"Tim Pole is a well-regarded health and safety practitioner in the Midlands who acts for local authorities and the HSE, as well as various private sector entities. He has experience handling prosecutions and HSE investigations and navigating through sentencing exercises following serious injury and death."
Chambers UK 2026 (Health & Safety)
"Tim is shrewd, he thinks carefully. I think he is unflappable, and he has the measure of the court as well."
Chambers UK 2026 (Health & Safety)
"Tim is the master of environment health and safety. He is an immensely skilful defender and hugely fair."
Chambers UK 2026 (Health & Safety)
"Tim Pole of No5 Barristers' Chambers is frequently instructed by the Environment Agency to prosecute large and complex environmental crimes. He is an expert in a wide range of regulatory matters, including waste, fire issues and statutory nuisance."
Chambers UK 2026 (Environment)
"As well as being technically sound, Tim Pole also looks at the commercial reality of a situation."
Tim is head of the Regulatory Group in Chambers and has a wealth of experience in dealing with regulatory offences. He has appeared in a wide range of cases from Health and Safety to Environmental Offences, Planning Breaches, Food Safety, Consumer Law and Trademark Offences.
Expertise
Regulatory
Regulatory
Tim is head of the Regulatory Group in Chambers and has a wealth of experience in dealing with regulatory offences. He has appeared in a wide range of cases from Health and Safety to Environmental Offences, Planning Breaches, Food Safety, Consumer Law and Trademark Offences.
Health and Safety Law
Tim has experience in all aspects of the prosecution and defence of health and safety offences. He has prosecuted and defended in cases involving serious injury and death. He was junior Counsel in one of the country’s most complex health and safety investigations concerning an outbreak of Legionnaires disease in Wales (see notable cases). He has developed a nationwide practice in relation to health and safety offences. He has prosecuted and defended industry leading companies such as Severn Trent Water Limited, Muller UK and Ireland Group LLP, Warburtons Limited, Veolia Limited, Tarmac Limited and Poundstretcher Ltd. He has acted on behalf of many of the country’s leading insurers including:
Ageas
AXA
Aviva
ESure
QBE
AIG
Zurich
RSA
Admiral
Tesco
Liberty
He is regularly instructed at the pre-charge stage, including before coronial proceedings, to advise defendant companies, authorities and individuals subjected to health and safety investigations.
Tim has for many years, been ranked as a Leading Junior by both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. He is currently ranked as (Tier 1) by the Legal 500 for Business and Regulatory Crime (including Health and Safety) and Health and Safety Band 1 by Chambers and Partners
Notable Cases
2025 – Lincolnshire Fire Service and His Majesty’s Coroner Represented the fire service following a fatality in relation to an emergency response to a road traffic collision.
2025- HSE v Leeson Polyurethane Limited – Prosecution following large scale explosion at chemical factory resulting in a fatality. Complex case involving experts from a multitude of disciplines. Trial awaited
2025- HSE v Heyrod Construction Limited. Prosecuted two – week trial concerning the falling of a steel support on a significant construction site in central Manchester. The company were convicted unanimously by the jury.
2025- HSE V TVM LTD- Prosecution following fatal fall at leisure venue. Trial awaited.
2025 Manchester City Council v One Stop Stores and others. Inquest following the fatal fall of a customer resulting from contact with automatic doors.
2024 HSE v Morspan Limited Represented company following fatality during the welding process of a steel girder. Was able to advance arguments to move the case in the guidelines from cat 1 high culpability to cat 3 low culpability reducing a fine from 100s of thousands to £50 000.
2024 HSE v Bromsgrove Steel and Storage Giant Successfully prosecuted two substantial companies following a serious fall from height.
2023 HSE v 2 Counties Construction Ltd- Successfully defended company, powerful mitigation advanced resulting in modest fine following serious fall from height.
2023 HSE v Interior Products Group Limited. Defended company following serious injury involving amputation. Was able to successfully mitigate the fine from the HSE’s high starting point.
2023- R v Pringle – A case arising from allegations contrary to the construction and use regulations in an agricultural context. Defendant acquitted following submission at half time.
2022- HSE v B Transmissions Limited – Represented company following serious fall from hight, successfully mitigated to a nominal fine.
2022 HSE v SDF Automotive – Appeared on behalf of administrators Interpath who had taken over the running of the distressed company. Allegations involved serious breaches in relation to the management of asbestos- nominal penalty imposed.
