Criminal

Michael has 20 years’ experience of prosecuting and defending all aspects of serious crime and is a Category 4 Prosecutor.  Following completion of pupillage at 3 Hare Court (now 2 Bedford Row), between 1997 and 2009 Michael was in practice at the self-employed Bar both in London and Manchester where he developed an exclusively criminal, mixed prosecution and defence, practice, and was instructed in all aspects of serious crime, including violence, armed robbery, firearms offences, arson, fatal road traffic cases, drugs importation/supply, large scale public disorder, child neglect and rape and other serious sexual offences.  He was enrolled on the CPS approved list of advocates in sex cases and presented lectures within chambers on topics such as third party disclosure in serious sex cases.

In 2010 Michael joined Manchester Crown Prosecution Service, which is one of the busiest Crown Advocate Units in the country.  As a Senior Crown Advocate he prosecuted cases of ever increasing gravity and complexity. Although engaged in the full spectrum of criminal prosecutions, he developed a considerable specialisation in rape and other RASSO work at Category 4.  Michael has extensive experience of dealing with vulnerable witness and is known for his skills and sensitivity in dealing with such cases. 

Additionally Michael was instructed in a number of cases by the Complex Casework Unit, involving, for example, Triad gang violence, and most recently the multiple murders and mass poisonings carried out by a nurse at Stepping Hill Hospital. In preparation for the latter Michael spent a considerable period working very closely with one of the GMP Major Incident Teams, helping to build this highly complex case.  He. received commendations from both the Chief Constable and DPP for his work.

Having now returned to the self-employed Bar, Michael is looking forward to developing a prosecution and defence practice once more.

Call 1995

Appointments:Grade 4 RASSO Prosecutor

1991The University of Hull, LLB

1993The University of Hull, LLM, International Law

1995Inns of Court School of Law, BVC