Overview
Alex is an experienced and passionate criminal defence barrister. He has a busy practice in the Crown Court.
He is an expert in military law, he specialises in Court Martials, and the Service Justice System.
He regularly advises members of the Armed Forces in relation to both professional matters (Major Admin Action, Service Complaints) and CDT fails (excessive alcohol/drugs outside the normal range).
Recent instructions include: a gang murder, a large-scale drug supply case, and numerous cases currently before the Court Martial.
Criminal Defence
Alex is an experienced and passionate criminal defence barrister instructed in the most serious and complex cases.
Before coming the the Bar, Alex was a solicitor for 15 years and a Higher Courts advocate for the last 13 years. Alex understands how to advise solicitors on case preparation to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. He also understands the professional stresses and strains of being a solicitor, and is able to reduce the heavy burden on criminal defence solicitors, ultimately for the benefit of the client.
Alex enjoys interacting with clients and building trust and a rapour so that he can robustly represent them. He is meticulous in his case preparation, understanding the importance and the impact of the outcome on his client.
He is equally as comfortable being led as he is acting as a junior alone. His extensive experience in lengthy multi-handed cases has allowed him to develop and grow as an advocate in front of judges and juries alike.
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He has a particular interest in cases involving gang culture and has represented numerous defendants in a variety of cases ranging from murder to drug supply.
- He also has a very good understanding of firearms legislation.
Military Law
Alex is a military law specialist.
- He is instructed in cases involving the Service Justice System and regularly advises members of the Armed Forces in relation to both professional matters (Major Admin Action, Service Complaints) and CDT fails.
He represents his clients in Court Martial hearings (within the United Kingdom or in a different jurisdiction). He was trained by the now-retired Gilbert Blades and maintains the same approach to defending military personnel.
Additional Information
- Alex completed a Degree at the University of St Andrews in Medieval History before completing his Law Conversion Course at the University of Law in York.
- He has subsequently worked at 3 of the largest firms providing Criminal Defence in both Lincolnshire and London before he cross-qualified as Barrister in July 2025.
Professional Memberships
- Association of Military Court Advocates: Hon. Secretary
- Hon Society of the Middle Temple
Cases of Note
Murders
R v LL
Led junior in double murder and attempted murder at Central Criminal Court.
R v MN
Led Junior in murder at Central Criminal Court.
R v AA
Led Junior in murder at Central Criminal Court.
R v SR
Led Junior in murder at Central Criminal Court.
Attempted Murder
R v ZW
Led Junior in attempted murder at Kingston Crown Court. Also charged with Firearms offences. Acquitted of Attempted murder.
Firearms cases
R V HB
Junior alone. Defendant charged with Possession of a Firearm with Intent to endanger life. Central Criminal Court. Acquitted of all charges.
R v OL
Junior alone. Defendant charged with Possession of a Firearm with Intent to endanger life. Acquitted of all charges
R v JP
Junior alone. Defendant charged with possession of an imitation firearm. Acquitted of all charges.
Violence and dishonesty cases
R v KI
Junior Alone. Defendant charged with s.18 GBH (using car as a weapon). Convicted of s.20. Snaresbrook CC
R v KL
Junior alone. Defendant charged with s18 in a domestic context. Acquitted of all charges. Snaresbrook CC.
R v SR
Junior alone. Defendant charged with Aggravated Burglary. Acquitted of all charges. Snaresbrook Crown Court.
R v JL
Junior alone. Armed Robbery of sex workers on numerous occasions.
Drugs cases
R v FC
Conspiracy to Supply Class A – encrochat case. Junior Alone. Croydon CC
R v II
Junior alone. Conspiracy to supply A. Isleworth CC.
R v JK
Junior alone. Possession with Intent to supply Class A. Guildford CC.
Court Martial Cases
R v DLT – A member of the RAF Police Flt was charged with Sexual Assault. Following lengthy legal arguments both written and oral submissions - the Crown offered no evidence.
R v ST
A member of the RAF was charged with s.20 GBH that occurred during the course of a football match. He stated he was acting in self defence and was acquitted after a 5-day trial at Catterick Court Martial Centre.
R v MD
A member of the British Army charged with ABH in a domestic context. Mixed verdicts after a 4 day trial.
R v AA
A member of the British Army charged with 3 separate sexual assaults and indecent exposure. Acquitted after a 4 day trial.
R v SL
A member of the Royal Navy charged with theft. He pleaded guilty but unusually was not dismissed from Service.
R v ZS
A senior NCO in the British army was charged with ABH and GBH. Defendant acquitted of ABH at half time and GBH following a verdict from the Board.