2022 HSE v AES Roofing – Represented defendant company following fall from height. Fine successfully mitigated.
2022 HSE v Custom Insulations Limited – Represented company following serious entrapment Injury on the production line.
2020- HSE v Jami Mosque – High profile case following roof collapse on school children- successful mitigation fine of only £12000 imposed
2018 HSE v S Prosecuted rogue plumber for serious health and safety breaches.
2018- W Council v H Hospitality Limited Defended company facing allegations in relation to management of a leisure complex. Successfully and advised and represented significantly reducing the financial penalty.
2017- Surrey County Council v First Port Retirement Property services Limited – Appeared for local authority involving complex sentencing hearing for convictions in relation to fire safety.
2017- C council v Y Limited- Prosecuted company for failings in relation to the organisation of mass participation leisure event
2017- HSE v M recycling plant limited- led junior in prosecution of large recycling plant failings resulted in fatality.
2017 S Council v P Ltd Prosecuted large national retailer for breaches of health and safety legislation 5 week trial.
2017 HSE v NC council- instructed to prosecute large council for significant failings resulting in life changing injuries for a member of the public (ongoing.)
2017 HSE v N Council- prosecuted large council for longstanding failings leading to significant injuries. (ongoing) 2017 HSE v Warburtons Ltd- Successfully prosecuted leading bread manufacturer sentenced to fine of £2 000 000 at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Further trial to be heard in June 2017.
2017 HSE v Tayto Ltd- Prosecuted leading snack manufacturer sentenced to fine of £330 000.
2016 South Kesteven District Council v Losberger UK Ltd- Successfully prosecuted significant supplier of event structures. Advised pre-charge and prosecuted case to successful conclusion.
2016 HSE v Arma Ltd – Successfully prosecuted lengthy trial concerning serious breaches of health and safety regulations in relation to asbestos.
2016 Swindon Borough Council v Poundstretcher Ltd – Successfully prosecuted large national retailer. Trial in relation to the managing director to be heard in Autumn 2016.
2015 HSE v Veolia ES (UK) Ltd- Prosecuted large recycling plant for serious Health and Safety breaches. Fine and costs totalling approx £500 000. New sentencing guidelines utilised.
2015 S K Council v Poundstretcher Ltd – Advised and led the prosecution against national retailer resulting in convictions in relation to all allegations concerning breaches of health and safety legislation.
2015 Smith Francis Tools v HSE Successfully represented the Health and Safety executive in a week long hearing resisting the appellant company’s appeal against an improvement notice.
2015 HSE v T Successfully prosecuted ‘rogue trader’ (Plumber) supplying dangerous gas services. 2015 HSE v Company B ltd et al- Successfully prosecuted company and individual facing health and safety breaches as a result failing to employ safe systems of work in the handling of live stock resulting in a fatality.
2014 HSE v A Represented individual facing allegations of breaching work at height regulations resulting in fatality securing successful outcome.
2014 HSE v H Represented Health and Safety Executive in successful prosecution of gross breaches of Asbestos regulations.
2014 HSE v C Represented Health and Safety Executive in prosecution of plumber who had breached gas safety regulations resulting in a prison sentence for the defendant.
2013 HSE v Company X Successfully prosecuted recycling company for serious health and safety breaches resulting in fine in excess of £50,000.
2012 HSE v SA Warley Magistrates’ Court Successfully defended commercial landlord facing breaches in relation to the gas safety (installation and use) regulations 1998 and alleged breaches of enforcement notices in relation to the Housing Act 2004. R v Copthorne Hotel et al Cardiff Crown Court 2005 Prosecution junior in gross negligence manslaughter trial jointly prosecuted by the HSE and CPS. The case concerned one of this country’s largest ever outbreaks of Legionnaires disease. A complex case concerning breaches of Health and Safety law by individuals and corporate bodies.
Prohibition and Improvement Notices
Tim has appeared in a number of appeals before the Employment Tribunal in relation to prohibition and improvement notices.
Fire Safety
Tim has acted in a number of cases involving allegations of significant breaches of Fire Safety Law. Tim has particular experience in dealing with allegations arising in the leisure and retail industries.
