LLB Law Durham University (Hons) 2017 Call 2018
Michael joined Chambers in September 2019 having completed his pupillage under the supervision of Dale Brook.
Prior to obtaining pupillage Michael worked as a Case Manager in the Criminal Appeals Project providing legal advice and grounds for appeal. It was a role he received praise for due to his analysis and perception in condensing the caseload and only referring viable cases to the CCA.
Michael is a highly regarded criminal defence specialist. Michael is approachable, dependable and fearless in his desire to seek the best interests of his clients.
Since joining chambers following successful completion of his pupillage in 2018, Michael has acted in ever increasing serious criminal cases, including homicide, complex drug conspiracies, kidnapping and blackmail, serious violence, money laundering, fraud, and sexual offences.
Michael is highly committed to the defence of those he represents, combining an approachable, thorough and dependable style, which has resulted in a number of successful appearances at all levels including in the Criminal Court of Appeal.
Michael is experienced in a range of regulatory work, including countless cases associated with Proceeds of Crime Proceedings. Michael is also accustomed with the Unfair Consumer Trading Regulations and breaches of Trading Standards’ regulations.
Michael is a Grade 3 prosecutor.
Notable Cases
Sexual Offences
R v JC [2024] – Attempted rape. Witness has reported the defendant attacking a female. Police attend both defendant and female are undressed, police describe the female as being pinned down and in a state of disadvantage. Female described as heavily intoxicated. Following three-day trial, client was unanimously acquitted.
R v NC [2023] – Rape of child under 13, historic familiar allegation against a step-father. Client was unanimously acquitted.
R v TJ [2023] – Rape. Client, aged 21, charged with rape of 15-year-old female. Successfully defeated the accusations of force / coercion. Client was acquitted of rape.
R v JC [2023] – Rape of child under 13. Client, aged 14, accused of raping his 8-year-old niece. Youth Court trial, cross-examination of a child witness and family members. Trial Judge described the case as ‘The most difficult of his Judicial career’ Client was acquitted of all counts.
R v CL [2022] – Led by Dale Brook in a 7-week trial. Client aged 18, was accused by 7 complaints all under 16 of offences of rape, sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Defence successfully argued that the police had over-zealously pushed the complainants into increasing the severity of the situation. Client was acquitted of all charges relating to rape and sexual assault.
R v NC [2021] – Successful prosecution of an inmate who has sexually assaulted a female prison officer.
Homicide
R v M [2023] – Led Junior by David Lamb KC in a 9-week murder trial, client unfit. Complex issues of joint enterprise. Michael received his red bag for his assistance in the trial.
Drugs
R v LA [2023] – Possession with Intent to supply Class A drugs. Client found with 24 packets of crack cocaine within her possession. 5-day trial, cross-admissibility application permitted Michael to argue the drugs belonged to another. Client acquitted. Michael received praise for his closing speech.
R v TC [2022] – Defended client charged with importing 16kg of Cocaine into UK, with a street value of £1.6 million.
R v JS [2022] – Defended in a multi-handed drug conspiracy to supply contraband and Class B drugs into HMP Hull.
Domestic Violence
R v OD [2023] – Client charged with a 17-count indictment of child cruelty and coercive and controlling behaviour. In the first trial, the client was acquitted of the only count against his former partner, and 6 counts of the child cruelty. The Crown sought a re-trial, Michael successfully argued the children had been coached by their mother against the father. Client was acquitted.
R v DH [2023] 7-day trial of coercive and controlling behaviour, client acquitted.
R v LA [2023] Multiple counts of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily harm, strangulation including an assault in a public house where the bartender gave evidence that he witnessed the defendant throw a bottle and hit the complainant, following cross-examination. Client was unanimously acquitted of all counts.
Public Order
R v MT [2024] Instructed to defend youth client charged with violent disorder, jointly charged with 12 others, 6 defendants face manslaughter and one faces murder. Following a 6-week trial, following 7 closing speeches from senior King’s Counsel, Michael was the only Junior to address the jury in closing. Michael received praise for his submissions from the bar and the trial Judge.
R v GM [2023] – Defended a chemical engineer who conducted chemical experiments in his home following a 2016 Criminal Behaviour Order prohibiting him from doing so. The police raided the home, and due to materials stored, 100 homes were evacuated whilst the chemicals were disposed of. Michael put forward a basis of plea, and successfully conducted the Newton Hearing. Client received a suspended sentence. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-65684835
Court of Appeal
R v LA [2020] – Leave granted to appeal sentence of 18 months for dangerous driving.
R v CW [2022] – Appeared in the Court of Appeal following leave, appealing the trial Judges decision to impose a 2-year sentence for affray to a man of Good Character without a pre-sentence report.
R v AF [2023] – Sentence of 81 months imposed for dwelling burglary. Leave was refused by Single Judge. Michael appeared without leave, and argued the sentence was manifestly excessive. Two of the three grounds put forward were upheld. A sentence of 65 months was imposed. https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/cancer-patients-last-few-years-7568162
Regulatory
R v A, M [2023] – Represented North-East Lincolnshire Council in the largest seizure and prosecution of illegal cigarettes and tobacco. Michael was involved in the pre-charge stage, and then taking the case to trial. https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/two-convicted-after-largest-ever-haul-of-illicit-cigarettes-in-north-east-lincolnshire-found-at-healing-home/
Michael is developing a practice representing clients in all areas of family law with a focus on financial remedy, private law children and public law proceedings. Michael has recently undertaken complex cases involving allegations of parental alienation and allegations of a sexual nature.
Michael accepts instructions in private children disputes concerning contact, residence, relocation and all aspects of parental responsibility. During pupillage he has assisted with many complex private children cases, including relocation disputes.
Michael is keen to expand his areas of practice, especially in court of protection work and criminal defence. Michael is confident in approaching new areas of work and working with lay and professional instructions.
