EXPERTISE
Matthew practises in criminal law and the complementary areas of financial crime, regulatory proceedings, private prosecutions, licensing and court martial. Since he started practising Matthew has rapidly earned a reputation for building solid client rapport and delivering excellent results.
Matthew joined Trinity Chambers in summer 2022 having previously practised exclusively in London.
General Crime
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.
Matthew has handled demanding cases involving considerations as to dangerousness, fitness to plead and mental health 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.
Financial & White-Collar Crime: Defence
Having previously worked in the front office of a tier-1 US Investment bank, in an FCA registered position, Matthew is positioned well to advance his financial and white-collar criminal practice. He was recently instructed by a band 1 US white-collar law firm on a large scale multi-jurisdictional and multi-enforcement agency internal investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption. Matthew has also been instructed to assist a multi-national law firm defending two company executives accused of fraud, following the insolvency of a multi-billion dollar publicly listed healthcare company.
Financial & White-Collar Crime: Prosecution
Matthew has prosecution experience of financial criminal investigations through previous 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.
Regulatory & Inquiry Work
As a Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) Case Presenter, Matthew has experience of presenting cases relating to interim measures and substantive order reviews.
Matthew has recently received instructions through the Government Legal Department on the Covid-19 public inquiry.
Private Prosecutions
Matthew has acted on behalf of local authorities prosecuting individuals for fraud and trademark breaches and well as breaches under consumer regulations.
Matthew also has experience in representing private clients in cases involving local authorities and prosecutions brought under the Housing Act 2004.
Court Martial
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. Matthew is therefore well placed to both 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, as well as a personal interest as a licensed holder. 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 has a developing practice representing private clients at the Crown Court appealing police decisions relating to their certification and licensing.
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
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.
