John Cammegh KC is a highly accomplished Silk, uniquely experienced in practising at the highest level in both domestic and international criminal courts over the past two decades.
He has been recognised as a leading criminal Silk by The Legal 500 since his appointment in 2019.
He has extensive international criminal law experience and as a result, accepts instructions in this area and related extradition matters.
He also accepts instructions in Business Crime and Regulatory cases.
Primarily a defence advocate, he has further broadened his expertise since taking Silk by successfully acting for the prosecution in a series of notorious murder trials in recent years. John specialises in cases of homicide, organised use and supply of drugs and firearms, people trafficking and complex sexual offences. Combining close attention to detail and his customary down to earth manner he is highly skilled at gaining the confidence of clients, juries and judges alike.
Whether through his cross examination of expert witnesses or co-defendants in cut-throat cases, or through his rare ability to address juries with both precision and panache he is widely known as a formidable trial advocate.
John’s cases frequently receive national press coverage:
Most recently in 2023, he prosecuted the multiple killer Lawrence Bierton who received a whole life order for the murder of a third elderly victim. The case has led to widespread calls for an inquiry into Probation Service conduct and oversight. In 2022, John successfully prosecuted Ross McCullum for the notorious Megan Newborough murder. In 2021, he successfully defended in R v M and another, a complex drugs-related murder linked to organised crime. In 2020, he acted in the case of Reader and Welch, involving the shooting of the co-defendant’s ex-wife, which was subsequently subject of a television documentary. He has acted for appellants in the Court of Appeal, having been granted leave in cases involving loss of control defences. International Criminal LawJohn has extensive International Criminal law experience. He is a highly experienced practitioner in this field. He is able to take command of the complex political and factual landscape of each case and his ability to gain the confidence of the most demanding clients and tribunals.
He acted as lead counsel in a 4 year trial in Sierra Leone having advised the defence in the Bangladesh Genocide trial (the first international tribunal to impose the death penalty).
Seminars & Media Opportunities John is an experienced seminar presenter on domestic and international issues and has featured in various television documentaries and news bulletins.