Robert Spragg

SPECIALISMS:

Crime

Robert (Bob) is a highly experienced criminal practitioner having specialised in criminal law since 1995 when he first qualified as a solicitor. In 2001 he was awarded higher rights of audience by exemption and transferred to the Bar in 2003.
 
Bob has a busy practice representing both the Crown and the defence in a wide range of matters from murder to serious motor offences. He appears daily at the Crown Court but has also appeared at the Court of Appeal Criminal Division and at the Divisional Court.

Actions Against the Police

Bob deals with claims against the Police including false imprisonment, wrongful arrest, malicious prosecutions, injury claims involving arrests, police dogs and CS spray. Bob has a particular insight into this area having been a 24 hour duty solicitor for seven years in London and the North East prior to his transfer to the Bar. Bob is prepared to review suitable cases on a pre-CFA basis.

Personal Injury

Bob deals with both claimant and defendant personal injury cases ranging from pre-action disclosure applications, small claims and infant approval hearings through to multi-track hearings. He undertakes road traffic accidents, employers’ liability and occupiers’ liability cases. Bob is willing to review cases on a pre-CFA basis.

Regulatory

Bob's practice covers regulatory matters including professional discipline, fraud and he has an interest in licensing proceedings.

CASES:

Crime
R v C and others (2012) "Cash for crash" - conspiracy to defraud insurance companies.
R v H and other (2011) Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
R v P (2011) Large scale football violence.
R v B (2010) Manslaughter following failure of stab proof vest.
R v F and other (2010) Murder following burglary of premises. Knife.
R v F and T (2010) Conspiracy to burgle North West England.
R v D and others (2009) Conspiracy to defraud. Setting up of fake businesses.
R v D and others(2009) Conspiracy to murder. Alleged misconduct by defendant’s solicitor in the same case. Shooting.
R v T (2009) Conspiracy to murder. Highly complex case involving considerable telephone evidence. Shooting.
R v B (2008) Low copy DNA case. Stranger rape in a park. Serious violence.
R v M (2008) Murder. Death of an infant.
R v C and others (2008) Murder. High profile street stabbing.

Divisional Court
R v T (2008) Judicial Review - continuity of evidence and Criminal Procedure Rules.
R v M (2009) Judicial Review - lawfulness of arrest by police of defendant.
R v T (2010) Advising on refusal of police to caution.
R v JP (2010) Advising on reasonableness of policies relating to youth justice.

APPOINTMENTS:

Grade 4 Prosecutor CPS

MEMBERSHIPS:

North Eastern Circuit
Criminal Bar Association

EDUCATION:

LLB (Hons) Newcastle University

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Bob qualified as a solicitor in 1995 specialising in crime, including being a member of the 24 Hour Duty Solcitor Scheme, prior to transferring to the Bar in 2003.