Qualifications and Professional Associations
- MA (Hons) Oxon
- Called to the Bar by the Middle Temple 1975
- Member of the Criminal Bar Association
- Member of the South Eastern Circuit
- Courts Martial List
- Deputy Assistant Coroner for Kent
Areas of Specialisation
Although a mere stripling, Chris has a vast experience of all types of criminal advocacy and has defended the occasionally innocent for longer than he wishes to remember. In the last few years he has led in numerous frauds, sexual offences, terrorism, drug smuggling and diversion smuggling cases. Primarily based in Kent, Surrey & London, although Chris will travel throughout the country if neccesary.
He has a particular expertise in cases of highly complex and/or multiple child abuse. He has been involved in two of the main paedophile ring cases in the South East of England. He has an expertise in the cross examination of paedophile witnesses in sexual cases. He is also highly skilled in the cross examination of baby shaking and battery cases.
He defends the whole gambit of criminality including:
- R v Dhaliwal - TERRORISM leading Paul Mylvaganam
- R v Kelso - DRUGS leading Nicholas James
- R v Woods - MURDER - leading Hugo Lodge
- R v Lehaney - MONEY LAUNDERING - leading Philippa Page
- R v Withington - DIVERSION FRAUD - leading Charles Langley
- R v Farrow - ATTEMPTED MURDER - leading Jane Gow
Chris heads our team of licensing specialists and for many years appeared before the Magistrates and Crown Court on behalf of the Kent Victuallers Association. Since the coming into force of the 2003 Act, he has appeared in revocation hearings before council committees. He has also successfully represented a Limited Company seeking a licence for a multi-million pound development for all day entertainment and also successfully won a three day appeal on their behalf.
Chis has a niche specialisation in Coroners' Inquests. He acts for the Coroner as Counsel to the Inquiry in serious jury inquests, including deaths in custody, death at the hands of police officers and deaths on active military service. He can provide expert representation and advice for all parties at Coroners' Inquests and related Judicial Reviews.
Background Information
A background of general common law in the early stages of his career (negligence, running down actions, immigration, divorce etc) means that he has a wide experience of the law going beyond the confines of crime. He regularly advises city commercial solicitors who have cases which involve a criminal element. He is an expert cross examiner and communicator.
He has an interest in sports law brought about from many years of watching Fulham lose! He has previously appeared in the Family Division in Wardship cases etc; also the Immigration Appeal Tribunal.
