Alex has been instructed in a number of high profile cases, both as leading and junior counsel, and has developed a reputation as a skilled, dedicated, and successful advocate. He is of the view that by both prosecuting and defending, he has gained an enhanced understanding and appreciation of trial advocacy, to the advantage of his clients.
He is an experienced defence barrister, which accounts for the majority of his practice. He has been instructed in the following areas: murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, false imprisonment, cases involving torture, firearms offences, robbery, sexual offences, non-recent and recent cases, including gun-point rape and offences committed by and against children, cases involving indecent images.
A large portion of Alex's practice relates directly and indirectly to the supply of controlled drugs. He has both successfully defended and prosecuted such cases, both large and small, for many years. He gives sound advice in trial, and at sentence should the defendant plead guilty or be convicted.
He has particular expertise and outstanding results in high-value and complex drugs cases, notably where Encrochat evidence is involved.
He has been instructed in numerous cases involving fraud and financial crime at all levels. He has successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal on a number of occasions.
He is a grade 3 prosecutor, and prosecutes rapes and other sexual offences, crimes of violence, fraud, drugs cases. He has attended vulnerable witness courses.
Notable Cases
R v C, 2019
Alex's client stood trial as the first defendant in what was originally a 12 handed case (6 by the time of the trial). He was alleged to have been the head of an organised crime group, orchestrating a complex serious of crimes, including stealing high end motor vehicles to order and exporting them throughout the world. Following a lengthy trial in which the defendant gave evidence for over 5 days, there was a hung jury.
As a result of subsequent negotiations between the parties, the defendant entered guilty pleas to lesser offending. He received a far shorter sentence and the prosecution conceded on the proceeds of crime matters. Alex had previously successfully represented this defendant on allegations of fraud, and at this trial was led by Martin Rutherford QC.
Blackfriars Crown Court
R v J, 2019
The defendant, with lengthy convictions, faced allegations of fraud. It was a case that required extensive legal argument to limit the evidence against him. He was found not guilty following trial.
Croydon Crown Court
R v O, 2017
A multi handed large-scale boiler-room fraud involving a company purporting to sell carbon credits. 5 defendants pleaded guilty. The defendant and one other were both found not guilty at trial.
Southwark Crown Court
Financial CrimeR v R, 2024
Alex defended a man accused of a number of offences including possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. In the dock with him at trial were three defendants alleged to have been in an organised gang who faced counts including attempting to murder Alex’s client, having fired a number of shots at him from a firearm. Ultimately, those co-defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced to lengthy custodial sentences. The defendant stood his ground and had a trial.
The defendant was seen on CCTV footage apparently racking his self-loading pistol, raising it an firing it, at precisely the same time a loud bang could be heard. The defendant’s case was that it was an imitation firearm, and that he was merely pretending to fire to make good his escape. The loud bang was a co-incidence and that perhaps another unidentified man had fired the shot.
The original trial was adjourned following late disclosure of the position of the spent cartridges found at the scene. Evidence from a firearms expert was obtained by the defence that supported the argument that the position of the spent cartridges was inconsistent with his having fired them.
The prosecution instructed an expert to support the prosecution case at trial, and the experts both gave evidence at trial.
The defence relied upon enhanced CCTV footage, the prosecution having said that it was not possible to enhance the footage, to support the case that a third man could have fired a weapon.
The defendant gave evidence for two days, and called character witnesses on his behalf.
He was ultimately found not guilty at trial of the more serious offence, and convicted only of an offence involving the possession of an imitation firearm, and a violent disorder, for which he received a short custodial sentence, resulting in his release from prison shortly after the trial.
Croydon Crown Court
R v C, 2024
Alex defended a man in lengthy ‘cut-throat’ trial involving weapons offences, serious violent disorder, and serious assaults. Although, convicted at trial, the Judge was persuaded, exceptionally, to pass a suspended sentence of imprisonment against Alex’s client.
Woolwich Crown Court
R v T and S, 2024
Alex prosecuted the defendants on serious offences involving the supply of class A drugs. The case was complex with both defendant’s relying on expert psychiatric evidence.
While on bail one of the defendants stabbed a man with a knife to the face and was charged with s.18 wounding. Both defendants were convicted receiving lengthy custodial sentences of 5 years and 14 ½ years respectively.
