Criminal
Damian specialises in criminal work. He undertakes defence work mainly, but as a Category 4 (the highest grade) Prosecutor continuously since 2005 he represents the Crown in complex matters. He has also been appointed to both the CPS Serious Crime Panel and the Fraud Panel. Damian has recently been appointed to the Specialist Regulatory Panel List B.
He has consistently appeared as recommended counsel and a “leader in his field” in Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 since 2003. Since 2016 in each edition of “Chambers and Partners”, Damian was one of only 3 junior counsel ranked in Tier 1 on Circuit. He is well respected within the profession by his peers and the judiciary.
He appears as a leading junior, led junior and junior alone in complex and lengthy cases and has vast trial experience in all aspects of serious and heavyweight criminal work including experience in financial and regulatory offences and serious organised crime. He has appeared in a number of high profile cases and regularly appears in cases covering all aspects of business related crime and enforcement. Damian has experience of the multi-faceted and multi-jurisdictional aspects of criminal procedure including legal professional privilege, judicial review, appeals by way of case stated, voluntary bills of indictment, appeals against terminating rulings and appellate work including when not counsel originally instructed.
Damian also undertakes inquest work and appears as an advocate before various professional disciplinary tribunals.
Damian likes to be involved in each case at an early stage and is able to adopt a team approach to the conduct of criminal litigation. Damian recognises that in complex litigation a successful outcome to a case can more often than not be underpinned by detailed preparation in advance of the trial and an early recognition of the key issues in the case combined with the formulation of the appropriate strategy applicable to the case at hand. He is bright while remaining grounded when dealing with issues. These key attributes coupled with his tenacity and determination to see each instruction through set him apart from others. Damian is known by those who instruct him to work tirelessly for his professional and lay client, seeking to provide clear, robust advice and a high standard of advocacy throughout the course of proceedings. He is known for his meticulous preparation of cases, his clear focus on the client’s cause, but also his relaxed and approachable style.
Defence work is undertaken for a wide range of solicitors across Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, The Midlands, West and North Yorkshire. He has established a loyal following amongst senior solicitors and this work spans all aspects of serious crime. His extensive practice includes both privately funded and legal aid work.
Called 1994
CPS Category 4 Prosecutor
Specialist Rape Panel Manager
CPS Category 4 member of the Serious Crime and Fraud Panels
Specialist Regulatory Panel Member (List B)