Career Overview
James has experience defending in the youth court, magistrates’ court, and crown court. His practice covers all areas of criminal law including violent, drug, sexual, weapon, driving, public order and dishonesty offences. He also has experience representing young and vulnerable defendants.
James has been instructed in TFL licencing appeals and has successfully contested applications for criminal behaviour orders.
Before becoming a barrister, James worked as a criminal defence paralegal and taught criminal law at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Areas of Expertise
- General Crime
- Driving Offences
Notable Cases
R v H
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Successful defence to attempted robbery charge. The defendant was 13 and ran withdrawal.
R v M
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Acquitted of breaching a restraining order and malicious communication.
R v V
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Acquitted of assault by beating.
R v N
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Acquitted of harassment and fraud against his parents.
R v L
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Successfully resisted the crown’s application for a criminal behaviour order.
R v T
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Acquitted of criminal damage.
R v C
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Suspended sentence for two counts of dwelling burglary, despite a history of many similar convictions and a record of breaching orders.
R v W
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Persuaded the judge to depart from the guidelines and pass a suspended sentence for two counts of possession with intent to supply class A.
Education
- University of the West of England, BPTC (Outstanding)
- University College London, LLM Jurisprudence (Distinction)
- University of Bristol, LLB (Hons)
Other Information
- Fluent French and conversation Spanish.
- Plays for a weekly six-a-side football team.
- Formerly part of the Bristol University Futsal Team.
- Inner Temple Outstanding Award
- Inner Temple Exhibition Award
- Intervarsity Mooting Competition (1st Place)
- Lawyers Without Borders Debating Competition (1st Place)
