23ES

Kevin Saunders is a well-regarded advocate with a good manner in court.  Mr Saunders has an extensive criminal defence practice that includes high-profile cases of homicide, lengthy and complex fraud matters and serious sexual offences.  Mr Saunders also has considerable experience of representing individuals, companies, local authorities and government agencies in matters of a regulatory nature. Mr Saunders advises with confidence at all stages of proceedings.

Recommended by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for criminal law

Mr Saunders is a specialist Criminal Practitioner with considerable experience of defending high-profile, serious and complex offences.

Advisory and prosecution work on behalf of the Environment Agency, Food Standards Agency, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Department for Work and Pensions and Trading Standards Departments (consumer protection and copyright/ trademark infringement).

The ability to present complex regulatory matters to audiences ranging from  Boards of Directors to Juries.

Notable Cases

Counsel for the Appellant in a guideline Court of Appeal case on the sentencing of youths for sexual offences.

Defence Counsel in multiple cases concerning serious allegations of historic sexual abuse.

Defence Counsel in a murder trial involving specialist issues of mental health, torture and expert scientific evidence. All prosecution witnesses and the two defendants suffered from mental health issues.

Defence Counsel for a mother charged with allowing the death of her child.

The prosecution of the United Kingdom’s largest provider of sub-prime loans. The defendant company was prosecuted for offences under Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 for breaches of provisions pertaining to the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

Defence of a FTSE 100 company for discharging pollutants into a river.

The prosecution of a large scale, illegal waste operation across multiple sites and comprising millions of pounds in criminal benefit.

Complex POCA case concerning issues of alleged judicial bias and advanced legal argument.

Defence Counsel in a trial concerning a conspiracy to facilitate the escape of career criminals from a prison van en route to Court.

A difficult attempted murder trial involving life threatening injuries, and a dramatic change of instructions on the first day of trial. Case required sensitive yet robust witness handling.

Confiscation proceedings arising from the United Kingdom’s largest ever cocaine factory. Issues included an alleged criminal benefit of £42 million.

The prosecution of a fraudulent escort agency.

Defence Counsel in a £4.5 million immigration fraud concerning bogus colleges and comprising the largest ever cash seizure.

The prosecution of a care home, under health and safety legislation, following the death of a resident.