Background:

John read Law at Leeds University before studying for his Bar Finals at the College of Law. He was called to the Bar by Inner Temple in July 1975.

He joined 5 Essex Court in 1993 having previously been a member of a general common law set of Chambers in the Temple. Since joining 5 Essex Court he has specialised in Police Law and Personal Injury Law.

Police Law:

John represents the police in most areas of civil law including assault, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office. He has developed a particular expertise in misconduct and unsatisfactory performance proceedings, frequently appearing at misconduct hearings on behalf of the Appropriate Authority or acting as Legal Advisor to panels. He took a leading role in the training provided by 5 Essex Court to Police Forces throughout the country on the new misconduct and unsatisfactory performance regulations introduced in 2008. John also has considerable experience in matters relating to police pensions and advises on policy.

Recent Police Law cases: R (on the application of Merseyside Police Authority) v Police Medical Appeals Board (McGinty and Hudson – Interested Parties) [2009] EWHC 88 Admin

Inquests:

As a consequence of his specialisation in police law and personal injury law, John frequently appears at Inquests. He represents the police in Inquests arising from deaths in custody or from circumstances in which the police are involved. He also appears for parties who are involved in related fatal accident claims.

Recent Inquest cases:

R (on the application of Ahmed) v HM Coroner for South and East Cumbria (Chief Constable of Cheshire – Interested Party) [2009] EWHC 1653 Admin

R (on the application of Platts) v HM Coroner for South Yorkshire (East District) (Chief Constable of South Yorkshire – Interested Party) [2008] EWHC 2502 Admin

Personal Injury:

John acts on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants in personal injury and fatal accident claims arising from workplace, road traffic and holiday accidents, as well as claims under the Highways Act and the Occupiers' Liability Acts. His practice includes claims involving serious brain and other catastrophic injuries.  John accepts instructions under Conditional Fee Agreements.

Lectures:

John provides lectures in both police law and personal injury law.  Over the past year he has been heavily involved in providing training on the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008 and the Police (Performance) Regulations 2008 in respect of which 5 Essex Court is an NPIA accredited training organisation.

Education:

College of Law 1974 -1975

Leeds University 1971 - 1974

Leighton Park School, Reading 1966-1971

Interests:

Travel, Opera and Ballet