Ben FitzGerald prosecutes and defends in cases of serious crime, fraud and professional regulatory offending. He is a Grade 4 prosecutor for the CPS and member of the SFO's A Panel of prosecuting advocates. He successfully prosecuted Ben Butler in 2Q16 for the murder of his six-year old daughter Ellie, and her mother Jennie Gray for child cruelty and perverting the course of justice. He is regularly instructed both alone and as a led junior in the most serious criminal cases. Ben represents corporate clients and private individuals who require impeccable preparation and advocacy. He currently represents a major UK bank in relation to alleged fraud and an individual banker in connection with the SFO's EURIBOR investigation. He has successfully defended the UK's largest retailer against private criminal prosecution. He recently secured the acquittal of a chartered accountant on charges of fraud. He represents a company director charged in connection with an alleged [109 million tax fraud in Operation Amazon, reportedly HM Revenue & Customs' biggest ever prosecution. He has extensive experience of advising on Legal Professional Privilege, investigatory powers and judicial review proceedings. He acts regularly in Health and Safety cases for both the prosecution and for corporate or individual defendants. He recently represented a contractor charged over a death whilst working at height (R v Bakewell). He secured convictions against corporates and individuals arising from a workplace death on an industrial estate (R v Babamiri and others). He is a highly-rated and expert advocate in professional disciplinary proceedings. He is equally adept whether presenting the case for the regulator or acting for the individual professional. He is regularly instructed in the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, GDC and NMC to deal with complex and serious cases.
Called Lincolns Inn 2000. Publications of note: Deaths in police custody: The role of the custody officer – past, present and future. (13/6/07).
French, Russian.
CBA, ARDL.
Ipswich School; Trinity College, Cambridge University (1997 BA (Hons) History, First Class). Subsequently awarded MA. Senior Scholar, Trinity College. City University (1999 Postgraduate Diploma in Law). Inns of Court School of Law (2000 Bar Vocational Course).