Harrow Crown Court
R v E, 2024
Alex defended a vulnerable defendant, who was 17 at the time of the alleged offence, namely being a party to a conspiracy to burgle. There were some 68 properties involved and 20 defendants. Although the defendant was convicted at trial, the Judge passed a suspended sentence, persuaded that there were exceptional circumstances in his case
Maidstone Crown Court
R v A and others, 2023
The defendant stood trial on 3 counts of kidnap, false imprisonment and robbery.
He was alleged to have gone to the complainant’s home address with others, dragged him out, taken his mobile phones and violently taken him to a waiting car where he was further assaulted. The police were called by a member of the public. When the police attended, the defendant told the others to answer no comment in interview, which they did. The incident was captured on CCTV and ring door bell footage. The complainant was cross examined at trial and shown to have lied in relation to the background to this case, the nature of his relationship with the defendants, and in relation to the debt that he owed.
The defendant gave evidence and chose for good reason to adduce his previous convictions. The robbery was withdrawn from the jury following legal submissions. Following a careful direction on the ingredients of kidnap and false imprisonment, and in answer to a jury note, the meaning of consent, the defendant was found not guilty on both remaining counts.
Snaresbrook Crown Court
R v F, 2023
Alex defended a man indicted with s.18 wounding. The defendant was alleged to wounded a man during a ‘road rage’ incident. The complainant received a stab wound to his back, which was treated in hospital some half an hour after the incident. The defendant denied that he had a weapon and claimed that the wound must have been caused by someone else before or after the fight, that he accepted having had with the complainant.
The judge was persuaded to leave a defence of self-defence to the jury following legal argument. The defendant was found not guilty by the jury of the offence, and not guilty of the alternative s.20 offence as well.
Woolwich Crown Court
R v M, 2022
The Defendant stood trial in relation to armed robbery (firearm) of high value goods. The evidence at first, second and third blush appeared strong-he was arrested in a vehicle stolen during the robbery, in a green tracksuit as described by witnesses and wearing a balaclava. He had in his possession expensive jewellery stoles in the robbery.
R v K 2021
Alex prosecuted this high profile and widely reported case involving child cruelty and abuse committed by a man against his wife and children over many years. The defendant was convicted and sentenced to a lengthy sentence, deemed appropriate by the Court of Appeal.
R v O, 2022
Unanimously acquitted in a two-handed ABH where the defence related to the use of reasonable force against an individual wanted for rape and breach of a life licence relating to two further rapes.
R v M, 2021
The client, a former professional heavyweight boxer, was alleged to have assaulted two individuals in an unprovoked attack with a wheel brace and fists causing serious injury. The alleged victims, neither heavyweight nor boxers, claimed that he had approached them when they were in their stationary vehicles and had attacked them. They alleged the defendant thought that one was having an affair with his wife. The defendant claimed to have been acting in self-defence. He was found not guilty on both counts following trial. Inner
London Crown Court
R v T, 2021
The client was alleged to have been part of a conspiracy to kidnap. The allegation was that there was a sophisticated plan involving a ‘honey trap’ tracking devices and reconnaissance to kidnap an individual who owed money to an organised crime group. The defendant was also alleged to have been armed with an offensive weapon. Following legal representations, the prosecution did not proceed on that count, and after a 5-week trial, the defendant was found not guilty on the conspiracy.
Inner London Crown Court
R v K, 2021
Alex prosecuted the defendant who was convicted at trial on all counts of child cruelty and assaults committed against his family over a twenty-year period.
Reading Crown Court
R v B, 2020
Defended client accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm on his girlfriend. His defence was that he was acting in self-defence. He was found not guilty following trial.
Wolverhampton Crown Court
R v RM, 2019-20
Multi-handed murder trial. Alex's client was accused of perverting the course of justice. It was alleged that he disposed of evidence used in a gang related murder. Following a lengthy trial in which all but one of his co-accused were convicted of murder, following legal argument, the prosecution dropped the case against the defendant. He was found guilty of handling stolen goods alone, for which he received a community order.
Warwick Crown Court
R v X-S, 2019
Led junior. The client was charged with running a network of brothels with her partner. Following a lengthy trial, she was found not guilty by the jury of the most serious count of conspiring to keep a person in servitude, and weapons offences. Convicted of controlling prostitution and drugs offences.
