"A clever lawyer with very good judgement. His advocacy is clear and concise. He is a very good member of any team."
LEGAL 500 2021
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 serious cases.
Alistair is a skillful and persuasive jury advocate. He is a Grade 3 prosecutor, who also prosecutes on behalf of the Welfare, Rural and Health Division, UK Border Agency and the Home Office. In addition, Alistair has a well-established and diverse defence practice. He is frequently instructed to represent defendants in Crown Court and Youth Court trials and to represent prisoners at parole board hearings. He has also appeared in the Court of Appeal in appeals against conviction and sentence.
Alistair prosecutes and defends in the full range of criminal cases, including conspiracy to murder, serious violence, child abuse, fraud, drugs, arson with intent, sexual offences, aggravated burglary, robbery and firearms offences. He is also frequently instructed in cases which arise in a domestic context and has recently lectured on the new controlling and coercive behaviour legislation.
He combines a detailed knowledge of the law and a forensic approach to preparation with a natural empathy and ability to judge the emotional tone of a case. It is this skill which has seen him praised, by judges and instructing solicitors, for his ability with vulnerable complainants and defendants, young witnesses, and those suffering from serious mental health problems.
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, and appealing to the courts on behalf of individuals who have had their driving licences revoked by the DVLA. Alistair’s comprehensive and practical knowledge of road traffic law has seen him instructed by several high-profile clients.
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 an established regulatory practice and is on the panel of Specialist Regulatory Advocates. His experience spans a number of disciplines, including health and safety and environmental law. He has also represented individuals in cases concerning fraudulent trading, intellectual property and offences brought under the Companies Act.
He has delivered seminars to the Health and Safety Lawyers Association and has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the financial implications for companies, including parent and group companies, arising out of prosecutions for health and safety offences.
Alistair is also instructed in proceeds of crime cases. These include proceedings following conviction, but also civil forfeiture and unexplained wealth orders under the recently amended provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. He has a detailed knowledge of the new legislative framework and case law in this developing area and is also alert to the tactical considerations which arise in such cases.
RECENT CASES
Within the regulatory sphere, Alistair has particular knowledge and experience in environmental matters. His ability to assimilate large volumes of information, assured approach to paper-heavy cases, and a keen eye for detail has seen him instructed in serious and complex cases, including the ongoing joint prosecution of three companies for alleged serious waste offences.
Alistair also has a strong grasp of wildlife legislation and has been instructed in prosecutions arising out of the Hunting Act.
RECENT CASES
Alistair often appears in inquest hearings. Recent instructions include representing Sainsbury’s after one of their employees died at a warehouse, and representing the insurance company at a hearing arising from a fatal road traffic collision. He is familiar with the issues raised at such hearings and is sensitive to the needs and concerns of the parties involved.
Crime (General and Fraud)
‘Alistair is a clever lawyer with very good judgement. His advocacy is clear and concise. He is a very good member of any team. He finds solutions and takes on additional responsibilities willingly.’
Ranked: Tier 1
For further information and enquiries please contact:
Crime: Lucy Northeast & Grant Bidwell
Regulatory and Discipline: Lucy Northeast & Grant Bidwell