Criminal, Regulatory and Public Law, Children Law and Personal Injury

Call 2018

Appointments:2020Level 1 Prosecutor

Prior to pupillage Tom worked for Leeds City Council Social Services, as a paralegal for Sugaré & Co. Solicitors, as a volunteer on behalf of Leeds-based charity Stop Hate U.K. and is an Elected Youth Officer and Youth Delegate for a local constituency party branch, engaging with and representing young people at a local level.

A skilful communicator, Tom has a developed practice in the Magistrates’ Court and his fearless approach to trials sees him regularly instructed by both the CPS and defence solicitors to act on their behalf. 

Tom’s role as a Grade 2 Prosecutor for the CPS sees him conducting hearings for the CPS in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. He has conducted a variety of mentions and appeals in the Crown Court as prosecution and defence counsel.

Tom regularly deploys his specialist knowledge in applications on matters of law, in hearsay applications, s.78 PACE applications and those adducing or resisting bad character evidence at trial. 

Tom has a raft of experience in the Youth Courts, from defending particularly vulnerable youth offenders to prosecuting complex multi-handers. These are delivered with great care and the application of the skills and practice required in Crown Court trials.

Whether acting in matters of theft, domestic violence, assault, sexual offences or driving offences, Tom’s down to earth nature and emotional intelligence ensures a tactful manner with young offenders and vulnerable witnesses and his skilful handling of those on the bench helps to achieve the best possible result for his client.

Born and raised in Leeds, Tom has a strong connection with the local community and experience of working with regional firms and of life in the city.

Inquests

Tom has experience in conducting inquests in the Coroner’s Court. He is happy to assist and advise at all stages. 

His experience in personal injury law means Tom is well-placed to offer continuity of representation, from inquests to civil actions for damages arising post-inquest.

Other regulatory

Tom has also undertaken a secondment with and continues to be instructed by the South Yorkshire Police. This involves drafting applications for protective public orders, such as Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Orders. He appears in court on the hearing of such matters and prosecuting such breaches. Tom also provides specific advice on issues arising out of work undertaken by the police, which has included making recommendations of local police force regulations.

Tom’s previous experience working with Leeds Children’s Social Work Services and Leeds Adult Social Care gives him a good understanding and grounding in regulatory bodies and their duties, as well as a sensitive manner, which helps when instructed on inquests.

Private

Tom is instructed on a range of private family law matters, from applications for child arrangements orders to occupation orders and non-molestation orders and more. He is comfortable delivering support and advice in difficult circumstances and is regarded for his fearless approach on behalf of his lay clients and for his skilful written work. 

Public

Tom is also instructed on public family law matters, appearing on a number of contested ICO hearings for the Local Authority and parents. His meticulous approach to his written work is positively received by clients and benches alike. Tom provides a quick turnaround with such work, facilitating his availability to be instructed on contested ICOs.

As a family law paralegal with Sugare and Co. and with time spent working at Leeds Children’s Social Work Services before joining the Bar, Tom is experienced in all stages of family law, which shows in his work and his sensitive handling of clients.

Tom enjoys a mixed civil practice and is regularly instructed on small claims matters in the county courts where he has been noted for handling matters with cool grace and determination. He has developed a busy practice conducting credit hire cases, which has been helped by his keen case preparation and substantial knowledge of the case law. Tom’s familiarity with civil applications sees him regularly deal with relief from sanctions applications, and in particular a number of cases concerning abuse of process. 

He also appears regularly on MOJ Stage 3, infant approval and disposal hearings and has experience in winders lists in the county cour

2016 University of Sheffield – BA (Hons) History

2017 Graduate Diploma in Law (Sheffield)

2018 University of Law, Leeds – LLM Legal Practice (including BPTC) – Distinction (Very Competent)