Year of Call
1999Areas of practice
Biography
Simon is a very experienced barrister who specialises in criminal defence. He is down to earth, personable and works closely with the solicitors and clients who instruct him. He understands that lay clients may not immediately appreciate the legal implications of some of their decisions. His belief is that it is the responsibility of barristers to explain to their clients, in language they understand, how their case stands in relation to the evidence. His guiding principle in all cases is: “How would I feel if I was in the dock on this case?”
Simon is very popular with those who instruct him, and is regularly re-instructed by solicitors who appreciate his commitment to his clients.
Simon also represents clients in family proceedings, particularly where there is an overlap with family proceedings or allegations of criminal behaviour.
Crime (defence)
Simon has a wide ranging criminal defence practice, and has represented clients accused of everything from failing to provide information at road traffic cases to murder. He is able to represent clients involved in any types of criminal proceedings, and is regularly instructed in cases involving allegations of violence, sexual assault or dishonesty.
Simon has a particular specialism in defending clients accused of drugs offences, including importation, supply and county lines cases. On one occasion he secured a unanimous acquittal, after an eight-week trial, for his client who was alleged to be the business organizer behind a county lines drug dealing conspiracy despite his client not giving evidence.
Simon is particularly well suited to those cases which depend on attention to the smallest details, such as those involving forensic evidence (particularly DNA) or police procedures. His detailed approach can make all the difference to a defence.
Children law (private)
Simon’s background in criminal law makes him very well suited to private law children disputes, particularly where the facts are unclear and there are lengthy fact finding hearings. He is exceptionally good at cross examination and uses his questioning to get to the heart of a case.
Simon is especially valuable in cases where there are allegations of criminal behaviour and he also represents clients seeking non-molestation orders especially where they have been the victims of domestic violence.
Instruct
To instruct Simon for criminal work please contact Stephen Bush.
To instruct Simon for family work please contact Jay Dorton.
Notable Cases
R v A: Secured the acquittal of a police station Detention Officer for sexual assault on a “drunken unconscious woman”, after she admitted in cross examination to having a high tolerance to alcohol and being conscious the whole time but deliberately “faking it” in order to make his job more difficult.