David has 25 years of practising in crime. He has conducted every possible type of case, both on behalf of the Prosecution and the Defence. He also has many years of experience in representing police officers in the Crown Court, Disciplinary hearings and Inquests.
He has experience in murder, fraud, serious sexual offences, money laundering, drugs offences, including massive importations and serious offences of violence.
He has appeared in the Court of Appeal on many occasions, on behalf of both the Prosecution and Defence.
He was appointed King’s Counsel in 2010 and has been a Recorder of the Crown Court since 2005.
He is regarded as a natural jury advocate, with an extremely high success rate achieved in all areas of his work.
"David is an incredibly eloquent advocate." "He is a class act."
Chambers UK 2023
Ranked as a leading silk in Crime.
Chambers UK 2022
“A brilliant jury advocate - he has a very persuasive manner. He knows the law and how to cross-examine in sensitive criminal cases without alienating the jury.” “He has a keen eye for detail and is meticulous in his preparation.”
Chambers UK 2021
“He has a keen eye for detail and is meticulous in his preparation.”
Chambers UK 2020
“He is phenomenal in terms of his ability to assimilate medical information, and phenomenal in conference and on his feet. He creates a massive amount of confidence in the client because he’s so approachable, but he’s also an absolute demon in cross-examination.”
Chambers UK 2017
“A thorough and persuasive advocate, who has a charming manner – an exceedingly well-respected barrister.”
Legal 500 2016
“He is a significant opponent at the top of his game.”
Chambers UK 2016
Notable Cases
R v DAMIEN FINCHER.
Defence Counsel representing a man for murdering his wife.
R v STEPHEN LAL
Defence Counsel representing a man accused of murdering his oldest and best friend.
R v GEORGE LAWRENCE
Defence Counsel representing a man accused of murdering a man outside a Burton nightclub.
R v GEORGE WHITE
Defence Counsel representing a man for a 4 million money laundering.
R v G
Defence Counsel representing a respectable businessman accused of multiple rapes on a member of his family.
R v R
Defence Counsel representing a karate instructor accused of raping one of his students who was 13 at the time. The victim and the defendant then started a relationship. She then committed suicide before the trial. The Trial was allowed to continue with her evidence being adduced under the 2003 Hearsay provisions.
R v THUY AN MAO.
Defence Counsel representing a man for manslaughter having covered the victim in white spirit, causing her death 5 months later.
R v AZAM and OTHERS
Prosecution Junior. This case involved the murder of a young man in Birmingham. The case went to a second re trial and the Court of Appeal.
R v HARTSHORNE and OTHERS
Defence Junior. This case involved the importation of 30 tons of cannabis.
R v REBECCA POOLE.
Defence Counsel representing a teacher accused of raping a 15 year old male pupil.
R v CLAIRE LYTE.
Defence Counsel representing an LTA coach accused of sexual offences towards one of her 13-year-old female proteges.
R v CHRISTINE EGGELETON.
Defence Counsel representing an employee of Birmingham University who had stolen 1.5 million pounds from her employers.
R v MARK GIBSON.
Leading Junior Counsel representing a man accused of importing large quantities of cocaine from the Caribbean. The case involved an undercover police officer.
IAN TERRY DECEASED.
Representing 3 Greater Manchester Firearms officers at the Inquest of a colleague who had been shot during a training exercise.
R v SUNIL CHOPRA.
Defence Counsel representing a landlord accused of large scale cannabis production in 10 of his 23 properties.
R v ABDUL GHANI.
Prosecution Leading Counsel. This case involved a murder committed by a Big Issue seller in Birmingham.
R v BRENDAN O’DELL.
Leading Counsel representing the defendant accused of murder.
R v JULIAN MARSHALL.
Leading Counsel representing the defendant accused of murder.
R v GEOFFREY STEPHENS.
Leading Counsel representing the defendant accused of an Advance Fee Fraud.
Appointments
David has been appointed as a Recorder in the Crown Court.
Qualifications
LL.B 2:1 Leicester University
