Stone King LLP

Criminal law

Angus is a dedicated solicitor specialising in criminal law. He has a wealth of experience in the criminal justice system from representing clients at the police station, to advocating at the Court of Appeal. He is known for his tenacious legal work and astute identification of the point of difference in each case he handles. He is committed to his clients and works relentlessly to ensure they are listened to, and no detail is left out. His key strength is his understanding and recognition of the human story at the heart of each and every case. He is a compassionate listener and considered advocate. Clients feel well supported by his personable and relentless work ethic. Over the years he has developed a particular passion and experience in assisting neurodivergent individuals in the criminal justice system, an often overrepresented group. He is entirely committed to making a difference in the criminal justice system.

Angus began his career in the litigation team at Mowbray Woodwards, dealing with civil and criminal cases. This broader experience has provided a solid foundation for his increasing specialism in criminal litigation. He remains involved in regulatory work and is experienced in transport work, including public enquiries in front of regional traffic commissioners. His focus remains on serious crime, committed to defence work in the criminal justice system. His caseload spans the criminal court spectrum, with extensive Crown Court litigation. He conducts advocacy in the Crown Court on a weekly basis, and brings his own courage and compassion to the courtroom. His astute eye for detail and case preparation gives clients confidence that he understands their story.

He has developed a particular expertise in respect of sexual offences, including allegations relating to indecent imagery, communications, vigilante stings, and contact sexual offending. His practice spans all courts, including mitigating at Crown Court sentencing hearings, to litigating trials. He has developed a nationwide practice in a team who lead the field in this area of criminal law.

Angus’ appellant and Judicial Review experience includes the preparation of and advocacy in Court of Appeal Criminal Division applications against both conviction and sentence, and the Judicial Review of Police decisions to caution and CPS decisions to prosecute, especially in respect of young and vulnerable individuals.

Angus also handles motoring law and driving offences, at both pre-court and prosecution stages. This work includes drink driving, driving standards cases, including due care and attention, and dangerous driving, including causing death or serious injury. Angus also deals with speeding offences, whether mitigating to avoid a ban or defending innocence. This area of practice routinely includes arguing that exceptional hardship should apply to avoid a totting disqualification.

Work highlights:

R v C – Litigation and advocacy throughout criminal proceedings, including an appeal against the making, and terms of, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed at the Crown Court.

R v Z – Litigation of a Crown Court trial involving multiple expert instructions, a re-trial, and a successful wasted costs argument arising from failures in the prosecution’s handling of the case.

R v L – Litigating in respect of a matter of Assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm – the complainant passed away prior to trial. Numerous issues relating to hearsay evidence and bad character. L acquitted of all charges.

R v J – J was arrested for Sexual Activity with a Child, sexual communication with a child and grooming. Successful representations that there was insufficient evidence, case was dropped before court.

R v D – Litigation in an indecent images trial, including drafting legal argument on Res Gestae which ultimately led to the crown offering no evidence.

R v J Motoring Law: J prosecuted for speeding and s.172 failure to provide driver details. Numerous issues were identified with how the prosecuting authority had handled the case. Successfully argued that the proceedings themselves were an abuse of process. As a result, the case was discontinued before reaching trial.

R v M – Motoring Law – Fail to provide driver details – Successfully argued that it was not in the public interest to prosecute s.172 Road Traffic Act (Failure to Provide Driver Details). Case discontinued before reaching Court.

Bath-based Angus is a keen sportsman. He has played volleyball at a significant standard nationwide, in addition to many years of competitive swimming.

Angus has travelled widely and spent various periods abroad, most recently in India. He worked and lived as a lifeguard in America and, closer to home, he can often be found surfing in Cornwall or along the north Devon coastline.