Toby Hedworth Q.C.

Specialisms:

Crime, Regulatory and Judicial Review

What Others Say:

"Toby Hedworth QC's established criminal practice includes prosecutions under the Terrorism Act."
"an outstanding advocate with an impressive court presence"
"Noted for his preparatory work in serious criminal cases."
"Takes some very serious criminal cases both on and off circuit."
"Impressive heavyweight ... takes instructions nationwide."
"Charismatic and energetic ... ranks at the top of heavy cases."
"A superb Advocate."
- Legal 500

"Head of chambers Toby Hedworth QC has experience of the most technical elements of criminal law, including the conduct of human rights and appellate cases in the higher courts. Recent highlights of his practice include acting for the defence in R v Northey, a murder case that went to the Court of Appeal. Described as "the leading figure in the North East," he is someone opponents claim worries them when they see him on the other side."
"is renowned in the Tyneside area for general crime and regulatory work."
"One of the Leading Silks on the North Eastern Circuit."
"Highly adept at making compelling submissions."
"Commended to researchers for having charm and talent in equal measures."
"The best criminal Barrister in the City ... incredibly industrious and always thinks the best of his clients."
- Chambers UK

"Toby Hedworth Q.C., cool, calm and effective."
- Michael Mansfield Q.C. in 'Memoirs of a Radical Lawyer' 2009

Cases:

Terrorism: Conducted first ever U.K. prosecution under Terrorism Act for membership of a proscribed organisation. R -v- Abdelah: Attorney General's Reference (No.4 of 2002) [2005] l A.C.264.

Defended in alleged London and international ricin conspiracy R -v- Feddag [2005]
Represented leader of al-Qaeda cyber-terrorism conspiracy, R -v- Tsouli: Attorney General's Reference 85 of 2007 [2008] 2 Cr. App.R. (S.) 45

Represented alleged 9/11 al-Qaeda associate in extradition appeal, Boudhiba -v- Central Examining Magistrate, Madrid [2007] 1 W.L.R. 124

Homicide: Serial murders, gangland murders, and conspiracies, including: R -v- Sayers & others, R -v- Ashton Webber & Lyons [2004] UKHL1, R -v- Blackburn [2008] 2 Cr. App.R. (S.) 5, CA, and killings by defendants with acute mental deficiencies.

Professional Crime: Gangland executions, conspiracies to import and distribute controlled drugs, conspiracies to commit major armed robberies.

White Collar Crime: Professionals defrauding state agencies, and long firm frauds.

Police Disciplinary proceedings and inquests: particularly in relation to alleged unlawful killings by the police. Prosecution of corrupt police officers.

Procedure: Conducted the then largest ever disclosure of unused material exercise in the U.K. Strong human rights and appellate practice, including international : Hypolite v R [2007] Bda LR 85 (Murder).

Court Martial: Alleged conspiracy by 2 soldiers to murder a German national who had allegedly given information to the military police regarding drug dealing by the accused. Detailed abuse of process arguments raised following which no prosecution evidence was offered and an investigation into procedure was subsequently directed: R v Daley Schofield 2003.

Appointments:

Recorder 1991
Head of Trinity Chambers
Queens Counsel 1996
Appointed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to hear Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) Appeals

Memberships:

Criminal Bar Association
Justice

Education:

MA. Cantab.

Additional Information:

A longstanding interest in, and knowledge of, planning matters and the built environment (Vice-Chairman Northumberland and Newcastle Society) rendering him a powerful advocate at Public Inquiries e.g. Chester-le-Street National Probation Service Hostel.