Food Safety and Consumer Law
Tim has significant experience of representing companies, facing allegations of regulatory breaches in relation to food safety, advertising and packaging. He has represented large manufacturers in relation to complex allegations arising from trading standards investigations and investigations by the Food Standards Agency. In particular in relation to claims concerning product ‘origin’. He regularly represents and advises local authorities in relation to pre charge and prosecutions concerning complex food safety offences. In the last 12 months his cases have involved representing one of the country’s largest meat suppliers. The company faced allegations that it contravened the Food safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013
He represented the company at trial to a successful conclusion. The case involved complex expert evidence from a number of veterinarians.
He has prosecuted on behalf of local authorities in complex cases. He recently advised pre charge and prosecuted one of the country’s leading suppliers of meats in the north of England stemming from a complex investigation which led to a number of breaches of food safety law.
He recently represented an abattoir in relation to allegations concerning its operations at plant and prosecution by the Food Standard Agency. The case involved multiple defendants both corporate and individual.
Notable Cases
2016- Birmingham- Instructed to represent abattoir concerning investigation by the F.S.A
2016- Birmingham- Successfully represented meat supplier in relation to allegations of contravention of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.
2014- Kidderminster Magistrate’s’ Court – Successfully represented large food manufacturer facing allegations of regulatory breaches in relation to packaging.
Environmental Law
Experience in defending businesses facing prosecution by the Environment Agency. With particular experience in cases involving the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Environmental Protection Act (see notable cases). Tim has prosecuted and defended high profile cases in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court – he has represented leading companies in the Water Industry and acted for the Environment Agency in some of their most high-profile cases.
Inquests
Regularly appears at inquests for some of the country’s leading insurers. Has dealt with a wide range of inquests involving complex medical, scientific and reconstruction evidence. Tim is able to draw on his wealth of experience in relation to reconstruction evidence derived from his leading practice in offences involving road traffic fatalities. Tim has also been able to draw upon his expertise in relation to Health and Safety Law to assist a wide range of leading companies including those in construction, property management and highway maintenance.
Planning and Enforcement
Regularly advisers developers and local authorities in relation to breaches of planning laws and enforcement notices.
He regularly represents individuals and businesses at first instance and on appeal in relation to breaches of planning law and enforcement notices. He is also experienced in appeals relating to revocation of waste licences.
Notable Cases
2018 EA and Natural Resources Wales v TE Limited successfully prosecuted company at first instance. Company failed to obtain authorisation for deployment of waste on agricultural land.
2017 EA v S successfully prosecuted large waste transfer centre for failing to comply with permit
2015 Harrow Crown Court – Represented developer facing allegations of breaching an enforcement notice in relation to the unlawful conversion of a dwelling house into apartments (see poca cases.)
2014 Planning Hearing – Represented waste transfer company in appeal against revocation of waste licence.
2013 Warwick Crown Court R v Hotel. Successfully represented company facing Proceeds of Crime act investigation following a breaches of planning enforcement.
2011 Birmingham Crown Court R v S Successfully appealed against penalty imposed for breach of a Planning Enforcement notice.
Birmingham Crown Court 2010 – Environment Agency and AM Defended the owner of a bio-diesel plant facing allegations of polluting the local watercourse. The case involved complex analysis of expert evidence and specialist knowledge of environmental law.
Noise Abatement
Tim is regularly instructed in appeals against noise abatement notices and offences that arise out of breach of the same. He has appeared in the High Court in relation to applications for injunctive relief as a result of Public Nuisance.
Notable Cases
2016- Bracknell Forest Council v J N S LTD- advised large sports company in relation to noise abatement notice.
2015 MK Council v School R Represented board of governors facing abatement notice in relation to use of floodlit all weather pitch.
2015 High Court Birmingham Coventry City Council v SH Advised and led councils application for an injunction in the High Court in relation to public nuisance which had not been abated by the issuing of and prosecution for breach of Abatement Notices. Injunction and costs granted.
2014 Leamington Magistrates’ Court Represented care home facing noise abatement notice resulting in negotiated settlement and withdrawal of the notice.
2013 Birmingham Magistrates’ Court Successfully represented large manufacturing company facing noise abatement notice.
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Fraudulent Trading
Tim is increasingly asked to represent companies facing confiscation applications as a result of regulatory breaches and planning breaches. Tim is an expert in this field, please refer to his Fraud and Proceeds of Crime Act C.V.
