Alistair joined Cobden House Chambers in July 2014, having qualified as a barrister after 7 years practising as a solicitor.
Throughout his professional life Alistair has specialised in criminal advocacy, initially in the Magistrates’ and Youth Courts before being granted Higher Rights of Audience in 2010. Prior to being Called to the Bar, Alistair worked for well-known and respected firms in the Manchester area.
Since being Called, Alistair has received instructions to defend clients for a range of offences including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession of firearms with intent, armed robbery, wounding, rape and kidnap. Alistair has established a reputation for providing clear advice to instructing solicitors, as well as establishing good rapport with defendants.
Alistair is currently a Category 3 Prosecutor, frequently instructed to conduct trials in the Crown Court for the Crown Prosecution Service. These cases have included attempted murder, blackmail, arson with intent to endanger life, and conspiracy to steal. He has provided detailed advice on the National Referral Mechanism for the victims of trafficking, and its effect on the public interest to prosecute relevant cases.
Alistair has extensive experience being instructed in Dangerous Dogs cases. He has successfully defended allegations of owning dogs dangerously out of control causing injury and is frequently instructed in a range of cases brought under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Notably, Alistair was instructed to defend a private prosecution brought by Animal Protection Services (APS), a registered charity that was involved in a string of similar cases. Having considered the allegations, and the background of both the charity and solicitors involved with the private prosecution, a successful submission was made to stay the proceedings as an abuse of process.
With a background at one of the region’s leading specialist road traffic practices, Alistair has extensive experience acting in motoring cases. He has represented actors and professional footballers, and successfully defended allegations including driving with excess alcohol (drink driving), careless driving, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance.
In addition to trial cases, Alistair has represented many defendants in Special Reasons and Exceptional Hardship cases, enabling them to retain their driving licenses.
Alistair is authorised to undertake direct access work, which means that clients can instruct him directly without having to instruct a solicitor as well.
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