Criminal, Children Law and Regulatory & Public

Crime

Allan specialises in serious sexual and violent offences, particularly rape, sex trafficking and historic allegations of a sexual nature. He is extremely experienced in cross-examining young and vulnerable complainants and witnesses and those with disabilities, particularly the preparation of pre-recorded cross-examination procedures (S28 hearings). Allan is renowned for employing tact and understanding, tempered with firmness and forensic examination of the issues.

One particular area of specialism is the examination of accident investigators particularly driving cases involving death or serious injury. Allan has a great deal of knowledge concerning construction and use and handling characteristics of motor vehicles, given his extensive involvement in motorsport activities. One notable case concerned the Hemsworth By-Pass, which also featured cell site evidence. He secured an acquittal of one accused alleged to have participated in organised time trials on the road.

Allan leaves no stone unturned, employing effective trial management tactics, is thorough and meticulously in his preparation and presentation of the case. He is considered to have a persuasive, relaxed and calm style of advocacy, which proved invaluable in sensitive and complex cases. He is also complemented for his skill in effectively dealing with vulnerable and demanding lay clients.

Having achieved an illustrious and successful career in the Magistrates’ Courts Service, he was considered to be one of the top Justices’ Clerks in the Country, being appointed to a number of prestigious and important Government Committees, including the Lord Chancellor’s Project Board  dealing with the Implementation of the Human Rights Act and a working party, which subsequently led to the construction and implementation of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. That experience has given Allan a deep understanding of the operation of the Courts’ system and employment of the Criminal Procedure Rules.            

Children Law

Allan was involved in the introduction of the Children Act in the magistrates’ courts and has shown a keen interest in family law ever since.

He appears for all parties in public-law proceedings, but is particularly involved in finding-of-fact hearings dealing with unexplained injuries, serious sexual offences and violence. His criminal law background equips him to approach cases with detailed forensic examination and presentation of the evidence, and a thorough examination of professional and expert witnesses.

Regulatory & Public

Allan deals with regulatory breaches, particularly in the areas of care homes and animal welfare issues including hunting and badger baiting cases.

He has considerable experience of taxi-licensing matters, and has appeared regularly in hearings for both local authorities or applicants in complex cases concerning the grant, suspension and revocation of hackney carriage and private-hire licences.

Allan will also undertake disciplinary allegations in respect of sporting organisations, including motorsport tribunal hearings (having been a motorsport competitor himself).

Call 1984Appointments:1997–2000Chair of the Human Rights Committee, Justices' Clerks' Society

1998-2000Member of the Lord Chancellor's Project Board for the implementation of the Human Rights Act

Cleveland and North Yorkshire Criminal Justice Committee

North Eastern CircuitAssociate Member of the Justices' Clerks' Society

1979 Manchester Polytechnic, Diploma in Law for Magistrates' Court Clerks

1983Leicester Polytechnic, BA Law

1988Derbyshire College of Higher Education, Diploma in Management Studies