Jason Pitter KC was called to the Bar in 1994 and commenced pupillage in Chambers in 1995 and became a member in 1996 practicing initially in general crime, personal injury and civil fraud.
His practice developed, with a greater emphasis on increasingly complex and serious criminal litigation but rapidly expanded to incorporate professional misconduct and regulatory law, with a particular focus on health and safety and also representing the GMC, GDC and NMC. That was the foundation for his specialist practice in a number of areas for which he has become highly recommended over many years. He was shortlisted as Criminal Silk of the Year 2025 in Chambers and Partners.
He is frequently instructed on private and publicly funded basis in the following areas:
Crime
Defending and prosecuting in major and complex criminal investigations many of which generate significant public interest or are linked to proceedings in other areas of practice (eg misconduct in a public office, mistreatment of patients and detainees), serious sexual offences and serious offences of dishonesty and complex road traffic collisions.
- Peter Sullivan [2025] - Successful appeal against conviction for man who had been wrongly convicted 38 years murder. The case involved advances in DNA technology and development of the law and science in relation to bite marks. The case received world wide press coverage as the appellant was understood to be the long living victim of a miscarriage of justice in Britain.
- Op Harker (Majerkiewicz) [2025] - Prosecution of “body parts” murder, in which the convicted defendant had killed and then dismembered his landlord and deposited his remains across Greater Manchester. That included removal of the deceased’s face. The killing was widely publicised when a section of the body was discovered leading to an investigation that tracked back the defendant.
- R v Jhangur and Jhangur [2025] - Prosecuted the case dubbed “Good Samaritan” murder in the media. The deceased was rendering assistance to the Defendants sister centred around whether he had used his car as a weapon killing one man and seriously injuring three others including his own sister and mother who were at the scene. Complex driving related issues and cultural issues relating the family dispute.
Complex Road Traffic
Instructed on a largely private basis in relation to complex road traffic accidents and disasters especially those involving homicide and complex scientific issues (motion camouflage, vehicle conspicuity, driver visual acuity) and cases where unexplained vehicle acceleration is an issue. Engaged in lecturing bodies engaged in this area of work and more broadly advising on the tactical approach in cases in this area.
- R v Helps [2025] -Represented retired pensioner who had collided with an ongoing during an alleged overtaking manoeuvre. Following representations and presentation of evidence in relation to the role of epilepsy and automatism, the case was not proceeded with.
- R v Jhangur and Jhangur [2025] - (as above) using vehicle as a weapon
- R v Lhodia [2019] - Represented a retired doctor who had parked his vehicle on a “smart motorway”. His vehicle was collided into killing his grandson. Following representations in relation to the doctors health and whether deterioration of his cognitive ability was behind his action the case against him was not proceeded with. The case proceeded to an inquest which culminated in criticism in relation to the use of smart motorways.
Regulatory
Highly experienced in prosecuting and defending in relation to regulatory breaches, in particular cases that have resulted in death or serious injury. Advising individuals, corporate bodies and prosecuting authorities in relation to regulatory compliance (in particular HSE, CQC, Ofsted). Including advising the Health and Safety Executive, CQC and Ofsted at procedural and operational level.
Instructed in relation to the alleged failings of police officers in the Rotherham Child Sexual Exploitation investigation. Operational and high level advisory work to the CQC, including in 2024 in relation to case that generated Martha’s Rule arising from the tragic death of the 13 year old Martha Mills (enabling families to seek an urgent review of the medical opinion) and the events surrounding the Nottingham killings carried out by Valdo Colacane.
- OFSTED v Changes Care Ltd and Mason [2025] - One of the first prosecutions in relation to a care home operating without a licence. Legal issues as to the defence of necessity in light of the fact that the local authority had placed clients there.
- R v Norman Iveson Steel Products Ltd - Represented the company and the main director in relation to a fall from of one of the contractors. The company was a steel fabricated, and the circumstances involved a fall through the roof. The involvement in the case including pre-charge advice and management.
- Tees Esk and Wear NHS Trust (2024) - Acted for Care Quality Commission in the prosecution of the health trust in relation to two offences of failing to provide safe care and treatment, resulting in patients being exposed to a significant risk of avoidable harm.
Professional Misconduct
The prosecution of and representation of professional persons at misconduct hearings. In particular cases before the police misconduct panels, cases brought by the General Medical Council, GDC and NMC.
- British Gymnastics v X (2025) - Represented high profile British Gymnastic Coach in relation to allegations arising from alleged oppressive coaching techniques.
- Re: Cook and Snowden [2022 to 2024] - Represented High Ranking Police Inspector in Misconduct and criminal proceedings Allegedly malicious/offensive communications sent by former high ranking police officer. Linked misconduct, criminal and administrative court proceedings, which included right to privacy arguments. Acquitted at the criminal trial.
- Re: PC Blythe [2024] - Instructed to represent officer in relation to allegation of fabricating evidence and assault of a resident at a care home. Misconduct and criminal proceedings. Criminal proceedings dropped during prosecution case following cross examination.
Inquests & Inquiries
Appeared and instructed in a number of high profile inquests where there has been an underlying breach of duty leading to death or professional misconduct.
- Southport Inquiry [2025] - Instructed to act for one of the “Prevent” officers (counter terrorist officer with GMP) who was involved in assessing Axel Rudakabana who was responsible for the attack. The officer had been the subject of criticism in earlier reporting.
- Malkinson Inquiry [2024 ongoing] - Instructed to act for the rank-and-file officers who were involved in the investigation in relation to Andrew Makinson who had been wrongly convicted and spent 17 years in prison. The actions of the officers relates to the investigation and the management of material produced during it.
- Re: Moura [2023] - Represented one of the lead officers in misconduct and at the inquest in relation to the death of a man in custody. Complex issues arose as to the medical cause of death.
Public Law
In particular in relation to claims in relation to the criminal justice system and professional misconduct hearings.