He also has experience of representing directors facing allegations of fraudulent trading and significant experience of applications pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act. He has appeared at first instance and in the court of Appeal in a number of reported cases. He represented appellants in a number of the “Chambers Review Cases”, the largest review of cases that had been wrongly decided pursuant to P.O.C.A 2002 and in the process recovered sums in excess of £1 million for his clients.
Notable Cases
2016- Bracknell Forest Council v J N S LTD- advised large sports company in relation to noise abatement notice.
2015 MK Council v School R Represented board of governors facing abatement notice in relation to use of floodlit all weather pitch.
2015 High Court Birmingham Coventry City Council v SH Advised and led councils application for an injunction in the High Court in relation to public nuisance which had not been abated by the issuing of and prosecution for breach of Abatement Notices. Injunction and costs granted.
2014 Leamington Magistrates’ Court Represented care home facing noise abatement notice resulting in negotiated settlement and withdrawal of the notice.
2013 Birmingham Magistrates’ Court Successfully represented large manufacturing company facing noise abatement notice.
Trademarks
Experience of prosecuting and defending cases concerning infringement of Trademarks and offences contrary to the licensing Act 2003
Notable Cases
2014 Warwick Crown Court Council v AN Successfully represented global importer facing trademark allegations and subsequent Proceeds of Crime Act investigation.
Stafford Crown Court 2011- Council v R Defended successful businessman facing complex trademark offences and Proceeds of Crime Act investigation.
Stafford Crown Court 2011- Council v R Defended successful businessman facing complex trademark offences and Proceeds of Crime Act investigation.
Trees
In 2009 he successfully conducted on behalf of Leicester City Council one of the first prosecutions in relation to the breach of a remedial notice issued pursuant to the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. The remedial notice having been issued following a complaint to the local authority concerning a dispute in relation to laylandii.(see notable cases).
Tim has dealt with allegations concerning breaches of Tree Preservation Orders where he has successfully represented developers facing such allegations.
Notable Cases
2015 R v Company AH Walsall Magistrates’ Court – successfully represented large property development company facing allegations in relation to breach of tree preservation orders successfully mitigating to ensure minimum penalty.
2011 T.P.O Advised leading developer in relation to allegations of breaching Tree Preservation Orders.
Leicester City Council v RM 2009 Enforcement of a remedial notice issued pursuant to the Anti-Social Behaviour Act. The case concerned the failure of a homeowner to comply with a remedial notice and was one of the first prosecutions brought in relation to this aspect of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act.
Crime
Crime
Tim for many years practiced in general criminal work including cases of Murder, Armed Robbery, Fraud, Sexual Offences, Money Laundering and large scale drugs conspiracies throughout England and Wales. Tim enjoys a national practice operates Chamber’s offices in Birmingham, London, Bristol and Leicester.
In recent years Tim has specialised in Regulatory Law and Specialist Criminal Work. Tim does not accept work that is subject to public funding but will on occasion accept general criminal cases on a privately funded basis.
His work in specialist criminal areas has centred around defending directors facing criminal investigations or regulatory/quasi criminal investigations. In the last 12 months he has twice defended directors facing allegations of fraudulent trading. On both occasions he was successful in obtaining acquittals in relation to those allegations. He has extensive experience of Fraud and has prosecuted and defended complex allegations. He has a particular interest in the bringing of Private Prosecutions and has previously been instructed by leading insurers in complex investigations centred around allegations of Fraud.
He has defended cases prosecuted by the specialist business prosecution unit. He has an extensive knowledge of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 including asset recovery and the representation of third parties. He represented appellants in a number of cases in the Court of Appeal that arose as a result of errors made by Customs and Excise in confiscation orders concerning the evasion of duty. This in almost all of the cases resulted in Appellants recovering in full that which had previously been confiscated.
Motoring Law
In addition to heavy weight Crown Court work, Tim has a wealth of experience in all aspects of motoring law where he regularly appears in Magistrates’ Courts and Crown courts throughout the country. He regularly deals with cases involving serious injury and fatalities including death by dangerous driving, death by careless driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. His experience of such cases has enabled him gain a competitive advantage in understanding and deploying expert evidence in this area. He is instructed on behalf of some of the country’s leading insurers. Tim has also represented private individuals including sports stars, people from the world of entertainment and business leaders. His attention to detail and tenacious approach has enabled him to develop an exceptional reputation in this specialist area. He was commended for his work in this area by Chambers and Partners in 2016. His recent cases include successfully defending Philip Potter the driver in the tragic “Bath Tipper Truck Case.”
