23ES

Matthew Ness prosecutes and defends in a wide array of criminal cases including large-scale drug trafficking, robbery, fraud, and serious violent and sexual offences. He specialises in general crime, drawing on his extensive experience in criminal litigation to instil confidence in clients and solicitors alike.

Instructing solicitors have said:

"The results he has obtained evidence that he is listened to by the Courts."

Client Testimonials

"He’s always fully prepared with a clear grasp of important issues."

Client Testimonials

"Matthew takes a clearly focussed approach to cases. He works collaboratively and is always on hand to discuss matters in advance of hearings."

Client Testimonials

"Very capable, hardworking and reliable."

Client Testimonial

Matthew has a busy practice in the Crown, Magistrates’, and Youth Courts and has represented clients in the Court of Appeal. He has experience over a wide range of cases including robbery, theft and fraud, drugs, road traffic, violent and sexual offences.

Additional Information
Prior to commencing pupillage, Matthew worked as a senior paralegal for Hennessy and Hammudi Solicitors, where he gained considerable experience as a litigator in all manner of criminal cases from road traffic to serious violence, organised crime, fraud and sex offences. He was a key member of the defence team in several high-profile cases including the alleged murder of PC Andrew Harper, 13-year-old Ollie Stephens (termed the “social media murder” by BBC’s Panorama), and the Reading Forbury Gardens terrorist attack in 2020. Matthew also litigated several reported judicial review cases in the High Court.

Matthew has represented clients pro bono before the Parole Board and on behalf of the Free Representation Unit. In addition, he previously volunteered with the Citizens Advice Bureau and mentored prisoners and young offenders in debating for the Gray’s Inn Vocalise program.
Education and Awards

• The University of Brighton: BA Humanities: First Class.
• University of Law: Graduate Diploma in Law: Distinction.
• BPP Law School: BPTC: Outstanding.

Scholarships

• Birkenhead Scholarship: Gray’s Inn.
• Award for Academic Excellence: The University of Brighton.