James joined 36 Crime after 10 years in the West Midlands, having built strong foundations in criminal and regulatory law.

In the last few years he has accepted instructions in more serious cases involving violence and dishonesty.

James has particular experience in local authority and trading standards prosecutions, where he lends his expertise to instructing solicitors at the earliest stages of case preparation.

A qualified advocate appointed to “List C” for government agency work, James prosecutes and defends in cases involving the Environment Agency, HSE etc. He has trained inspectors and experts at the HSE. His grasp of this area assists in other cases, particularly in Coronial Law where he has represented local authorities, the NHS and families of the deceased at Inquests.

His regulatory practice extends to licensing work too.

James has experience defending cases in the Courts Martial, from desertion to ill-treating subordinates.

Key cases

R v Demiraj and others – Prosecuted five defendants for conspiracy to blackmail and kidnap, leading Sebastian Walker in Reading Crown Court. Successfully applied to introduce the video interview and witness statements of the three complainants as hearsay, over the course of a week’s legal argument.

R v L – Defended a Corporal in the RMP who had allegedly assaulted a colleague, putting his head through a first aid box in the service police station. Established self-defence: acquitted by the Board and the client was able to return to his unit.

R (Birmingham City Council) v Bousjin – Prosecuted to conviction the sale of illicit (counterfeit and smuggled) tobacco by a corner shop. The case proceeded to confiscation where James successfully challenged expert accountancy evidence to persuade the Crown Court to impose a substantial order.

Re: Hennessey’s, Torbay Council – Represented Devon and Cornwall Police in their successful application to review and revoke the licence of a premises in Torquay. It had been a problem venue for some time, but continued to trade during the pandemic and flouted the Tier rules which were in place in 2020.

Re: D – Represented the family of a deceased patient who had mistakenly had a Do Not Resuscitate notice left on their bed. Persuaded the Coroner to issue a Report to Prevent Future Deaths, over objection by the NHS Trust involved.

Areas of expertise

James has gained extensive experience of the disclosure regime through his work supporting high profile investigations. He applies this knowledge in all of his cases. It is particularly valuable when advising on local authority and private prosecutions, but also when defending to ensure the police and prosecutor reveal all material which will help a defendant’s cause.

Further information

Appointments & Memberships

CPS General Crime Grade 3

CPS Specialist Fraud Grade 2

Regulatory Crime List C (Environment Agency, HSE, CQC, ORR, ONR)

Serious Crime Panel Grade 2

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