George Smart

Year of Call: 2023

“His advocacy is clear, measured, and persuasive, and he presents his cases with both confidence and courtesy.”

Feedback from Judge

Our specialist clerks can be contacted by email on clerks@5sah.co.uk or phone on 020 7332 5400. To contact our Chambers Director directly in relation to a specific members’ practice, please email dscothern@5sah.co.uk

Overview

George prosecutes and defends in a wide range of criminal cases. George has experience of cases involving serious violence, public order, dishonesty, weapons, drugs, sexual offences, and road traffic incidents in the Crown Court.

George is increasingly instructed on a private basis and has been praised for his trial advocacy and calm and measured court manner.

He also accepts instructions in proceeds of crime and related areas, professional discipline & regulatory and extradition proceedings.

Here is what some of those who have worked with George have said about him:

“His attention to detail in case preparation is meticulous.”

Client Feedback

“His advocacy and interpersonal skills far exceed that of his years of criminal law experience.”

Client Feedback

“George is approachable, helpful, and I would be happy to brief him on more complex matters and recommend him to my colleagues.”

Client Feedback

“Mr Smart’s representation was, as far as I could tell, excellent. He took points that were proper to make and conceded appropriately as well.”

Feedback from Judge

Criminal Defence

George has a busy defence practice and is instructed in a wide range of criminal cases. He has experience of cases involving serious violence, public order, dishonesty, weapons, drugs, sexual offences, and road traffic incidents.

Criminal Prosecutions - Private & Public

George accepts instructions to prosecute cases on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service and Probation Service. He is on the CPS General Crime Advocate Panel (Level 1).

Extradition & International

George has had experience of extradition applications at Westminster Magistrates' Court and is keen to grow a practice in this area.

Asset Forfeiture, Confiscation & Civil Fraud

George accepts proceeds of crime and asset forfeiture instructions.

Professional Discipline & Regulatory

George accepts professional discipline and regulatory instructions.

Additional Information

Professional Panel Appointments

  • Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) General Crime Advocate Panel: Level 1

Education

  • Bar Vocational Studies (BVS), City, University of London – Distinction
  • Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), City, University of London – Distinction
  • English Literature BA Hons, University of Exeter, Upper Second Class

Scholarships

  • City Law School Scholarship for Academic Excellence

Awards

  • The Jean Monnet Prize for European Law (1st in GDL year group)
  • The Monckton Chambers Prize for European Law (1st in GDL year group)

Articles

 

Professional Memberships

  • The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
  • The Criminal Bar Association
  • Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum (DELF)
  • Justice

Cases of Note

R v BE (2026) Inner London Crown Court

Unanimous acquittal of sexual assault following 5-day trial. The accused was a vulnerable young adult defendant of good character. It was accepted that sexual activity had taken place, the issue was one of consent. A careful examination of the unused material revealed that parts of the Complainant’s account were demonstrably untrue. Successful s.41 YJCEA 1999 applications were made that further demonstrated that the allegations made by the Complainant were false.

R v GG (2026) Inner London Crown Court

Unanimous acquittal of a heavily convicted Defendant accused of making threats to kill against his mother. As a result of the allegations, the Defendant had been recalled on licence until November 2028 and any conviction would have resulted in a significant period of immediate custody.

R v KL (2025) Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court

No evidence offered following a successful s.78 application to exclude evidence gathered during a vulnerable defendant’s time in custody after being denied access to an Appropriate Adult.

R v C (2025) Brighton Magistrates’ Court

Successful defence of a client charged with threatening with an offensive weapon.

R v P (2025) Croydon Magistrates’ Court

Successful defence of a vulnerable client charged with a s.4A public order offence.