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Jonathan is a Grade 4 prosecutor.
He is almost exclusively instructed by the Crown as leading counsel, or junior alone, in cases involving very serious organised criminality, or homicide. He has particular experience and expertise in the prosecution of large scale, multi-defendant, cases. He regularly appears in cases as leading counsel, or junior counsel alone, whilst prosecuting cases in which defendants are represented by King’s Counsel.
Jonathan is meticulous in his preparation and highly regarded for the command that he demonstrates over every aspect of his cases. He is regularly instructed at the very early stages of investigations (frequently pre-charge) and prosecutions to provide guidance to both the Police and Crown Prosecution Service. He works extremely well as part of the prosecution team in each of his cases.
He has a keen tactical approach to his work, regularly devising strategies to optimise his cases and ensure that they proceed as efficiently and effectively as possible. It is a combination that allows Jonathan to deploy the prosecution case in a potent and compelling manner.
Jonathan has a particular interest in cases involving the organised supply of controlled drugs, firearms and involving examination of significant quantities of mobile telephone evidence. He has established a strong reputation for his ability to deal with cases based primarily on circumstantial evidence; in particular his presentation of mobile phone evidence.
However, Jonathan is also regularly instructed in cases involving serious non-lethal violence, serious driving offences involving fatalities and high value/complex dishonesty offences.
Jonathan is frequently instructed in substantial POCA proceedings. His commitment to and ability within those matters, is demonstrated by his regularly securing significant hidden assets orders against defendants.
Such is the standard of Jonathan’s work and dedication that he demonstrates to each of his cases. He has received formal commendations from various Police Forces, throughout the United Kingdom, recognising his efforts on a number of prosecutions.
Jonathan’s skill and ability to present his cases has been further recognised by his being asked to provide professional training on the giving of Evidence and Court Presentation to Regional Policing Teams. He also provides lectures and presentations on behalf of an International Analytical Company, who provide specialist analytical software to numerous police forces and agencies.
CPS Panel appointments
General Crime Level 4
Key cases & testimonials
Homicide
R v MI (Operation Linseed) – Jonathan is instructed as junior alone for the prosecution of a defendant charged with murder.
R v AR (Operation Liquid) – Jonathan is instructed as junior alone in the prosecution of a defendant alleged to have committed murder for gain.
R v AK and 2 Others (Operation Dove) – Jonathan was instructed as junior counsel in the prosecution of 3 men involved in the destruction by fire of a shop premises on Hinckley Road, Leicester. The men prepared a mixture of tens of litres of petrol and barbeque fuel which was distributed in the basement of the premises and subsequently ignited. The group intended to make a false insurance claim in relation to the shop. At the time of the ignition, 6 people were within the shop or family home above it. Five people died in the ensuing explosion and fire.
The case involved the use of a witness who provided evidence pursuant to an agreement under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (Offenders assisting investigations and prosecutions).
Each defendant was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and five counts of murder.
R v RB and 12 Others (Operation Haversack) – Jonathan was instructed as junior counsel. This was one of the largest in terms of defendants (eleven) and longest (8-months) homicide trial in UK legal history. The case involved a huge investigation into a murder that was set against the background of significant organised drug supply. The victim was attempting to act as peace-maker between two rival groups when he was ambushed and killed.
The case required the detailed assessment of huge amounts of served and unused evidence. Jonathan was integral to developing and evidencing the drug supply backdrop to the case (something that had not initially been investigated). This material was essential within the case, providing explanation to and motivation for the killing.
Nine defendants were convicted of murder and sentenced to minimum terms of between 22 – 32 years.
R v AD and 7 Others (Operation Haxey) – Jonathan was instructed as junior counsel in the prosecution of 6 defendants convicted of murder. The case related to the killing of an individual whose home had been ‘cuckoo’d’ by a county lines drug supply operation. Jonathan was significantly involved in preparation of the analytical products to demonstrate the drug dealing which gave rise to the killing. All defendants pleaded guilty to the drug supply before trial.
At the time of the trial and by its conclusion, this was the largest (in terms of defendants) and longest trial to be undertaken following re-commencement of jury trials after the first National Covid lockdown.
R v ET and 5 others (Operation Hyrax) – Jonathan was instructed as junior counsel in the prosecution of 5 young defendants charged with the murder of a senior figure in a notorious organised criminal group. Jonathan was responsible for the management of vast quantities of un-used material relating to the character of the deceased and the group of which he was a member.
R v AP and 5 Others (Op Milestone) – Jonathan was instructed as junior counsel in the prosecution of 2 men involved in the planned execution of a drug dealer. In attempting to shoot their intended target, his girlfriend was instead shot and killed. Other defendants were involved in the disposal of items used in the killing, including vehicles.
