187 Chambers

Richard is an experienced trial advocate, noted for his judgement and tactical
skill, Richard Burrington is regularly the first choice of those who instruct him on
behalf of both the defence and prosecution.
Over the course of two and a half decades he has accumulated a wealth of
experience in conducting cases involving the most serious of criminal allegations
including murder, manslaughter, gang related violence, drug supply, rape and
child abuse, fraud and forgery, together with ancillary hearings under POCA.

Criminal Defence: R v Carter (Central Criminal Court) – Defence counsel in a murder trial lasting 6 weeks. The central issue concerned complex medical evidence that challenged the fundamental assertion that there had been a ‘killing’ at all – rather than an accidental death. The defendant was acquitted. R v Phillips (& others) (Kingston CC) – Defence counsel in a high value, sophisticated, multi-defendant conspiracy to rob cash in transit vehicles. A case of its type displaying unique complexity and lasting 5 months. ‘Flying Squad’ police officers were alleged to have perverted the course of justice in fabricating a nuanced case against the defendants during the course of an undercover surveillance operation spanning 4 years. This having been set against a background of a similar attempt by the police to implicate one of the defendants 20 years earlier. R v Dudley (& others) (Chelmsford CC) – Defence counsel for one of four nightclub doormen accused of manslaughter, by allegedly having restrained a customer through the use of excessive force. In a trial lasting 6 weeks, the focus fell on a multitude of experts who were called to provide opinion on complex issues of pathology, neuropathology, toxicology and ‘SIA’ approved restraint techniques. The defendant was acquitted. R v Daniels (CA (Crim Div) LTL 18/1/2008) – Counsel for the appellant accused of drug trafficking. An appeal against conviction was successfully brought on the basis of the jury having reached inconsistent verdicts. Conviction quashed.

Criminal Prosecution: R v Holland (& others) (Blackfriars CC) – A ‘contract kidnapping’ case, the substance of which stemmed from an undercover police operation mounted against an organised criminal gang. The intricate details of covert visual surveillance and probe recordings were explored during a trial lasting 8 weeks. All 5 defendants were convicted. R v Goldstein (& others) (Basildon CC) – An international conspiracy to counterfeit credit cards and pass them via the UK for use throughout Europe. A substantial disclosure exercise involved sensitive issues concerning cross-border police operations. R v Andress (& others) (Basildon CC) – A sophisticated conspiracy to defraud insurance companies through the multiple creation of fraudulent applications and claims for life assurance. 6 week trial. R v F (Ipswich CC) – Historic child abuse allegations made against a taxi driver with responsibility for transporting children with Special Educational Needs. 2 week trial. R v F (Chelmsford CC) – Serious sexual offences committed by a council worker posing as an airline pilot having met the victim through an online dating website. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-48558320

Fraud & Financial Crime: R v Goldstein (& others) (Basildon CC) – An international conspiracy to counterfeit credit cards and pass them via the UK for use throughout Europe. A substantial disclosure exercise involved sensitive issues concerning cross-border police operations. R v Andress (& others) (Basildon CC) – A sophisticated conspiracy to defraud insurance companies through the multiple creation of fraudulent applications and claims for life assurance. 6 week trial.

Criminal Bar Association South Eastern Circuit Essex Bar Mess

Awards, Qualifications & Other: Grade 3 CPS Counsel CPS Rasso Panel