Matthew Ness > Chambers of David Josse KC > London, England > Barrister Profile

Matthew Ness

02073325400 matthewness@5sah.co.uk View profile

Position

Matthew prosecutes and defends in a wide array of criminal cases. He specialises in general crime, drawing on his extensive experience in criminal litigation to instil confidence in clients and solicitors alike. In addition, Matthew receives instructions in extradition and regulatory & professional discipline matters.

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.

Career

Matthew was called to the bar in 2021.

• CPS External Advocates Panel (Grade 1).
• Nursing and Midwifery Council Authorised Case Presenter.

Criminal Defence

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

Criminal Prosecutions – Private & Public

Matthew accepts instructions to prosecute on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service in the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts as a Grade 1 prosecutor. He is also available for instruction in private prosecutions.

Extradition & International

Matthew has a growing extradition practice and has acted on behalf of clients sought by a number of different requesting states.

Professional Discipline & Regulatory

Matthew has a growing professional discipline and regulatory practice and is keen to develop his practice in this area. He is an approved case presenter for the Nursing and Midwifery Council and has been instructed in numerous interim order applications.

Asset Recovery, Civil Fraud & Confiscation

Matthew accepts instructions in asset forfeiture and confiscation matters. He has experience defending in enforcement proceedings and has received instructions on behalf of the Metropolitan Police in proceedings relating to asset forfeiture.

Memberships

• Criminal Bar Association (CBA).
• Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum (DELF).
• Women In Criminal Law (WICL).

Education

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.