Gregory Gordon

Gregory has a strong Crown Court practice, both defending serious cases and prosecuting as a CPS Grade 3 panel Advocate. In the Court of Appeal he has "distinguished himself by tenacious submissions" (Laws LJ, 2015). He joined the Crime Team as a Tenant following a successful pupillage with chambers under the supervision of His Honour Judge Rupert Lowe.

Gregory has been instructed on a wide range of complex cases, including firearms offences, section 18 GBH, armed robberies and burglaries, sexual assault, high value fraud, drug supply and money laundering, witness intimidation, assault on vulnerable persons in care homes, and domestic assault on spouses and children. He is often involved in cases outside of the mainstream, including cases which question an individual's freedom of expression, and right to protest. He was led in the most significant prosecution of care home directors and employees of its kind.

Gregory holds a Law with American Law degree from the University of Nottingham, having gained scholarships to study criminal law at the University of Texas at Austin. After completing the BVC at Nottingham Law School with a scholarship from Lincoln's Inn, he qualified as a Police Station Representative and worked for two years at a leading firm.

Recent Cases

• R v P - Successful prosecution of armed robber who destroyed forensic evidence.
• R v D&G - Successful prosecution of armed robbers who targetted youths.
• R v J - Successful defence of a male accused of the violent robbery of a previous sexual partner.
• R v M - Successful defence of a male accused of arson and attempted arson (setting fire to his ex-partner's car).
• R v W - Successful prosecution of a serial armed robber.
• R v B - Successful prosecution of a 10 year relationship of serious and sustained domestic violence.

Driving

Gregory prosecutes and defends serious and complex driving offences: careless and dangerous driving, including a man who mounted a pavement in an attempt to run down pedestrians, and a lorry driver who pushed a car sideways along the M5; false documents; tachograph offences; alcohol and drugs; speeding; loss of licence.

Gregory is a recognised specialist in animal welfare, hunting and raptor persecution legislation. He has expertise in the complex legislative framework surrounding the enforcement of animal welfare offences, including compliance with complex technical regulations, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), and the viability of private prosecutions. He is instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service, local authorities and private groups to advise on criminal prosecutions and civil actions.

Gregory has produced guidance for use by the National Wildlife Crime Unit and Crown Prosecution Service in the investigation of Hunting Act offences. He advises and represents clients at all levels and from all walks of life, from local farmers and businesses, to national charitable organisations and major global corporations.

Notable hunting cases include numerous prosecutions of Huntsmen, Hunt Masters and Whippers-in under the Hunting Act; involving hunts of foxes, stags, and flushing mammals from a badger sett. Gregory has successfully defended a livestock holder and employee of the Wildlife Trusts, alleged to have fired his shotgun over the heads of riders of a passing hunt.

Articles

• 'The Law on Hunting is Not Fit For Purpose' - elaw, UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA), July/August 2019

Instructions

Gregory advises, prosecutes and defends, and is instructed in the High Court on cases relating to all major animal welfare legislation, including:

• Animal Welfare Act 2006
• Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
• Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
• Hunting Act 2004
• Protection of Badgers Act 1992
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
• Zoo Licensing Act 1981

Gregory is a Regulatory List C Panel Advocate of specialist regulatory advocates. He is instructed in all major regulatory offences - including health and safety, food standards and environmental regulations - whether brought by HSE, DEFRA, Local Authorities or private utility companies.

Recent Cases

• R v B - Represented a pub landlord charged under food standards regulation after a customer died following food poisoning.
• R v H - Represented a bakery company for offences under food standards regulation.
• R v PKM - Section 2, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Injury at work due to lack of sufficient guarding of machinery. Representing the defendant company.
• R v C - Represented a major utilities company. Pre-enforcement advice and representation at court.
• R v D - Breach of EU Drivers' Hours Regulations. Represented the individual HGV driver.

LEGAL 500 2021

Crime (General and Fraud)

‘He has a great ability to make complicated things appear simple to juries and fantastic technical skill at presenting complex information.’

LEGAL 500 2020

Crime

"An assured and effective advocate."