Harrow Crown Court
R v H, 2019
Alex prosecuted this case in which a child was abducted from school and threatened by a gang with extreme violence. The defendant was convicted.
Snaresbrook Crown Court
R v G, 2019
Representing the defendant, a professional man, who stood trial on a count of Section 18 wounding. He was alleged to have stabbed a man whom he believed had sexually assaulted his child. He argued that he was acting in self-defence. He was found not guilty of that offence, but guilty of a lesser offence and avoided a custodial sentence.
Woolwich Crown Court
R v W and others, 2018
This was a high-profile case, resulting from a lengthy investigation, in which some 50 defendants were prosecuted for having organised and participated in ‘Take back the streets’ protests. A number of defendants pleaded guilty, or were found guilty. The jury were hung in this case, and following representations, the prosecution did not seek a re-trial, resulting in the defendant’s acquittal.
Birmingham Crown Court
R v W and another, 2018
Two defendants were accused of administering a noxious substance to a child. Following trial, the defendant represented by Alex was acquitted. The co-defendant was found guilty by the jury.
Chelmsford Crown Court
R v M, 2018
Alex prosecuted this case in which the victim was stabbed to the chest with a knife. The defendant, who claimed that he had acted in self-defence, was convicted of wounding with intent to cause gbh following a trial.
Croydon Crown Court
R v M, 2017
Murder. The defendant was accused of having been part of an organised revenge attack on the victim, who was attacked following a sophisticated surveillance operation carried out by the group. In the event, following legal argument, the prosecution accepted a plea to manslaughter.
Central Criminal Court
CrimeR v H, 2024
Alex prosecuted a trial involving the supply of a considerable quantity of class A drugs. The defendant was convicted at trial.
Wood Green Crown Court
R v X, 2024
Alex represented the main defendant in two linked conspiracies, involving numerous defendants, to import and supply drugs. The case involved two police forces, and was an extremely complex investigation. Alex’s client entered a guilty plea on a basis. His sentence, which totalled 7 years was one that was considerably less than feared or expected.
Snaresbrook Crown Court
R v H, 2023
Alex defended a man charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs. The defendant was stopped in a vehicle and found to be in possession of 58 wraps of controlled drugs. He was in possession of a large amount of cash. He had a number of mobile phones(to which he did not provide the police with the PINs). A search of his home address led to the seizure of further wraps of Class A drugs, mobile phones, cash, scales and other drugs paraphanalia.
The defendant answered no comment in interview. At trial the prosecution called an expert witness who gave evidence that the drugs found were not consistent with simple possession, but that the evidence was consistent with an intent to supply.The defendant gave evidence at trial that he was a heavy user and that the drugs were for his own use.The Jury returned not guilty verdicts on both counts.
Croydon Crown Court
R v H, 2022
Alex defended the first defendant in a multi-handed case involving the importation of around 100 Kilos of cocaine. The case was complex involving the use of enchrochat material and covert evidence. Expert evidence was obtained by the defence re the mobile phone evidence and the was large scale OCG's operate. A basis of plea was entered. Although the defendant had not entered his plea at an early stage, following legal argument he was given 1/3 credit. His sentence was well blow expectations such that the prosecution advised re it being unduly lenient.
R v B and Others, 2021
Alex was instructed as Leading Counsel in a Complex Case Unit in a case involving the large scale production of controlled drugs. All 6 defendants were convicted.
R v C, 2020
The defendant had previous convictions including for the supply of Class A drugs to test purchase officers. He pleaded guilty to a further offence of supplying Class A drugs to test purchase officers. Alex secured a suspended sentence, having persuaded the judge that this was an exceptional case.
DrugsR v C, 2024
Alex defended a man of good character accused of raping, and sexually abusing his wife throughout their marriage. She gave compelling evidence in two video recorded interviews. However, following cross-examination focusing on material that had been disclosed on the defence, requests having been made, particularly medical and psychiatric evidence, the complainant’s credibility was undermined such that the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all counts.
Northampton Crown Court
R v G, 2024
This was a complex case against a number of defendants, split into three trials, involving allegations of serious exploitation of and sexual offending against two vulnerable children. Following an application to dismiss the case, the prosecution elected not to continue on the majority of counts against Alex’s client. Ultimately the defendant entered guilty pleas to lesser offences, and received a sentence that meant that he did not have to serve any further time that the period on which he had been remanded.
