Alistair is a specialist criminal and regulatory advocate with a busy Crown Court practice. He undertakes instructions to prosecute and defend in a wide variety of cases.
Alistair joined the Crime Team as a tenant in October 2014, following a successful pupillage under the supervision of Charles Thomas. He is a CPS Grade 2 panel advocate, and also prosecutes on behalf of the Welfare, Rural and Health Division, UK Border Agency and the Home Office. Alistair is also frequently instructed to represent defendants in Crown Court and Youth Court trials, and represent prisoners at parole board hearings.
Alistair has been instructed in a range of cases, including serious violence, fraud, drugs, arson, sexual offences, aggravated burglary, robbery, firearms, public order offences and domestic assaults. He has been praised, by judges and instructing solicitors, for his ability with vulnerable complainants and defendants, and young witnesses. He also has experience of representing individuals with mental health difficulties and working with intermediaries.
In addition, Alistair has been instructed, by both individuals and companies, in a variety of driving matters. These include causing death by careless driving, dangerous driving, and driving whilst under the influence of drink and drugs. He is also experienced in successfully advancing exceptional hardship arguments and special reasons for individuals at risk of losing their licences due to the accumulation of penalty points.
Prior to commencing pupilage, Alistair worked in Mississippi for six months, where he assisted lawyers representing individuals on Death Row. His work included drafting a petition for clemency to the state governor and investigating pathology reports on shaken baby deaths.
Alistair is a dynamic, meticulous and committed advocate. Whether prosecuting or defending, he thrives on the opportunity to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.
RECENT CASES
Alistair has a developing regulatory practice. He has represented individuals in cases concerning intellectual property and trademark regulations, and has been instructed in cases arising out of alleged health and safety breaches.
He is currently being led by Andrew Langdon QC and James Bennett as part of the prosecution team in HSE v Valero Energy Ltd and B&A Contracts Ltd. The case involves two defendants, including a large multinational oil company, who are being prosecuted for health and safety breaches after four employees were killed, and one very seriously injured, following an explosion at an oil refinery. Alistair has been instructed as disclosure counsel, in a case involving several hundred thousand pages of evidence and unused material, much of which is highly technical and complex.
Alistair is instructed in inquest hearings. He is familiar with the issues raised at such hearings, and is sensitive to the needs and concerns of the parties involved. He recently represented the insurance company at a hearing arising from a fatal road traffic collision.
For further information and enquiries please contact:
Crime: Lucy Northeast & Grant Bidwell