Mark has extensive experience appearing before the Independent Adjudicator, representing those charged with disciplinary offences in prison. He is regularly instructed in the entire range of hearings before the Parole Board, addressing complex issues relating to risk of harm to the public. He also drafts written representations to the Parole Board and to prisons on a variety of issues, including the grant of an oral hearing. Mark frequently addresses a variety of other issues arising from the rights of those serving prison sentences, such as security categorisation and healthcare matters.
Mark accepts instructions in judicial review proceedings arising from prison law matters, drafting the necessary paperwork as well as appearing in hearings before the Administrative Court. He has experience in the emergency judicial review procedure required in the most pressing of cases. Recent matters have included utilising judicial review to attempt to secure release on temporary licence for a prisoner to visit a dying relative.
Mark also undertakes criminal appeal cases for prisoners, including those well out-of-time, and advises both in writing and orally. He has experience appearing before the Court of Appeal in the criminal context.
In addition, Mark’s background in immigration and asylum law allows him proficiently to advise and represent foreign national prisoners in custody in either the prison system or immigration detention.
In a recent case, Mark represented S, a life sentence prisoner recalled to custody following an allegation of further criminal conduct. An oral hearing took place, after which the Parole Board decided that the recall had been illegal as they were satisfied that S was “innocent” of the matter alleged against him - a highly sought after and most unusual finding to be made in relation to any prisoner.
Appointments
Recorder
Fee-paid judge of the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
Awards
Prince of Wales Scholarship from Gray’s Inn
Memberships
Midlands Circuit
Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA)
Association of Prison Lawyers
Qualifications
LLB (Hons)
