Crime, regulatory and direct access

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Bribery and Corruption Confiscation Crime Defence Drugs Extradition Financial Crime & Fraud Health & Safety Murder & Manslaughter Police Discipline Prison & Parole Boards Professional Discipline Prosecution Public Inquiries Regulatory Road Traffic & Motoring Sexual Offences Trading Standards Violent Crime

Andrew has over 30 years of experience as a barrister, initially both prosecuting and defending almost every type of criminal allegation. For the last 15 years he has specialised in criminal defence and has appeared in many high-profile cases of the utmost seriousness. He is known for his work in cases of murder, terrorism, major fraud,  money laundering and sexual offences. He has built up a formidable reputation amongst lay clients and solicitors as an outstanding jury advocate.

Andrew is often instructed to give a second opinion on both conviction and sentence and has been successful in cases where the original advice was that there was no reasonable prospect of success.

Andrew can make the difference in the outcome of a finely balanced case and is committed to giving proper and realistic advice.  He thinks tactically from the outset and always advises realistically on the merits and possible sentence. He gives clear advice on the merits of a case and his "down to earth"  manner and his professional handling of cases including his approach to mitigation when an offence is accepted in whole or in part has meant the difference between a custodial or non-custodial disposal.

Andrew often represents professionals facing criminal allegations. He is presently instructed where there are allegations of a £15 million fraud against the Legal Aid Fund.

At the other end of the spectrum, Andrew is known as an advocate who has a particular ability when dealing with clients with vulnerabilities. He treats all clients with respect whatever the allegation or difficulty and understands the impact on those facing criminal allegations.

A long association with a number of well-known solicitors has seen him develop a history of acting in some of the largest and most complex drug importations or conspiracies to supply drugs, for example R v U and R v AS. Further, he is regularly instructed in cases involving the NCA/Trident and particularly firearm cases.

In recent years, Andrew has represented a number of clients charged under the Terrorism Acts, including offences of acts of terrorism in Syria and offences under section 5{1}(a) intending to commit acts of terrorism and section 58 (1){b) possessing material/records of a kind to prepare or commit acts of terrorism. Andrew has experience of cases involving section 57 (1) of the Act and possession of firearms with the intention of conducting terrorism offences in this country and abroad (R v MA and R v T at the CCC).

The very nature of his practice has seen Andrew develop an in-depth understanding of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and confiscation proceedings.

Following his many years of experience and practical involvement in many areas of law Andrew is often contacted to give a second opinion after trial counsel have provided a negative advice on appeal.

Criminal Bar Association

Fraud Lawyers Association

Amnesty International