Park Square Barristers

Crime

In September 2025 Paul will begin practicing from Park Square. He returns to his native Yorkshire, having accrued a wealth of experience in criminal law over 30 years in London chambers. As one of their leading juniors, Paul helped 5 King's Bench Walk to be awarded the "Crime set of the year" by Chambers UK Bar Awards in 2024 and 2020.

Paul's talents came to the attention of PSQB during a large-scale drugs conspiracy trial at Leeds Crown Court in 2023. His client was acquitted in the face of overwhelming evidence. Those in court were impressed by Paul's command of the voluminous evidence and his skilful and calm cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses and co-defendants. Paul was unflappable in the face of the complex issues of law and ethics which arose. However, it was, above all, his closing speech to the jury that persuaded the trial Judge (who wrote a ringing endorsement to chambers) and those members of chambers present that Paul would be a stellar asset to Park Square.

The resident Judges at Southampton and Lewes, along with a senior Old Bailey Judge strongly recommended Paul to PSQB. At the same time they lamented, given the impact he has made, what a loss he will be to their court centres.

Paul specialises in all areas of serious crime. He has particular expertise in:

• Drugs and firearms offences - as leading junior Paul has secured acquittals in numerous, high profile, multi-defendant cases.
• Sexual offences - Paul was instructed in the UK's first effective FGM trial. He is a specialist in defending in the most serious of cases involving grooming, children and vulnerable witnesses and defendants.
• Crimes of violence - Paul has a depth of experience in murder, manslaughter, GBH and violent disorder cases, on many occasions as a leading junior.
• Road traffic allegations are an area in which Paul excels. He successfully defends in cases of causing death by dangerous and careless driving. Persuasive arguments in respect of special reasons and exceptional hardship have enabled clients of Paul's to retain their driving licences.
• Inland Revenue, mortgage, advance fee and other commercial fraud activities especially serious fraud involving VAT diversion.
• Dealing with young defendants and the cross-examination of young and vulnerable witnesses.
• The analysis of CCTV footage. Paul has been singled out for praise, on a number of occasions by Judges, for his close scrutiny of this type of evidence.

Regulatory & Public Law

Paul has represented a number of professional and semi-professional footballers.

He has expertise in the Coroners Court having represented both the family of the deceased and witnesses called to give evidence.

Paul has appeared in Prison Disciplinary hearings on behalf of prison inmates and made applications at the High Court for certificates of inadequacy under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Paul has successfully applied for costs orders against the Crown Prosecution Service.

As an advocacy trainer at Lincoln's Inn for many years, Paul has been trusted in passing on and nurturing the skills of junior barristers.

Paul has an easy-going, approachable manner, which coupled with a steely resolve to win, make him an extremely popular and sought after barrister.

Year of Call 1993

CBA

South Eastern Circuit

Northern Circuit

1988-1991: University College London, LLB

1992-1993: Inns of Court School of Law