Michael is a barrister specialising in criminal law and extradition.

Michael appears most frequently in the Crown Court, where he both defends and prosecutes. He has been in cases involving serious violence including grevious bodily harm, murder and attempted murder, as well as large drugs-supply conspiracies.

Michael recently represented a 17-year-old charged with attempted murder (un-led) at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey). The jury unanimously acquitted the young man of attempt murder or indeed any violence.

Michael has appeared in the Court of Appeal, where he successfully overturned a conviction on the grounds that the trial judge’s conduct deprived the defendant of a fair trial (R v Myers [2018] EWCA Crim 2191). The judge’s conduct included threatening to send the defendant’s 14-year-old daughter to the cells if she showed “any reaction” during her mother’s evidence (see coverage here). Michael was a pupil (trainee) barrister at the time.

Michael has represented defendants in extradition proceedings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the High Court.

Michael aims to promote the legal norms that underpin sustainable development. He is affiliated with Protimos, an NGO that works to build the rule of law across Africa. Protimos conducts litigation on behalf of indigenous communities displaced from their land or deprived of their rights under domestic and international law. It also works proactively with private industry and investors. Michael has made written and oral representations to the World Bank on behalf of communities in Lesotho comprising over 10,000 people. The World Bank is a major funder of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

CPS Panel appointments

General Crime Level 2

Key cases & testimonials

R v Myers [2018] EWCA Crim 2191 – Michael appeared on behalf of the appellant (Ms Myers). He argued that Ms Myers had not received a fair trial due to the judge’s conduct at trial. The judge adversely commented throughout proceedings (including in the presence of the jury), remanded Ms Myers in custody prior to her evidence, and threatened to send Ms Myers’ 14-year-old daughter to the cells. The Court of Appeal held that Ms Myers had not received a fair trial. Her convictions were quashed and no re-trial was ordered. The trial and appeal were conducted when Michael was a pupil at 3 Raymond Buildings.

For more information please Click Here or Click Here
https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/law/woman-whose-daughter-was-threatened-with-custody-by-judge-has-convictions-quashed/5067964.article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6275933/Judge-told-young-girl-cried-mother-gave-evidence-arrested.html

I have found him to be an outstanding barrister with personal and professional skills of a very high level. He always comes fully briefed and prepared, with a clear grasp of the important issues. His communication skills are first class, and he strikes up an instant rapport with clients – engaging with them fully and inviting confidence and trust. He is flexible and pragmatic, and more than capable of handling awkward situations or dealing effectively with unexpected developments. I have every confidence in his advocacy and case handling, which is why my firm has repeatedly instructed him.Solicitor

Further information

BPP University, London – Bar Professional Training Course (Outstanding)

Columbia University, New York – LLM (Stone Scholar)

City University, London – GDL (Distinction)

Oxford University – Philosophy, Politics and Economics (2.1)

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