Drugs
R v RK and 7 others (Operation Beagle) – Jonathan was leading counsel in the prosecution of defendants involved in the national and regional distribution of multiple kilograms of recently imported, high purity cocaine between West Yorkshire and Leicestershire.
R v AT and 25 Others (Operation Buster) – Jonathan was instructed as junior counsel in the prosecution of defendants alleged to be involved in the importation and National trafficking of approximately a metric tonne of class A and B drugs.
Such is the scale of the prosecution, that there were multiple trials listed. Jonathan was responsible for presentation of the massive amounts of mobile telephone, covert recording and surveillance evidence. This involved his conducting examination in chief of a telephone analyst for over 3 weeks in each of the first three trials.
Jonathan also dealt with three trials in this case as junior alone.
The first of those trials acting as junior alone involved the prosecution of a Dutch National for his involvement in the importation of ¾ of a metric tonne of cocaine. The defendant was convicted after trial and received a sentence of 22-years imprisonment.
R v SA and 8 Others (Operation Forktail) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of defendants involved in a City wide drug trafficking conspiracy. It was a conspiracy that targeted the supply of very significant quantities of class A (including ecstasy) and B drugs to university students.
R v MJ and 1 other (Operation Harrier) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of two defendants involved in the running of a “county lines” drug trafficking enterprise which callously employed and exploited children. Both defendants were ‘third strike’ drug traffickers. On conviction after trial, they received 18 and 19 years imprisonment.
R v NG and 13 others (Operation Intruder) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of defendants involved in the national and regional distribution of multiple kilograms of cocaine and heroin.
R v JP and 4 others (Operation Luke) – Jonathan was instructed as led junior in the prosecution of defendants involved in the international trafficking, importation into and distribution throughout the United Kingdom, of approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine and heroin.
The prosecution involved liaison with law enforcement agencies based in France, Holland and Pakistan; realising significant amounts of evidence from those jurisdictions.
Following trial the two ‘ring-leaders’ of the group were sentenced to 25 and 24 years imprisonment.
R v AC and 9 Others (Operation Moonbean) – Jonathan is instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of defendants alleged to be involved in the operation of a number of City wide, multi-commodity, ‘drugs lines’.
R v DM and 6 others (Operation Nebule) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of individuals alleged to be involved in the manufacture and supply of hundreds of kilograms of amphetamine.
R v TC and 8 Others (Operation Nelly) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of defendants involved in the supply of significant quantities of cocaine.
R v RH and 12 others (Operation Power) – Jonathan is instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of defendants involved in the industrial scale production (100’s kilograms) of cannabis.
R v DB and 26 others (Operation Radar) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of individuals involved in the National supply of very significant multiple kilogram quantities of Class A drugs into Lincolnshire.
R v LP and 7 others (Operation Saracen) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of individuals involved in the regional distribution of large quantities of class A drugs.
R v AM and 24 others (Operation Trent) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of individuals involved in an organised crime group, responsible for the region-wide sourcing and movement of kilograms of Class A drugs. These were drugs that were to be adulterated into the tens of kilograms and then distributed through a City-wide network for sale within Leicester and the surrounding areas.
Firearms
R v FW and 4 Others (Operation Jewelstone)
Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of two defendants involved in a double shooting, which took place during a planned robbery of drug dealers. The other defendants were responsible for concealing the firearm used and lying to the police during their investigation into the matter.
This was a complicated prosecution requiring the careful handling of prosecution witnesses; some of whom were involved in drug supply, another who was a family member of one of the defendants and ultimately treated as ‘hostile’.
After trial the primary defendant received a 20-year custodial sentence with 3-year extended sentence.
R v MA and 7 Others (Operation Kneel) – Jonathan was instructed as junior counsel in the prosecution of individuals responsible for importing firearms (including a fully automatic machine pistol) into the UK. The case involved co-operation with, and adducing of evidence obtained by, the Dutch police. There was significant legal argument in relation to the admissibility of the material.
Following trial, the primary offender received a life sentence.
R v DG and 4 Others (Operation Limousine) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel for the Crown. The case relates to the recovery of 16 self-loading pistols, 100s rounds of compatible ammunition and £100,000s cash. Many of the defendants also involved in multi-kilogram class A and B supply.
R v UK and 1 other (Operation Mazier) – Jonathan was instructed by the CPS Organised Crime Division, in the prosecution of defendants involved in the importation / attempted importation of prohibited firearms (disguised stun guns), over a thousand rounds of ammunition a fragmentation grenade all of which had been purchased on the ‘dark web’. The case involved the use of evidence from the United States and Sweden.
One of the defendants was also involved in the supply of at least thirty three prohibited firearms with compatible ammunition to criminals and criminal groups within the United Kingdom.
The primary defendant received a sentence of 22 1/2 years imprisonment following a guilty plea.
