Profile
Position
Specialist Criminal Practitioner - Defence and Prosecution. Defends in serious sex cases, murder, and confiscation cases acting in some of the highest profile cases in the UK. Recent cases include gang murders, representing young gang members using knives and guns. Particular expertise in the ever-developing areas of child sex offending, grooming, and human trafficking. Leading defence counsel in Operations Bullfinch and Sabaton (very high profile, widely reported cases concerning gangs of Asian men grooming and abusing very young girls over a period of many years in Oxford). Bullfinch was the second case of its type. Advocacy trainer for the Inner Temple. Teaches a unique course on how to cross examine very young and vulnerable witnesses. Brought in to lead for the defence in a 2014 case involving 3 year old complainants and significant expert witness evidence. Defended in Match.com rape case. Leading specialist in matters of PII and disclosure. Extensive experience of cases concerning International Security and Government agencies requiring expert knowledge of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, including the legality of telephone intercept material. Appointed in 2010 as a Special Advocate for the Attorney General. Special Advocate in Operation Lanosity.
Career
Called 1983; Inner Temple; standing counsel to HM Customs & Excise 1998-2005; QC 2006.
Memberships
Education
Horndean Comprehensive School; Durham University (BA Dunelm).
Content supplied by 2 Bedford Row
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- '2BR are a fantastic set, the quality of all of the barrister I have used has been top class, from all ranges of call, from newly called to KCs. Tom Powell as clerk is organised, responsive and always delivers the right barrister at a fair price. '
- '2BR Chambers is an excellent set with an array of talent from Silk to junior juniors.'
- 'The leading set. Counsel are top of their game. nothing is too much trouble.'
- 2 BR are a collection of extremely impressive barristers. Judges know that if counsel before them is from 2BR they will be well prepared and highly able.The clerking team is excellent - they liaise with the Courts they regularly service to endeavour to ensure cases are heard when their counsel are available.'
- 'The set are committed and hard working , proactive and communicative.'
- '2 Bedford Row has strong team of talented criminal defence barristers, and we are always confident of an excellent service when instructing them ranging from the senior to the junior end.'
- 'Chambers are very good and communicative. They arrange appropriate cover and ensure that any barrister covering a hearing for instructed counsel is suitably qualified.'
- '2BR is one of our first choice sets for this area of work. The barristers are first-rate, the clerking, billing, management and support all works extremely well. You know your expectations will be met. '