Specialist criminal advocate in the Magistrates’ and Youth Courts, providing clear advice and firm representation from first appearance to sentence and appeal. Former CPS agent, offering a rounded perspective on prosecution and defence.

First appearances, bail applications and case management

Contested trials: cross-examination, legal submissions, “no case to answer”

Sentencing and mitigation: guideline analysis, credit, ancillary orders

Newton hearings and basis-of-plea negotiations

Motoring law: drink/drug driving, speeding, s.172, totting-up, special reasons and exceptional hardship

Domestic abuse and restraining orders; public order, theft, drugs and offensive weapons

Children Act (private law): Contact and “live with” orders, parental responsibility, Specific Issue and Prohibited Steps (schooling, relocation, holidays/passports). Regularly instructed in fact-finding hearings involving allegations of domestic abuse, coercive control and safeguarding, working closely with Cafcass and engaging with PD12J. Skilled in Scott Schedules, cross-examination and practical, child-focused orders.

Domestic abuse injunctions: Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders, including without-notice applications and contested return dates. Experienced in undertakings, powers of arrest and committal exposure.

Financial remedies: From First Appointment and FDR to final hearing; section 25 analysis, maintenance (including MPS/LSPO), business and third-party disclosure, Schedule of Deficiencies, valuation issues and enforcement. Negotiates robustly to achieve clean-break and workable consent orders where appropriate.

ADR and settlement: Without prejudice discussions, round-table meetings and pragmatic drafting to narrow issues early and control costs.

Appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (IAC) and onward to the Upper Tribunal: preparation of bundles, skeleton arguments and advocacy.

Administrative Review and Judicial Review: pre-action protocol letters, urgent relief and detention challenges (including Hardial Singh).

Asylum, humanitarian protection and fresh claims; trafficking and credibility assessments.

Deportation and automatic deportation: Exceptions, section 117C and proportionality.

EU Settlement Scheme issues (late applications, durable partners, retained rights).

Nationality: naturalisation and registration (adults/children), good character, deprivation/nullity challenges.

Points-based system and sponsor issues: compliance, suspensions/revocations and policy challenges.

Direct Access and solicitor-instructed work; conferences in person or remotely; coverage across England & Wales.

Possession claims (section 8 and section 21), rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, and trespassers; applications for stays and set-aside.

Unlawful eviction and harassment: urgent injunctions (including without notice) and damages.

Disrepair and Fitness for Human Habitation claims: liability, quantum, expert evidence, and Part 36 strategy.

Service charges, breach of covenant and forfeiture/relief; First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and Upper Tribunal appeals.

Tenancy status and deposit protection (Housing Act 2004 sections 213–214): penalties and validity of notices.

HMO/licensing compliance and civil penalty appeals.

Negotiation and drafting: robust without-prejudice settlement, Tomlin Orders, costs, and enforcement (warrants/HCEO).

Act for both landlords and tenants via Direct Access and solicitors; conferences in person or remotely; courts across England and Wales.