Nathan Lowe faced an allegation of causing Death by Dangerous Driving, he had admitted causing Death by Careless driving but his plea was rejected by the CPS. He was represented by Tim Pole and following a week long trial was unanimously acquitted. The case required the deployment of complex expert evidence and the meticulous cross examination of the prosecution expert. The result was of great importance to Mr Lowe and his family and was the difference between Mr Lowe maintaining his liberty and a custody sentence measured in years.” Tim Pole is leading specialist in motoring defence.
CS v Nottingham Trading Standards
2017 Successfully defended director and company secretary in relation to allegations of Fraudulent Trading concerning the supply of organic food products. Nottingham Crown Court
AN v Warwickshire Trading Standards
Successfully defended director of company charged with Fraudulent Trading concerning weight loss products.
Regina v Philip Potter
2016 successfully defended the driver in one of the most complex investigations carried out in relation to a multiple road traffic fatality. The case involved substantial areas of expert evidence. Bristol Crown Court.
Regina v Rory Forbes
2011 Successfully defended a young man accused of causing death by careless driving. It was alleged that the defendant had failed to properly observe the road ahead before colliding with an oncoming motorcycle. The defendant was acquitted following a 6 day trial. Maidstone Crown Court.
R v Rajid Hussain et al
2011 Instructed to represent main defendant in 21 handed conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Birmingham Crown Court .
Regina v Julie Henworth
2010 Represented defendant in Very High Cost Case concerning large scale cigarette importation and money laundering. Northampton Crown Court
Regina v Franck Queudrue
Defended premiership footballer on appeal facing allegations of speeding. Warwick Crown Court
Regina v Omar Ahmed
2010. Represented defendant in multi handed conspiracy to supply class a drugs and complex proceeds of crime act proceedings. Stafford Crown Court
Regina v Jordan Carroll
2008/2009 Junior counsel in defence of 15 year old charged with high profile murder attracting national media coverage. Stafford Crown Court
Tim is Head of the Regulatory Group, and has a wealth of experience in dealing with regulatory offences.
He has appeared in a wide range of cases from Health and Safety to Environmental Offences, Planning breaches Food Safety, Consumer Law and Trademark Offences.
Health and Safety Law
Tim has experience in all aspects of the prosecution and defence of health and safety offences. He has prosecuted and defended in cases involving serious injury and death. He was junior counsel in one of the country’s most complex health and safety investigations concerning an outbreak of Legionnaires disease in Wales (see notable cases). He has developed a nationwide practice in relation to health and safety offences. He is regularly instructed in high profile cases by the Health and Safety Executive and a number of local authorities nationally. He has recently prosecuted significant companies such as Warburtons Limited, Poundstretcher Ltd and Tayto Ltd. He is regularly instructed at the pre charge stage to advise prosecuting authorities in relation to the bringing of cases and to advise defendant companies and individuals subjected to health and safety investigations (see Notable cases below.)
Prohibition and Improvement Notices
Tim has appeared in a number of appeals before the Employment Tribunal in relation to prohibition and improvement notices.
Environmental Law
Tim regularly appears both for and against the Environment Agency and is considered one of the leaders in the field in relation to enforcement arising out of environmental relation. He has prosecuted some of the most significant cases brought by the Environment Agency on the Midland Circuit in recent years both as lead counsel and junior counsel.
His vast experience in acting for the Environment Agency provides unrivalled insight and expertise when deployed on behalf of companies and directors facing enforcement ( of any sort) launched by the agency.
Food Safety and Consumer Law
Tim has significant experience of representing companies, facing allegations of regulatory breaches in relation to food safety, advertising and packaging. He has represented large manufacturers in relation to complex allegations arising from trading standards investigations and investigations by the Food Standards Agency. In particular in relation to claims concerning product ‘origin’. He regularly represents and advises local authorities in relation to pre charge and prosecutions concerning complex food safety offences. In the last 12 months his cases have involved representing one of the country’s largest meat suppliers. The company faced allegations that it contravened the Food safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013
He represented the company at trial to a successful conclusion. The case involved complex expert evidence from a number of veterinarians.
