Park Square Barristers

Criminal and Regulatory & Public

Crime

Ranked in Chambers and Partners (2025) for Crime.

Matthew practices exclusively in crime and is instructed regularly in cases involving the most serious of offences, including murder, manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving, wounding with intent, firearms, armed robbery, large-scale conspiracies to supply controlled drugs and serious sexual offending including multiple complainant rape cases (non-recent offending and cases involving particularly young and vulnerable complainants).

Matthew was one of the first advocates to undertake the pre-recorded cross-examination of witnesses as part of the Leeds Crown Court 'pilot court' implementation of section 28 of the YJCEA 1999. He has undertaken a significant number of such hearings involving children as young as 6 and witnesses with complex psychiatric and medical conditions.

Matthew has a hugely effective manner with clients.

Approach

Renowned for his meticulous case management and eye for detail, Matthew assumes a hands-on approach to all cases. He prides himself on providing detailed written advices in all matters, irrespective of their size and/or complexity. He ensures no stone is left unturned, with a particular emphasis on disclosure.

Matthew understands that effective communication with both professional and lay clients is an essential part of case management and preparation, and as a result, he is always available to advise and discuss issues as and when they arise.

Matthew has a hugely effective manner with clients. Many have spoken of the care and attention he has given them and their cases. This is frequently reflected in powerful and effective mitigations, often in the most difficult and challenging matters.

He is an experienced and accomplished jury advocate and knows well the value of meticulously prepared examination of witnesses and a well-crafted closing speech.

Training

Matthew provides training to solicitors on a number of subjects, including the drafting of defence statements, bad character and hearsay. He provides bespoke training in-house or in chambers.

Regulatory & Public

Matthew is a specialist in sports law, having a personal interest in the sports themselves as well as their management and governance. While he is happy to advise in all aspects of sport-related law, he has a particular interest in doping and ABP cases.

Matthew brings a keen forensic eye and meticulous case-management to this fast-growing area of law.

Call 2002

Grade 4 prosecutor

RASSO panel

North Eastern Circuit Criminal Bar Association

2001 Leeds Metropolitan University, LLB (Hons)

2002 Manchester Metropolitan University, BVC