I am a barrister at Nexus, The Chambers of Michael Mansfield QC.
I have a great deal of experience in deaing with all motoring offences, from the simplest speeding cases up to causing death by dangerous/careless driving. I have particular expertise in drink driving matters (both driving whilst over the limit and drunk in charge) and in many cases I have secured an acquittal by challenging evidence or even when a guilty plea was inevitable, I put forward mitigation which reduced the period of disqualification or even avoided a ban altogether.
I will explore all possible defences with you and consider special reasons and exceptional hardship arguments where appropriate. If ultimately you need to plead guilty or are convicted, I will present a well argued plea in mitigation addressing the sentencing guidelines and case law, and highlighting any of your relevant personal/family/business circumstances to persuade the court to look favourably on your case.
The type of cases I can assist with include:
- Drink/drug driving, including challenging the reliability of breath/blood tests and procedures.
- Speeding offences, including challenging the evidence of hand held, mobile and fixed camera readings.
- “Totting” disqualification/exceptional hardship hearings.
- Careless/dangerous driving.
My approach
My approach is down to earth, friendly and non-judgemental. As a keen driver and motorcyclist myself, I recognise how easy it can be to make a mistake on the road and how important your licence is to you, your family and your work or business, so I will do all I can to get the best result for you in a cost-effective manner.
I offer a free initial 30 minute telephone consultation, after which I operate a fixed fee service and will only charge for the work I do on your behalf. This can be paid for at each stage in order to minimise up front outlay and unexpected costs.
As part of this fixed fee service, I also offer a half hour telephone conference at a time and date of your choosing in advance of the magistrates court hearing so we can talk over your options and so you can come to court with any necessary information/references you might need for your hearing.
I recognise that it is often difficult to find spare time during the day, so I am more than willing to meet in the evenings or at the weekend if this is more convenient for you.
As a driver and keen motorcyclist myself, I recognise how important your licence is to you, your family and your work/business and will do all I can to get the best result for you in a cost-effective manner.
About me
I am a barrister at Nexus, The Chambers of Michael Mansfield QC.
I was called to the Bar in 2008 after a 15-year career in the property lettings and management business during which time I also spent four years as a part-time County Court Advocate representing defendants in housing and mortgage possession proceedings.
After initially practising solely as a criminal barrister I then used my pre-Bar experience to build a diverse, mixed practice which gives me a wide range of experience across a number of areas which compliment one another. I primarily practise in the following areas:
- Motoring (drink/drug driving, failure to provide, dangerous/careless driving, speeding, s.172, failing to provide information, totting disqualification).
- Regulatory/licensing law (professional discipline, fitness to practice, taxi/alcohol licensing).
- Commercial (breach of contract, debt claims, business disputes, partnership and company law).
- Landlord & tenant/housing (possesssion claims, injunctions, disrepair, unlawful eviction, s.21 and s.8 cases).
In addition to my day to day practice from Nexus Chambers I offer legal compliance training to property professionals and small businesses.
I also operate an online legal advice service for small/medium businesses: www.thelegallifeline.co.uk
I am a passionate motorcyclist and I enjoy watching motorsport and occasionally participating in trackdays. I also box and train regularly. My more sedate pursuits include socialising, reading and watching documentaries, particularly history and cosmology.
What my clients say
…….my barrister (Andy Locke) has been so great. Andy made me feel confident and positive that we would get a good outcome. Andy knew exactly what he was talking about and it was evident from meeting him he was very knowledgeable about drink driving law. I would be more than happy to recommend Andy to anybody, he was extremely good value and produced exceptional results.
I am 21 years old and work as an estate agent so my car is vital for my occupation. I was driving home from a bar and got pulled over and failed the breath test. Upon arrival at the police station I blew 63 micro grammes per 100ml of alcohol. This sort of reading would usually result in a 17 – 22 month ban. But thanks to Andy he managed to get the ban to 12 months with a months with a £400 fine. I have no community service to do either, the court offered me the option to do a rehabilitation course which will reduce my ban to only 9 months.
…..an exceptional barrister who got me the lowest possible ban that one can get in a drink driving conviction. I went into court expecting 18 months and to leave with only 9 months is amazing. I am extremely thankful for all your hard work and will recommend you to everybody! - Mr W
Andy represented me in February 2016 when I had been unlucky (or careless) enough to be caught by speed cameras several times in a short period of time. Worse still, due to a death in the family and a very busy period at work, I did not reply to the police’s letters in time and so I was also twice convicted in my absence of failing to supply information. I had managed to accumulate over 20 points and faced almost certain disqualification. It looked very bleak for me and I was extremely worried as the loss of my licence would have also meant the loss of my job as a social worker, which required me to conduct home visits all over the south of England. Not only was Andy very skilled in making the “exceptional hardship” arguments, but before the hearing he also negotiated with the prosecution barrister and they dropped some of the charges. As a result, Andy was able to persuade the magistrates not to ban me and so I kept my licence and, therefore, my job. As a single mother this meant the difference between being able to support myself and my daughter and having to go on benefits, so I am extremely grateful for the excellent work Andy did on my behalf. Not only that, but it was very good value for money and ended up only costing about a third of what most solicitors had quoted. I cannot recommend his services highly enough, and though I hope I never need to use them again, if I do, then he will be the first person I turn to. - Ms T
Professional & academic
LL.B (Hons) (London) – 1st class
BVC – Very Competent
Pearson Education Prize in Contract Law (2001)
Inner Temple Scholarship (2006) Inner Temple Exhibition (2006)