Snaresbrook Crown Court
R v F, 2024
Alex defended a man who as a child was alleged to have raped and sexually abused his brothers. The case came to trial many years later. Although the evidence from the brothers was compelling and supported by the evidence of other witnesses, including evidence of a confession made by the defendant, he maintained his innocence and the matter went to trial. The defendant gave evidence and was convicted.
Wood Green Crown Court
R v W, 2024
Alex defended a grandfather accused of serious sexual offences against his granddaughter. He had previously been acquitted at trial of of serious offences against his other granddaughter, He was acquitted at trial of the most serious offences and received a short custodial sentence. Alex sought to have the sentence reduced still further in the Court of Appeal.
Wolverhampton Crown Court
R v A, 2024
Alex prosecuted a re-trial, there having previously been a hung jury, where the defendant stood trial on a number of counts of rape and other serious offences committed against his adopted daughter. The offending occurred over a number of years, the defendant using drugs and other means of manipulation to carry out the offences. The victim was 18 years of age at the time of the trial. The case involved complex issues of disclosure. The defendant was convicted at trial and was sentenced to a total sentence of 22 years.
Norwich Crwon Court
R v O, 2024
This was a case where the complainant alleged that the defendant had attempted to rape her and had committed a number of sexual offences against her. Although there was evidence that contradicted the complainant’s account in some key areas, the complainant was vulnerable, and it was a case that Alex considered important to prosecute. After two trials in which the jury was hung, the decision was taken not to seek a third trial.
Snaresbrook Crown Court
R v K, 2024
Alex prosecuted a masseur on an indictment containing a number of counts alleging serious sexual offence committed against two clients. The defendant was convicted at trial on all counts. He was sentenced to a total of 9 years imprisonment.
Snaresbrook Crown Court
R v F
Alex prosecuted a man accused of serious sexual offence and violence committed against his partner. The defendant was convicted following trial of strangulation, in which he choked his partner for an hour, and of an offence of damaging her property.
Southwark Crown Court
R v S, 2021
Alex prosecuted a defendant who was accused of arranging and facilitating child sex offences. He was the administrator of a number of social media sites in which the abuse of children was arranged. This was a complex case involving offending by individuals in a number of jurisdictions. There was legal argument prior to trial, which following a ruling in favour of the prosecution, the defendant entered guilty pleas. He was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.
R v W, 2020
The client, a young man of good character, was alleged to have raped a woman with whom he had an on off relationship. Her account was supported by a witness as to his behaviour before and after the alleged crime. There was considerable legal argument as to the admissibility of evidence in that case. The defendant was found not guilty by the jury.
Aylesbury Crown Court
R v C, 2020
The client stood trial in a complex case where he was alleged to have committed a number of serious offences involving indecent images of children. Both the prosecution and defence relied on expert evidence at trial in relation to material on the defendant’s computer. The jury found him not guilty of all counts following trial.
Croydon Crown Court
R v A, 2020
Alex prosecuted a youth who was convicted following trial of attempted rape of a 7-year-old boy, who was a friend of the family. Woolwich Crown Court.
R v X-S, 2019
Led junior. The client was charged with running a network of brothels with her partner. Following a lengthy trial, she was found not guilty by the jury of the most serious count of conspiring to keep a person in servitude, and weapons offences. Convicted of controlling prostitution and drugs offences.
Harrow Crown Court
R v W, 2019
The defendant was charged with attempted rape and voyeurism. The victim had met the defendant on a dating site and had a long relationship with him on-line. The case required sensitivity, and concluded by the indictment being marked accordingly. Derby Crown Court
R v S, 2018
The defendant was accused by his step daughters of having sexually abused them as children. He was found not guilty following trial.
Nottingham Crown Court
R v W, 2018
The defendant was charged with production and distribution of indecent images of children. Alex prosecuted this complex trial in which experts had been instructed by both the prosecution and defence. The defendant was convicted on all counts following a trial.
Central Criminal Court
R v B, 2017
The defendant was alleged to have committed a number of sexual offences against a student who had allowed him to stay at her flat. He was found not guilty of the most serious offence (anal rape) following legal argument.
Wood Green Crown Court
Rape and Sexual Offences
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