He has prosecuted on behalf of local authorities in complex cases. He recently advised pre charge and prosecuted one of the country’s leading suppliers of meats in the north of England stemming from a complex investigation which led to a number of breaches of food safety law.
He recently represented an abattoir in relation to allegations concerning its operations at plant and prosecution by the Food Standard Agency. The case involved multiple defendants both corporate and individual.
Inquests
Regularly appears at inquests of some of the country’s leading insurers. Has dealt with a wide range of inquests involving complex medical, scientific and reconstruction evidence. Tim is able to draw on his wealth of experience in relation to reconstruction evidence derived from his leading practice in offences involving road traffic fatalities. Tim has also been able to draw upon his expertise in relation to Health and Safety Law to assist a wide range of leading companies including those in construction, property management and highway maintenance.
Planning and Enforcement
Regularly advisers developers and local authorities in relation to breaches of planning laws and enforcement notices.
He regularly represents individuals and businesses at first instance and on appeal in relation to breaches of planning law and enforcement notices. He is also experienced in appeals relating to revocation of waste licences.
Noise Abatement
Tim is regularly instructed in appeals against noise abatement notices and offences that arise out of breach of the same. He has appeared in the High Court in relation to applications for injunctive relief as a result of Public Nuisance.
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Fraudulent Trading
He also has experience of representing directors facing allegations of fraudulent trading and significant experience of applications pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act. He has appeared at first instance and in the court of Appeal in a number of reported cases. He represented appellants in a number of the “Chambers Review Cases”, the largest review of cases that had been wrongly decided pursuant to P.O.C.A 2002 and in the process recovered sums in excess of 1 million for his clients.
Trademarks
Experience of prosecuting and defending cases concerning infringement of Trademarks and offences contrary to the licensing Act 2003.
Trees
In 2009 he successfully conducted on behalf of Leicester City Council one of the first prosecutions in relation to the breach of a remedial notice issued pursuant to the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. The remedial notice having been issued following a complaint to the local authority concerning a dispute in relation to laylandii.(see notable cases).
Tim has dealt with allegations concerning breaches of Tree Preservation Orders.
Notable Environment Cases
HSE v PT Ltd
2018 Successful prosecution of large wood yard in relation to work place transport.
HSE v FF Ltd
2018 Prosecution of leading packaging manufacturer following accident resulting in life changing injuries.
HSE v R Limited
2018 Large steel manufacturer- failure to guard.
HSE v S
2018 Prosecuted rogue plumber for serious health and safety breaches.
W Council v H Hospitality Limited
2018 Defended company facing allegations in relation to management of a leisure complex. Successfully and advised and represented significantly reducing the financial penalty.
C Council v Y Limited
2017 Prosecuted company for failings in relation to the organisation of mass participation leisure event
HSE v M recycling plant limited
2017 Led junior in prosecution of large recycling plant failings resulted in fatality
S Council v Poundstretcher Ltd
2017 Prosecuted large national retailer for breaches of health and safety legislation 5 week trial. Earlier prosecution in 2015 conducted against same company
HSE v NC council
2017 Instructed to prosecute large council for significant failings resulting in life changing injuries for a member of the public (ongoing).
HSE v N Council
Prosecuted large council for longstanding failings leading to significant injuries. (ongoing)
HSE v Warburtons Ltd x2
2017 Successfully prosecuted leading bread manufacturer sentenced to fine of 2 000 000 at Wolverhampton Crown Court and 1.9 million
HSE v Tayto Ltd
2017 Prosecuted leading snack manufacturer sentenced to fine of 330 000.
S K Council v Losberger UK Ltd
2016 Successfully prosecuted significant supplier of event structures. Advised pre-charge and prosecuted case to successful conclusion.
HSE v Arma Ltd
2016 Successfully prosecuted lengthy trial concerning serious breaches of health and safety regulations in relation to asbestos.
HSE v Veolia ES (UK) Ltd
2015 Prosecuted large recycling plant for serious Health and Safety breaches. Fine and costs totalling approx 500 000. New sentencing guidelines utilised
EA v L, G and W
2019 Individual directors prosecuted for significant breaches of permit resulting in two significant fires. One of the largest prosecutions brought by the EA.
