessing indecent images.