John is a solicitor in the firm’s business crime and professional discipline team and defends business personnel and professionals facing criminal charges, regulatory or disciplinary proceedings. John is also responsible for the preparation of cases to be defended and prosecuted before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT).

John is currently acting for a number of clients on a private basis and regularly represents his clients in interviews conducted by the police and regulators.

Before joining FSI John served with the British Army as a special investigator, crime scene examiner and criminal intelligence analyst. He has investigated many serious matters including a war crimes offence that attracted international press interest.

Recent work advising

• on a case where a solicitor was accused of improperly utilising client funds and overcharging his clients several hundred thousand pounds in fees.
• on a number of police disciplinary cases for the Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA). John has developed particular expertise in the application of police disciplinary procedures to civilian members of police staff, including:
  • a senior member of police staff with his successful appeal against the findings of a Police Authority disciplinary panel, resulting in reinstatement.
  • a director level member of police staff, in which the disciplinary body were persuaded to withdraw all charges before the commencement of a planned hearing.
• a company on enforcement proceedings brought by Trading Standards for an alleged breach of the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003. Representations lead to discontinuance of proceedings and costs were awarded against Trading Standards.
• a company on a Suspension Notice issued by Trading Standards.
• a company director on an OISC investigation into an allegation of providing immigration advice whilst unqualified.
• a residential landlord on enforcement proceedings brought by a local authority for an alleged breach of a planning enforcement notice.
• a residential landlord on potential criminal liability for breaches of health and safety legislation following an incident where carbon monoxide poisoning was suspected.

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