Eric Elliott Q.C.
Specialisms
Crime
Mr Eric Elliott Q.C. practises in all areas of criminal law with particular emphasis on cases involving homicide, fraud, drugs and sexual offending. Whilst a member of the North Eastern Circuit, where he appears in all the Court centres regularly, Eric Elliott's practice is nationwide and he has led for the defence in many substantial and complex trials at a variety of Courts across the country. Eric Elliott also has an extensive referral practice in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
Through the cases which he has conducted, Eric Elliott has developed a highly specialised knowledge of matters involving DNA evidence and mobile telephone technology. These 2 issues frequently form the central planks of many prosecution cases: such knowledge is often crucial to the dismantling of the prosecution's case and is an integral part in the process of securing an acquittal.
In relation to DNA evidence Eric Elliott led the Defence team in the Court of Appeal in the current leading case of R v. Reed and Reed (2010). The case is recognised as providing fundamental guidance and authority on the admissibility and relevance of DNA evidence as well as the ways in which expert evidence generally can be adduced in a criminal case.
Again as illustrated in the case of R v. Reed and Reed (2010) it is recognised that detailed knowledge and expertise in mobile phone technology, including cell site analysis, is an essential part of the defence barrister's armoury. This technical understanding and experience has led to Eric Elliott being particularly successful in defending cases of this nature and he is a recognised expert in this constantly evolving area.
Eric Elliott’s expertise in “white collar" crime is well illustrated by his leading of the successful defence team in R v Mehmood Mohammed (2011) at the Crown Court in Newcastle upon Tyne. Deploying his detailed knowledge of the workings of accountancy practices and the legislation governing VAT and Corporation Tax he secured the acquittal on all counts of a 49 year old chartered accountant who had been accused of having been a pivotal figure in a multi-million pound tax fraud and money laundering scheme masterminded by two others, both of whom received substantial sentences of imprisonment following conviction.
In addition Eric Elliott has developed a specialist practice relating to cases involving highly complex medical issues arising from alleged injuries inflicted upon children. In R v Vasey (2011) he mounted a successful defence of a mother accused of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent upon her 2 year old daughter. The case involved extremely complicated medical issues stemming from the child having been born with a serious cardiac condition. In all, 12 Consultant Paediatric Specialists were called on behalf of the Prosecution including a Consultant Haematologist and a Consultant Paediatric Surgeon. The trial took place subsequent to care proceedings in the Family Division of the High Court as a result of which substantial issues of law arose "inter alia" as to the admissibility of evidence sought to be adduced by the child's father and co-accused upon the basis of "bad character". Eric Elliott successfully argued that and evidence (including allegations relating to factitious illness syndrome) was inadmissible and the co-accused was convicted of offences of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.
In the high profile case of R v Thompson & Others (2012) Eric Elliott was successful in securing the acquittal of Mr David Wood of the grave offence of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office. Mr Wood had been accused, together with a number of others, with conspiring with a senior police officer to access police computers for intelligence in relation to the operation of a major drugs ring with a view to ensuring that the drugs operation could run smoothly. A remarkable feature of the case was that Mr Wood's team were able to run the defence without asking a single question or calling him to give evidence. The “not guilty” verdict of the jury was unanimous.
Regulatory & Disciplinary
Eric Elliott has a substantial regulatory and disciplinary practice including advising and appearing in horse racing matters and Inquiries governed by the British Horseracing Authority (formerly the Jockey Club). As a longstanding licensed racehorse trainer Eric Elliott has exceptional and unrivalled experience on the Circuit in dealing with such proceedings. Given his background he recognises and understands the impact that such proceedings have on the careers and reputations of all those involved in the industry including jockeys, trainers and their support staff. He is a member of the Racehorse Owners Association and the Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
Again in the sporting arena Eric Elliott has dealt with professional footballers in relation to criminal and contractual matters often dealing with issues which have career threatening implications.
Equine Law
Eric Elliott has substantial experience of advising and representing parties in equine related issues from contractual disputes to professional negligence to injury cases involving horses. He is a member of the British Horse Society.
What others say
"Courageous and innovative advocate’ Eric Elliott QC is highly recommended" Legal 500 2011
"Eric Elliott Q.C.defends effectively in serious criminal cases" Legal 500
Appointments
Silk 2006
Recorder 1993 Crime (including serious sexual offences) and Civil Assistant Recorder 1989
Memberships
North Eastern Circuit
Criminal Bar Association
Racehorse Owners Association
Thoroughbred Breeders Association
British Horse Society
Education
LLB (Hons) Liverpool University
Additional Information
Eric Elliott has a passion for all sports and has been delighted to fulfil his race horsing interests by having held a licence from the British Horseracing Authority, enjoying considerable success on the race course.