James Ball

Serious Organised Crime:

Operation Petteril – Leicester Crown Court – Prosecution (led-junior)

Instructed by CPS East Midlands CCU and led by Matthew Rowcliffe, James prosecuted six defendants accused of conspiring to facilitate breaches of United Kingdom immigration law in an eight-week trial at Leicester Crown Court.

The case was investigated by the Home Office and involved the presentation of complex circumstantial evidence to the jury (including cell-site analysis, evidence from officers in other jurisdictions, call data, and ANPR data).

James successfully argued that a defendant’s bad character was admissible to correct a false impression during his evidence and was responsible for cross-examining another defendant.

Operation Silentpool – Derby Crown Court sitting at Loughborough – Defence (led-junior)

Following developments in the trial, James was instructed mid-trial to assist with the defence case in a multi-handed class A drug conspiracy valued at approximately £37m – one of the largest drug conspiracies in the East Midlands.

James was required to become abreast with a paper-heavy case at short notice, and grasp cell-site analysis, call data, and observation log evidence efficiently. He assisted with responding to complex legal arguments (including applications to re-open the Crown’s case, amend the indictment, and adduce bad character evidence).

Domestic abuse and violence:

R v T – Nottingham Crown Court – Prosecution (junior-alone)

James prosecuted a defendant who was accused of a number of domestic abuse offences. The case involved a number of live witnesses, video-recorded interviews, mobile phone downloads, and real evidence. Following a three-week trial, the defendant was convicted of false imprisonment, strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour over a 15-month period.

R v S – Lincoln Crown Court – Defence (junior-alone)

James represented a father-of-two who was accused of strangulation, assault, and criminal damage. Following a detailed application for disclosure under s. 8 CPIA, James and his instructing solicitors successfully obtained material which undermined the Complainant’s credibility. The Crown reviewed the matter at trial, offered no evidence, and then applied for a restraining order on acquittal. Following James’ legal submissions and use of Court of Appeal authorities, the Judge refused the Crown’s application.

Drug trafficking:

R v F – Northampton Crown Court – Prosecution (junior-alone)

James prosecuted a young man from London who was accused of running a profitable class A drugs line between London and Northampton. The case involved cell site data evidence, mobile telephone attribution, and call data schedules. The defendant pleaded guilty a matter of days before the trial.

R v G and B – Oxford Crown Court – Defence (junior alone)

James represented a young mother who was charged with acquiring criminal property through drug trafficking. Following representations, the Prosecution offered no evidence in respect of James’ lay client.

General crime:

R v F – Northampton Crown Court – Defence (junior alone)

James represented a defendant who was accused of theft. The Prosecution relied on a wealth of circumstantial evidence and cell-site data, including the fact that the Defendant was arrested inside the stolen caravan the day after it was taken. The jury acquitted the defendant after trial.

R v B and Ors – Northampton Crown Court – Prosecution (junior-alone)

James prosecuted three defendants accused of committing a number of racially-aggravated harassment and public order offences. Two of the defendants were youths who had been sent to the Crown Court for trial, and the case included various special measures directions.

Private instructions:

R v C – Telford Magistrates’ Court – Defence

James was instructed on a private bases to defend a secondary school teacher who was accused of assaulting a disabled person in a car park. After drafting a detailed defence statement, making specific requests for disclosure in respect of the investigation process, and informing the Crown of an intention to apply to exclude key evidence, the Crown offered no evidence several months before the trial date.

“His grasp of the case, which is obviously complicated and several years old, and his legal knowledge was brilliant.”Kessie Pochin, East Midlands CPS Complex Casework Unit (CCU) – 2025

“Mr Ball was professional during this trial, and he gave an outstanding speech to the Jury. His skills as a Barrister are of a high level, and he took time to update our client throughout the trial process keeping our client at ease. A pleasure to work with”.Gayna White, Senior Associate Crown Court Team Manager, Reeds Solicitors

The client asked that I convey his thanks to James for his assistance in this case. I will have no hesitation in instructing James in the future.Instructing Solicitor – 2024

“…from the first conference to the trial, Mr. Ball showed unwavering patience, empathetic advocacy, and genuine kindness which made a significant impact during a challenging criminal case. His dedication to the defendant's wellbeing and legal rights truly sets him apart. He communicated with the defendant in a way that enabled hm to fully understand and navigate the complexities of criminal court case going on to give evidence in the best way that he could. Mr. Ball went above and beyond to ensure that his client's needs were met, making the legal process accessible and empowering and it was an honour to work alongside him as he made a challenging case feel a lot more manageable.”Registered Intermediary - 2024

I was the expert witness for the defence in this matter. I am a busy expert and ex detective constable and as such have a great deal of court experience. I found James to be incredibly professional and thorough. He dealt with the client in an empathetic and efficient way and the outcome of the case was the best the client could have wished for. James negotiated with the prosecution professionally and this provided the excellent result for the client. He also had prepared his case very well.Expert Witness – 2023

Thank you for recommending James, as he has been fantastic throughout this matter. The client was extremely happy with James overall, and she explained that he was very nice / supportive, and [the lay client] could not recommend him more highly.Instructing Solicitor – 2023