Crime

Nature of practice

Crime:

Defending and prosecuting; Category 4 prosecutor.

John has acted for the defence or prosecution in numerous cases of murder, manslaughter, rape and other serious sexual offences. He also specialises in cases of fraud, money-laundering and conspiracy to supply drugs.

Noteworthy cases:

R v Hamer: international banking fraud involving alleged fraudulent trading in forged promissory notes.

R v Cooman: alleged fraud on Barclays bank UK using New York bank accounts.

R v Skatchard: administering stupefying drugs in order to commit rape and indecent assault.

R v Prince: former member of the royal household sending obscene material through the post.

Numerous murders by means of shooting, stabbing, blunt instrument, strangulation, asphyxiation or setting fire to victim.

Civil:

Disputes over boundaries and easements.

John has advised upon, and conducted, many cases regarding disputes over boundaries to land and also easements affecting land; particularly, easements of water, way, support and light.

Noteworthy cases:

Whittington v Demetriou: Successful defence to claim in respect of boundary dispute, right of support and right of drainage, with counterclaim in respect of rights of light. Adjoining commercial premises.

Davies & Davies v Davies: Successful claim for declaration and injunctive relief in an action over rights of support involving three terraced properties.

Shaw v Williams: Successful defence to claim for right of way over agricultural land. Allegation of easement created by prescription.