EA v N and A
2018 Prosecution in relation to large unlawful waste site.
EA V C LTD
2018 Successfully prosecuted company for significant and complex breaches of permit.
EA and Natural Resources Wales v TE Limited
2018 Successfully prosecuted company at first instance. Company failed to obtain authorisation for deployment of waste on agricultural land.
R (Private Individual) v Equestrian centre
2018 Successfully defended company facing private prosecution brought by wealthy neighbour.
Bracknell Forest Council v J N S LTD
2016 Advised large sports company in relation to noise abatement notice.
MK Council v School R
2015 .Represented board of governors facing abatement notice in relation to use of floodlit all weather pitch.
High Court Birmingham Coventry City Council v SH
2015 Advised and led councils application for an injunction in the High Court in relation to public nuisance which had not been abated by the issuing of and prosecution for breach of Abatement Notices. Injunction and costs granted.
Leamington Magistrates’ Court
2014 Represented care home facing noise abatement notice resulting in negotiated settlement and withdrawal of the notice.
S Council v C E ltd
2018 Complex prosecution involving legal challenge to definition of “Business Operator.”
B Council v CY Ltd
2018 Defended chain of restaurants facing food safety allegations.
Tim has experience in all aspects of the defence and prosecution of health and safety offences. He has experience of both prosecuting and defending cases involving serious injury and death involving complex expert evidence. He was junior counsel in one of the country’s most complex health and safety investigations concerning an outbreak of Legionnaires disease in Wales (see notable cases). He is currently instructed to defend in a high profile case of a death as a result of a fall from height.
Inquests
Regularly appears at inquests of some of the country’s leading insurers representing companies and families. He has dealt with a wide range of inquests involving complex medical, scientific and reconstruction evidence.
Tim has extensive experience of inquests before juries where he is able to utilise skills honed appearing in complex criminal cases before specialising in regulatory work
Tim has been able to draw upon his expertise in relation to Health and Safety Law to assist a wide range of leading companies including those in construction and highway maintenance. Tim is also able to draw on his wealth of experience in relation to reconstruction evidence derived from his leading practice in offences involving road traffic fatalities to deal with inquests concerning death caused by vehicles.
He has regularly appeared on behalf of families and is aware of the sensitivities and care that is required when dealing with such cases. This year he appeared in a lengthy inquest on behalf of the deceased’s family following a death at an agricultural site (see Truro Coroners Court below.)
He is currently instructed on behalf of a leading property management company with assets in excess of 1 Billion pounds concerning an inquest into the death of a worker crushed to death by a vehicle at a leading midlands retail park (see Birmingham Coroners Court below.)
Notable Inquests, Public Inquiries & Coronial Law Cases
2018 Birmingham Coroners Court
Inquest concerning serious health and safety failings. Represented interests of the deceased’s family.
2015 Birmingham Coroners Court
Represented large property company with assets approaching £1 billion- at inquest concerning a death at a large retail site
2014 Birmingham Coroners Court
large and complex inquest into the death by crushing of a delivery driver at a large midlands retail park. (ongoing)
2014 Truro Coroners Court
Appeared at inquest into a death by electrocution during construction work at agricultural site. I appeared on behalf of the deceased’s family. The deceased had sadly died at a relatively young age leaving behind a dependant daughter and partner. The case had originally been rejected by the CPS in relation to allegations of corporate manslaughter. As a result of evidence revealed during my cross examination of the ,parties that the families held responsible for the death, the case was referred by the coroner to the D.P.P and two companies are now facing Corporate Manslaughter charges which is plainly of assistance to the successful resolution of the families civil claim.
2014 Leicester Coroners Court
Appeared at an inquest in relation to a death caused by a vehicle at an agricultural site. This case concerned the tragic death of an 18 month old child. I appeared to represent the interests of the insurers.
2013 Birmingham Coroners Court
Represented leading Highway Maintenance company successfully protecting their interests. Case concerned a significant motorway accident and centred around complex reconstruction evidence.
2012 Stafford Coroners Court
Appeared at inquest representing individual facing HSE investigation following fall from height. Large scale investigation into the death of a worker on a construction site. The worker was a roofing operative who sadly fell to his death as a result of insufficient edge protection.
No5 Barristers’ Chambers is pleased to announce the continued development of its Regulatory team via the most recent release of the List of Specialist Regulatory…
Barrister Tim Pole, of No5 Barristers’ Chambers, has represented Sandwell Roofing Ltd before Wolverhampton Crown Court following a fatal fall from a roof. The incident…
"Tim Pole is highly effective and gets to the crux of things with impressive style and speed."
