"Andrew has been most professional and consistently met and surpassed all of my expectations - you will be very lucky to have him represent you."
I have extensive experience and specialist knowledge of road traffic offences. I have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes. I defend complex and serious cases as well as more straightforward matters. I only act for defendants. I do not do any other kind of work. I have a national client base and undertake work throughout England & Wales.
Magistrates’ Court: Many road traffic offences can only be dealt with in the magistrates’ court. I am regularly instructed to prepare a plea in mitigation (e.g. ‘exceptional hardship’) or defend cases at trial in all types of road traffic offences including; speeding, drink driving, drunk in charge offences, insurance offences, construction and use offences, failure to give driver information.
Crown Court: I have experience representing people accused of the most serious road traffic offences including; causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, causing death by careless driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice. I am also regularly instructed in appeals against sentence and conviction.
Appeals: I am experienced in appeals against sentence and conviction heard before the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). Some of my cases have been reported in the law reports (a law report is a record of a judicial decision on a point of law which sets a precedent binding on lower courts).
My approach
Expertise
I have extensive experience and specialist knowledge of road traffic offences. I am regularly instructed by solicitors, corporations and members of the public. I frequently appear in Magistrates and Crown Courts all over the country.
Cost
My fees are competitive and affordable. Most services are performed on an agreed fixed-fee basis. There can be a significant cost saving if your case is suitable for Direct Access.
Continuity
I will deal with your case from start to finish. You will not instruct me but see someone else at court. Your case will not be prepared by unqualified paralegals. I do all of the work on your case.
Speed
Emails and calls will be answered very quickly; generally on the same day. In appropriate cases, we will agree a timescale for work to be completed.
My work
R v G (Northampton Crown Court) October 2024
Instructed in this causing death by dangerous driving case. Complex issues of non-insane automatism arising from mild obstructive sleep apnoea and shift work sleep disorder. Various expert witnesses instructed. Joint reports prepared. The prosecution offered no evidence in the week before the case was listed for trial. Not guilty verdict recorded.
R v B (Cambridge Crown Court) September 2024
Instructed in this perverting the course of justice case. Leading counsel also instructed. Defendant initially denied being at a speed camera location. Police investigators used mobile phone data and ANPR images to prove the case. Admissions in interview. Guilty plea indicated at the earliest opportunity. The sentencing judge remarked that an immediate custodial sentence would usually be imposed for an offence of this seriousness. Suspended Sentence Order.
R v C (Harrow Crown Court) April 2024
Instructed on a Direct Access basis is this using a mobile telephone whilst driving case. Defendant convicted after trial at Ealing Magistrates’ Court. Defendant argued ‘exceptional hardship’ but was disqualified from driving for the mandatory minimum period. Disqualification immediately suspended pending appeal. Appeal against conviction allowed.
R v D (York Crown Court) March 2024
Instructed on a Direct Access basis in this speeding case. Defendant argued ‘exceptional hardship’ but was disqualified from driving at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court. Disqualification immediately suspended pending appeal. Appeal against sentence allowed.
R v V and another (Lincoln Crown Court) February 2024
Instructed in this dangerous driving case. It was alleged that the defendant and another motorbike rider performed wheelies at very high speed. The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ and his case was listed for trial. Complex issues regarding admissibility of evidence (four expert witnesses, late service, bad character of expert witness). Prosecution offered no evidence in the week before the trial hearing when the defendant pleaded guilty to careless driving.
R v P (Grimsby Magistrates Court) December 2023
Instructed in this causing death by careless driving case. Instructed to advise at the police station stage (Prepared Statement) and to appear in the subsequent court proceedings. Basis of plea and Sentencing Note drafted. Contested venue submissions were argued before a District Judge. The prosecution argued that the case should be sent to the Crown Court for sentence. However, the District Judge retained jurisdiction of the case. Suspended Sentence Order.
R v S (Chelmsford Crown Court) June 2022
Instructed in this causing death by dangerous driving case. The prosecution alleged that defendant drove at twice the speed limit in appalling weather conditions, lost control of his vehicle and caused the death of his partner. Complex issues of causation and video analysis to resolve with expert witnesses. Guilty plea entered at the earliest opportunity. The sentencing judge indicated that it was “a very rare case in which it is appropriate to suspend the sentence in a death by dangerous driving case. A very rare case indeed.” Suspended Sentence Order.
About me
I am able to engage at an early stage of the trial process, including both client conferences and written advices. I make a point of providing clients with early tactical advice.
I bring a mixture of experience, objectivity and reality to my cases. All cases are thoroughly prepared and client meetings reflect this; meetings are well-structured and efficient. I always ensure that clients are clear about their options and prospects of success through realistic advice and the continued support that I provide throughout the process.
I have extensive knowledge of complex legislation and case law in relation to both practice and procedure. I am known for my thorough understanding of the brief and, with experience, I have developed an effective approach to cross-examination.
What my clients say
“Andrew was generous with his time and specialised knowledge from the first point of contact. He was full of empathy and extensively knowledgeable regarding all aspects of our complicated case. He guided us every step of the way and provided reassurance and realism to keep us grounded. He helped to achieve a suspended sentence for our son amidst a challenging and unusual set of circumstances.We are enormously grateful to have had such a professional barrister helping us and cannot recommend him highly enough.” Mr and Mrs S, June 2022
Professional & academic
Bachelor of Laws, LL.B. (Hons), 1996
Bar Vocational Course (Very Competent), 1998
Called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn, 1998
Qualified to accept direct access instructions via the Public Access Scheme.