5 St Andrews Hill
5sah.co.uk5sah.co.ukBarristers
Matthew Ness
- Phone02073325400
- Email[email protected]
- Profilewww.5sah.co.uk
Position
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.
Career
Matthew was called to the bar in 2021.
CPS External Advocates Panel (Grade 1). Nursing and Midwifery Council Authorised Case Presenter.Criminal Defence
Matthew has a busy practice in the Crown, Magistrates’, and Youth Courts. He has experience over a wide range of cases including robbery, theft and fraud, drugs, road traffic, violent and sexual offences.
Criminal Prosecutions - Private & Public
Matthew accepts instructions to prosecute on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service in the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts as a Grade 1 prosecutor. He is also available for instruction in private prosecutions.
Extradition & International
Matthew has a growing extradition practice and has acted on behalf of clients sought by a number of different requesting states.
Professional Discipline & Regulatory
Matthew has a growing professional discipline and regulatory practice and is keen to develop his practice in this area. He is an approved case presenter for the Nursing and Midwifery Council and has been instructed in numerous interim order applications.
Asset Recovery, Civil Fraud & Confiscation
Matthew accepts instructions in asset forfeiture and confiscation matters. He has experience defending in enforcement proceedings and has received instructions on behalf of the Metropolitan Police in proceedings relating to asset forfeiture.