EXPERTISE
Crime and Police Law
Matthew has a busy defence and prosecution practice in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court. He has experience across a range of offences including: fraud, proceeds of crime, firearms, drugs, violence, motoring and sexual offences. Matthew has experience as both prosecution and defence counsel in a variety of single and multi-defendant Crown Court trials and has handled demanding cases involving considerations as to dangerousness, fitness to plead and young and vulnerable witnesses. Matthew has experience in dealing with Criminal Behaviour Orders, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, and Proceeds of Crime related proceedings and associated orders. As a CPS Grade two prosecutor Matthew frequently advises on issues relating to disclosure.
Additionally, Matthew accepts instructions on behalf of police forces making civil applications relating to domestic violence, sexual offending and applications under the Proceeds of Crime Act, including contested applications for forfeiture of cash. Utilising his broader criminal experience, Matthew offers well-reasoned and timely advice to police forces on operational queries and on issues arising out of disclosure and LPP.
Public Law
As a member of the Government Legal Department’s ‘Junior Junior’ scheme, Matthew accepts instructions on behalf of government bodies. Currently, Matthew is instructed in the defence of a high value malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office claim, on behalf of a central government department.
Recently, Matthew has also acted on behalf of the Cabinet Office on the Covid-19 Inquiry.
Private Prosecutions & Local Authorities
Matthew represents local authorities in private prosecutions, including prosecuting individuals for fraud and trademark breaches and well as breaches under consumer regulations. Matthew is currently instructed as sole prosecution counsel prosecuting a high-value fraud and regulatory case on behalf of a local authority.
Matthew also defends private prosecutions brought by local authorities.
Professional Discipline & Court Martial
As a Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) Case Presenter, Matthew has experience of presenting cases relating to interim measures and substantive order reviews.
Prior to being called to the Bar, Matthew served as an army infantry officer for over 5 years up to the rank of Captain; leading combat troops on overseas deployments, including multiple active operational tours. Aside from tactical command, he was also involved in overseeing soldiers engaged with internal disciplinary procedures gaining an early insight into military justice often attending court martial as an Assisting Officer. Accordingly, Matthew is well placed to understand military systems and quickly build quality client relationships with servicemen and women.
Firearms & Firearms Licensing
Matthew maintains a keen interest in firearms law, utilising his understanding of firearms from his time in military. Matthew appreciates that firearms law is often a challenging area of practice and enjoys bringing his knowledge and expertise to bear to deliver solid and well-reasoned advice and advocacy.
In addition to firearms within a general criminal context, Matthew also represents private clients at the Crown Court appealing police decisions relating to their certification and licensing.
Financial and White-Collar Crime
Having been selected from a veterans’ programme, Matthew spent time working in the front office of an investment bank whilst converting to law. Consequently, he is well positioned to advance a financial criminal practice. Previous instructions include, working for a band 1 US white-collar law firm on a multi-jurisdictional and multi-enforcement agency internal investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption. Matthew has also been instructed to assist an international law firm defending two company executives accused of fraud, following the insolvency of a multi-billion dollar publicly listed healthcare company.
Beyond white-collar and financial criminal defence, Matthew has gained prosecution experience through instructions for the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). Matthew spent over 24 months working for the SFO advising on disclosure, relevance and LPP on a fraud and money laundering case in the energy sector.
APPOINTMENTS
- CPS Panel (Grade 2)
- NMC Case Presenter
- ICCA “Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training Programme”
- AG Civil “Junior Junior” Panel
EDUCATION & AWARDS
- University of Manchester, Politics & History – 1st Class BA (Hons)
- Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
- CFA (UK), Investment Management Certificate
- BPP University, GDL – Commendation
- University of Law, BPTC – Very Competent
- BPTC James Crouch Scholar (Gray’s Inn)
- Internship Award (Gray’s Inn)
MEMBERSHIPS
- Grayʼs Inn
- Criminal Bar Association
- Young Fraud Lawyers Association
- Health and Safety Lawyers’ Association
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Matthew is public access qualified and is able to accept instructions from the public or businesses directly.
Following his move back home to the North East, Matthew maintains a London door tenancy at 9BR Chambers in London.
