New Park Court Chambers

Crime, Regulatory

Jason Pitter KC was called to the Bar in 1994 and commenced pupillage in Chambers in 1995 and became a member in 1996 practicing initially in general crime, personal injury and civil fraud.

His practice developed, with a greater emphasis on increasingly complex and serious criminal litigation but rapidly expanded to incorporate professional misconduct and regulatory law, with a particular focus on health and safety and also representing the GMC, GDC and NMC. That was the foundation for his specialist practice in a number of areas for which he has become highly recommended over many years.

He is frequently instructed on private and publicly funded basis in the following areas:

Crime
Defending and prosecuting in major and complex criminal investigations, in particular cases involving:

• Homicide (including resulting from road traffic collisions and work related accidents)
• Fraud and serious offences of dishonesty
• Organised crime including large drug importation and distribution
• Serious sexual offences
• Proceeds of crime offences and asset recovery

As a result of and linked to work in relation to Professional Misconduct, regularly instructed in the representation number of professional clients facing criminal allegations arising out of alleged misconduct in the workplace (including care home workers, police officers and doctors). These offences include homicide (in particular gross negligence manslaughter and misconduct in a public office), mistreatment of patients, serious sexual offences and serious offences of dishonesty.

• R v Hillier & Fulstow [2023]. Appeared for the Crown in the successful prosecution of Michael Hillier and Rachel Fulstow for the carefully orchestrated murder of Liam Smith, father of two. The case received widespread national publicity during the six-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court Manchester. Both defendants received a minimum of 30 years sentence by HHJ Greene who referred to the offence as a brutal and cold-blooded murder.
• R v Walls & Others [2017]. Represented one of the police helicopter operatives acquitted of misconduct in a public office in relation to allegedly using the video equipment to record members of the public in their own homes in compromising situations. One of the other officers had pleaded guilty. The case received widespread news coverage.
• R v Ince [2017]. Represented a senior and eminent University principle who faced an allegations of homicide following a road traffic accident. The issues involved vehicle recognition and complex speed analysis especially in relation to the driving of the deceased. The Defendant was acquitted.

Complex Road Traffic

Instructed on a largely private basis in relation to complex road traffic accidents and disasters especially those involving homicide and complex scientific issues (motion camouflage, vehicle conspicuity, driver visual acuity) and cases where unexplained vehicle acceleration is an issue. Engaged in lecturing bodies engaged in this area of work and more broadly advising on the tactical approach in cases in this area.

Regulatory

Significant experience of prosecuting and defending in relation to regulatory breaches, in particular cases that have resulted in death, or serious injury. Advising individuals and corporate bodies in relation to compliance. Has previously advised the HSE and corporate bodies at procedural and operational level.

• Currently instructed in relation to the alleged failings of police officers in relation to the Rotherham Child Sexual Exploitation investigation.
• Cygnet Learning Disabilities Ltd. Instructed to represent one of the largest care home operators in the country. Successful resolution of enforcement actions and linked appeal in relation to conditions imposed by the CQC under s31 Health and Social Care Act 2008. [Instructed by DAC Beechcroft]
• GC (nursing home) [2018 onwards]. Instructed to represent care home in relation to CQC investigation and enforcement in relation to a number of deaths of residents. In particular alleged failings centred around the management of patient care and the measures in place to protect residents/patients from the actions (including violence) of other patients/residents. [Instructed by Keoghs]
• R v Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions and Balfour Beatty Living Places [2017]. Instructed on behalf of the HSE. Largest successful prosecution and financial penalty for historic hand and arm vibration affecting a large number (by exposure and injury) of employees. The case involved complex issues in relation to employee movement, analysis of scientific evidence affecting causation and breach of duty. There was legal argument in relation abuse of process, delay and promise not to prosecute.

Professional Misconduct

The prosecution of and representation of professional persons at misconduct hearings. In particular cases before the police misconduct panels, cases brought by the General Medical Council, GDC and NMC.

Coronial Law

Jason has appeared in a number of high profile inquests where there has been an underlying breach of duty leading to death or professional misconduct. This includes death in custody and death in work related deaths.

Public Law

In particular in relation to claims in relation to the criminal justice system and professional misconduct hearings.