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Practice Profile
Qualifications:
BA Hons History (University of Southampton)
LLB (University of Southampton)
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Areas of Practice: |
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Panel appointments
- CPS – General Crime Panel – Grade 2
- CPS – Serious Crime Panel – Grade 2
Background:
Matthew came to the Bar following the completion of a ten month, common law
pupillage with Maidstone Chambers. Prior to pupillage he practised in the
County Court dealing with small claims, possession hearings (both mortgage and
landlord and tenant), applications for summary judgment, and insolvency
proceedings. Outside of court he advised on criminal appeals for specialist
appeals practice in central London. As a committee member of the Association of
Military Court Advocates Matthew developed his keen interest and proficiency in
all aspects of military law.
Crime:
Matthew regularly prosecutes
and defends in the Crown Court, and has conducted trials in cases involving a
wide range of criminal offences including regulatory matters. He is experienced
in confiscation hearings and is often instructed in restraint
applications.
R v B (Canterbury Crown Court) Prosecuted a dangerous dogs case where a dog had been used as a weapon whilst dangerously under control.
R v W (Canterbury Crown Court) Successfully defended a businessman charged with possession of an offensive weapon following a 5 day trial.
R v C (Canterbury Crown Court) Defended 19 year old accused of supplying Class A drugs to a minor who subsequently died from an overdose.
R v H (Gloucester Crown Court) Successfully defended a man charged with GBH
Court Martial:
Matthew regularly defends in the Court Martial and accepts instructions both in the UK and further afield. Building on his years working with the Association of Military Court Advocates and now as a member of the Service Court Rules Review Committee and Better Case Management (Court Martial) working group he is extremely well versed in the field. Matthew also provides pre-charge advice to those facing the prospect of Court Martial.
R v D: Successfully defended a soldier accused of abusing recruits under his command
R v H: Successfully defended a soldier in a case where service injuries had led to memory loss of the incident concerned.
Civil - Property, Landlord and Tennant:
Matthew practiced for three years prior to pupillage as a solicitors’ agent dealing with Landlord and Tennant disputes. He has now begun to develop that experience into a burgeoning paper and court practice and now also advises in a range of property disputes.
In addition, Matthew is very happy to advise on general contract disputes.
Kemsheds Trust: Successfully represented Northampton County Council against developers attempting to claim ownership via inheritance of a village car park based on disputed epitome of title.
GvG: Acted for the Claimant in a complex mortgage possession matter relying on the Mercantile Law Amendment Act 1856
Public Law
Matthew is beginning to develop a public law practice and is regularly instructed to advise a transport union in relation to regulatory and planning policy matters affecting its members.
Memberships:
Criminal Bar Association – Member
South Eastern Circuit – Member
Association of Military Court Advocates – Membership Secretary
Service Court Rules Review Committee - Member