R v LF and 6 others (Operation Trent II) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of individuals responsible for the trafficking of a firearm and compatible ammunition into Leicestershire.
R v AC and 11 Others (Operation Virtuality) – Jonathan was initially instructed as junior counsel in the prosecution of a criminal gang responsible for the supply of kilograms of class A and B drugs and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life (involving 3 shootings). The case involved the analysis of large quantities of mobile telephone evidence, covertly recorded conversations, surveillance evidence and interpretation of (autobiographical) Drill music written and performed by the principle offender.
The defendants were initially charged with firearms offences only. Jonathan advised that the police should also investigate links to the defendants involvement in drug supply, with a view to demonstrating the background to the firearms offending. This identified class A trafficking in excess of category 1.
The case is being dealt with in multiple trials. During trial 1, Jonathan was required to commence the Prosecution opening speech; which he did for 2 ½ days.
Following conviction after trial, the principle offender received a life sentence with a minimum term of over 17-years.
Jonathan undertook a re-trial of 4 defendants as leading counsel (replacing Kings Counsel), securing convictions in the case of each defendant against whom a previous jury had failed to reach verdicts. The principle offender within the re-trial received a life sentence.
Serious Violence
R v NH and 13 others (Operation Header) – Jonathan was instructed as junior counsel in the prosecution of individuals alleged to be involved in a conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and associated attempted murder, by shooting.
R v DO and 8 others (Operation Nighthawk) – Jonathan is instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of defendants alleged to be involved in a serious incident of disorder involving University students. The incident involved the carrying, production and use of multiple weapons, including knives and the stabbing of one of those involved.
Serious Financial Offending
R v FS and 3 others (Operation Puli) – Jonathan was instructed as junior alone in the prosecution of 4 men convicted of conspiracy to rob. Although the intended victim was never identified and the group were intercepted as they travelled to commit a carefully planned a ‘home invasion’ type robbery. They were arrested in possession of balaclavas, real and fake firearms, cable ties and duct tape. The offence had been planned over a number of weeks and had involved reconnoitres of a home.
R v HH and 2 others (Operation Rain) – Jonathan was instructed in the prosecution of individuals involved in the burglary of commercial premises containing automatic teller machines (ATMs) and theft of £100,000s from within them.
R v JP and 6 Others (Operation Salt) – Jonathan was instructed as leading counsel in the prosecution of defendants involved in the regional theft and subsequent breaking down for onward supply, of high-value motor vehicles. The case involves over 50 separate offences, with the thefts valuing approximately £2.4million. It has required the analysis of huge amounts of telephonic evidence; both call data and analysis of the contents of mobile telephone downloads.
Pre-Charge
R v JB and 6 Others (Operation Rooster) – Jonathan was instructed to provide pre-charge advice in the case of defendants involved in the importation of substantial quantities of class A drugs into the UK and related money-laundering. At the time of his instruction this was the largest single seizure of drugs in the East Midlands region.
R v AC and 12 Others (Operation Tinge) – Jonathan was instructed to provided pre-charge advice in the case of defendants organising and conducting numerous serious burglary and robbery offences. The group targeted high-profile individuals (professional footballers and jewellers) and a gallery holding royal jewellery. They then laundered the proceeds of the offending, valued in the millions of pounds through other defendants operating as jewellers in Hatton Garden.
Jonathan was recognised for his "outstanding actions in the response to the Hinckley Road Explosion, showing professionalism, and extremely high standards throughout the operation." Commendation for Outstanding Work received from the Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, Head of Leicester and Rutland Fire Service, Head of East Midlands Fire Service and Head of Leicester City Council
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the prosecution team of Christopher Donnellan QC and Jonathan Cox for presenting such a complex case to the court which no doubt helped secure the convictions.Press release from a Senior Police Officer after the conviction of 16 people following a shooting of a 17 year old boy
Jonathan was ""recognised for outstanding service. For exceptional contribution, efficient organisation and support given. Chief Constable's Certificate for Outstanding Work
Jonathan was ""recognised for outstanding service. For exceptional contribution, efficient organisation and support given.Chief Constable's Certificate for Outstanding Work
From an early stage you displayed attention to detail which was crucial to the successful prosecution of the Organised Crime Group....upmost professionalism and skill....it was evident that you're understanding of the evidence was far superior of all of your adversaries....May I thank you once again for your dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm in the prosecution of this dangerous Organised Crime Group. Letter of Recognition
You played a key role in the successful operation of a covert investigation, resulting in the offenders being found guilty at Court.Chief Constable’s Commendation
A special thank you to Adrian Langdale KC, Jonathan Cox … for their outstanding work and unwavering support throughout this time.Press release from family of deceased following successful prosecution of 9 -defendants convicted of murder