5 St Andrews Hill

John is a barrister specialising in criminal and extradition law.

John specialises in crime and extradition.

John has particular experience in cases involving drugs, sexual offences (including historic allegations), serious violence and dishonesty.

He has an interest in cases involving vulnerable defendants and witnesses and has been instructed in cases involving the use of intermediaries to assist defendants with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and those with mental health conditions.

John accepts direct public access instructions in suitable cases.

John was called to the Bar in 2008. John is an appointed level 2 CPS Prosecutor.

Criminal Defence

John has a busy criminal practice and is instructed in the full range of criminal offences.

John has completed vulnerable witness training which supplements his wealth of experience in cases involving those with physical, psychiatric, psychological and behavioural conditions.  His ability to identify the potential for previously undiagnosed conditions as well as his skill in adopting the right language and manner to accommodate people’s vulnerabilities mean he is sought-after to appear in cases involving the use of special measures, intermediaries and pre-recorded cross-examination.

He has extensive experience (as junior alone, second junior and led by Queen’s Counsel) of complex multi-handed cases involving large volumes of evidence and in cases running for many weeks at trial.  Such cases include murder, conspiracies to supply drugs, to launder money, to burgle and to rob.

John has experience of tackling cell-site, download and other evidence from digital sources.  His understanding of technical IT-related evidence means he recognises technical weaknesses in prosecution evidence.

He has acquired expertise in sexual offences, including rape (of adults and children), possessing and distributing indecent images, sexual communication with a child, assault with intent to commit a sexual offence and exposure.

John is regularly instructed in privately-funded cases, including driving cases.

Feedback from clients:

“We are very grateful to John for his sound legal knowledge, advice and guidance. His professional and personable attitude put all of us at ease.” “We were very happy with John’s presentation and familiarity with our son’s case and the benefit of his legal knowledge, experience and attention to detail."

“You were a godsend and one amazing barrister. You gave me confidence, you did not falter, you were very confident and calm in front of the judge, the prosecution and jury.  You missed nothing with your cross-examination and often found little gems which highlighted inconsistencies. You made myself and my witnesses feel at ease and gave us all confidence.”

Criminal Prosecutions - Private & Public

John is a Grade 2 CPS prosecutor.

John accepts Private Prosecution instructions.

Extradition & International

John is an experienced extradition practitioner, having represented many requested persons at first instance and on appeal.