Personal Injury

Ben advises and appears in personal injury cases, predominantly on the fast track. He acts for both Claimants and Defendants in road traffic accidents, employers' and occupiers' liability and industrial diseases. He also has experience of credit hire claims. He endeavours to return written work swiftly.

Crime

Ben’s main area of practice is Crime. He both prosecutes and defends. He is a category 3 prosecutor for the CPS and has recently been appointed to the Attorney General’s unified list of prosecutors. He has prosecuted cases of violence, dishonesty, disorder and drugs and is currently junior counsel in Operation Palamino, a large and complex drugs and money laundering conspiracy. He has defended in cases of historic rape, people trafficking, serious violence, multi-handed public disorder and drugs conspiracy. In the Court of Appeal, he successfully argued a legal point in what is now the leading authority on sections 119 & 122 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003: see R -v- Hulme [2007] 1 Cr.App.R. 26, [2007] Crim.L.R. 407. He has also appeared for both prosecution and defence in sentence appeals.

Ben has particular expertise in defending Road Traffic cases in both the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court. He is developing a strong practice in all aspects of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, including complex confiscation hearings for the prosecution, Defendants and spouses, detention and forfeiture proceedings, and costs arguments. Ben endeavours at all times to give straightforward advice and represent his clients robustly.

Other Work:

Ben has experience of a range of quasi-criminal work:
• particular interest in prison law including appearing before the lifer / parole board,
• representing police officers,
• acting for and against local Councils,
• prosecuting for the DWP,
• Police Property Act cases,
• alcohol licensing,
• taxi licensing,
• HGV licensing,
• condemnation proceedings,
• VAT tribunal cases,
• Environment agency cases,
• complex costs arguments.

Public/Administrative Law

Ben is developing a practice in judicial review and is a keen member of Chambers’ new team. His particular interest relates to prison law and mental health work. He has also been instructed in judicial reviews of criminal hearings.

Mental Health:

Ben is an enthusiastic member of Chambers’ developing Mental Health team. The group is committed to a sensitive and focused approach to work in this area, with a particular emphasis on client care.

Public Access