Matthew Ness

Matthew prosecutes and defends in a wide array of criminal cases. He specialises in general crime, drawing on his extensive experience in criminal litigation to instil confidence in clients and solicitors alike. In addition, Matthew receives instructions in extradition and regulatory & professional discipline matters.

Prior to commencing pupillage, Matthew worked as a senior paralegal for Hennessy and Hammudi Solicitors, where he gained considerable experience as a litigator in all manner of criminal cases from road traffic to serious violence, organised crime, fraud and sex offences. He was a key member of the defence team in several high-profile cases including the alleged murder of PC Andrew Harper, 13-year-old Ollie Stephens (termed the “social media murder” by BBC’s Panorama), and the Reading Forbury Gardens terrorist attack in 2020. Matthew also litigated several reported judicial review cases in the High Court.

Matthew has represented clients pro bono before the Parole Board and on behalf of the Free Representation Unit. In addition, he previously volunteered with the Citizens Advice Bureau and mentored prisoners and young offenders in debating for the Gray’s Inn Vocalise program.

Education and Awards The University of Brighton: BA Humanities: First Class. University of Law: Graduate Diploma in Law: Distinction. BPP Law School: BPTC: Outstanding. Scholarships Birkenhead Scholarship: Gray’s Inn. Award for Academic Excellence: The University of Brighton.