Trinity Chambers

Joe has built a criminal practice, predominantly defending, and has appeared in a wide spectrum of cases which have included serious violence; public disorder; sexual offences ranging from voyeurism to historic familial rape; and multi- handed drug, robbery and fraud conspiracies. He appears at the Crown Court daily and regularly appears at the Court of Appeal and the Administrative Court.

Joe is extremely user friendly and over the last decade has built strong and lasting relationships with many of the leading criminal defence solicitors in the North East. Long before the advent of the digital system, Joe provided prompt and succinct written electronic advice.

Joe is well acquainted with the numerous Advocates’ Graduated Fee Schemes and has an in-depth understanding of the Legal Aid Agency’s Criminal Bills assessment and procedures. He has successfully challenged numerous refusals of the Legal Aid Agency to correctly determine criminal bills and has secured hundreds of thousands of pounds on behalf of criminal defence solicitors. Historically, he has represented prisoners, many of whom were serving life sentences, at Parole Board hearings before circuit judges and adjudications before district judges.

Joe receives instructions to represent parents in private family law proceedings including residence and contact issues. APPOINTMENTS CPS Grade 4 Prosecutor MEMBERSHIPS North Eastern Circuit EDUCATION Northumbria University, LL.B (Hons) Exempting Degree Incorporating the Bar Vocational Course 2:1 PUBLIC ACCESS Joe is qualified to receive instructions direct from businesses, professionals and members of the public. Any such requests should be directed to his clerks in the first instance. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Joe’s interests include:

Restoration and renovation of Victorian and Grade II listed buildings using traditional methods and materials. Restoration of twentieth century French garden furniture. Physical fitness. Skiing and snow boarding. Motoring.

CPS Grade 3 Prosecutor North Eastern Circuit Joe is qualified to receive instructions direct from businesses, professionals and members of the public. Any such requests should be directed to his clerks in the first instance.