Chambers UK 2026 (Environment)
"Tim Pole is an accomplished Crown Court practitioner who specialises in cases concerning motoring and regulatory crime. Health and safety prosecutions and confiscations form a particular area of focus."
Chambers UK 2026 (Crime)
"He is very knowledgeable and you know you are in good hands. He is also a pleasure to work with."
Legal 500 2026
"Tim is a very hard-working barrister who puts every ounce of effort into his cases."
Legal 500 2026
"'Good communication skills and a very commercial outlook makes Tim an ideal choice for clients. He is good when it comes to paperwork as well as as a courtroom advocate."
Legal 500 2025 (Crime)
"Tim is an incredibly pragmatic adviser who assimilates cases quickly and is excellent at communicating with clients, prosecutors and judges alike."
Chambers UK 2025 (Environment)
"Tim is a very industrious barrister. He is technically very proficient and always looks for novel solutions for his clients."
Legal 500 2025 (Business and Regulatory Crime - including Health and Safety)
"He is very analytical, smart and helpful. He is a very nice advocate and he deals well with opponents and judges."
Chambers UK 2025 (Health & Safety)
"Tim is commercially astute and affable, and he works hard."
Chambers UK 2025 (Health & Safety)
"He is highly knowledgeable and has a great bedside manner."
Chambers UK 2025 (Crime)
"Tim is dedicated to the client's needs and is a superb lawyer with a powerful court presence. He is a true leader"
Legal 500 2024
"Tim Pole is very commercial, provides pragmatic solutions to his clients, and is skilful in court, good with the jury and well liked."
Chambers UK 2024
"He is very pragmatic and technically very good." "He’s a really solid performer and well liked by his instructing solicitors." "He is a very good advocate." "He is good with clients and he is tenacious."
Chambers UK 2023
"Tim provides a faultless judgement. He has an excellent eye for the issues that matter, great courage and determination. He always acts in a highly effective manner."
Legal 500 2023
"Tim’s greatest strengths are found in the combination of superb judgement, hard work, and approachability. Quite simply, he gets to the heart of issues remarkably quickly and takes his client every step of the journey."
Legal 500 2022
"Very strong commercially and a clear advocate."
Chambers UK 2022
"He is extremely knowledgeable, very efficient and a good advocate. He also has very good client skills." "A real fighter who does not shy away from difficult arguments."
Chambers UK 2021
"An excellent, highly attentive advocate who defends his clients with zest and vigour."
Legal 500 2021
"He can be helpfully dogmatic and tough in difficult situations: he does not roll over easily but runs with the argument. He’s good at managing expectations and is excellent with clients."
Chambers UK 2020
"He has first-class technical knowledge of health and safety law."
Legal 500 UK 2020
Shortlisted for junior Barrister of the Year in 2018
Ede and Ravenscroft Middle Temple Student of the Year 2001
Sir Joseph Cantley Scholar 2001
Sir Robert Micklethwaite Scholar 2001
CBA
HSLA
In 2012 Tim was successfully appointed to the list of Specialist Regulatory Advocates in Health and Safety, Environmental Law and the Office of Rail Regulation. He retains his listing in the highest category namely level A. He has previously trained health and safety inspectors and experts in relation to case preparation and presentation at Court.
BA Joint Hons P.G Dip
Fluent in French
R v Billingham and Billingham 2009 2 Cr Ap R 20 Previous inconsistent statements.
R v Shannon (Ian) (2008) EWCA Crim 2131, (2009) 1 Cr App R (S) 95 Meaning of particularly grave injury.
No5 Barristers’ Chambers is pleased to announce the continued development of its Regulatory team via the most recent release of the List of Specialist Regulatory…
Barrister Tim Pole, of No5 Barristers’ Chambers, has represented Sandwell Roofing Ltd before Wolverhampton Crown Court following a fatal fall from a roof. The incident…
Founded over a century ago, No5 now number over 260 barristers, including 41 silks, and provide a national and international service out of No5’s offices in Birmingham, London and Bristol.
Founded over a century ago, we now number over 260 barristers, including 41 silks, and provide a national and international service out of No5’s offices in Birmingham, London and Bristol.
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