Crime

Richard is an exclusively criminal practitioner, whose principal area of work involves homicide, fraud, drugs, money laundering and armed robbery.

Since taking silk in 1999, he has appeared in more than 80 homicide cases. He both prosecutes and defends, although in recent years the main focus of his practice has been defending.

Richard has, for several years, been listed in Chambers and Partners as a leading silk in crime on the Northern Circuit and he is currently ranked in Band 1 of the Leading Crime Silks on the Northern Circuit. The 2009 edition states that Richard is "a "quality performer" who handles such newsworthy cases as the Goth Murder in Bacup park and the Gary Newlove case." He is also picked out in the Legal 500.

Significant cases

R. v.Watson and others, 87 C.A.R. 1 - Directions to jury in majority verdict situation, ( the 'Watson' direction).

R. v. Stevens and others, 96 C.A.R. 303 - The leading case in sentencing Defendants in mortgage fraud cases.

R. v.Humber and others, Manchester Crown Court, 2001 - multi million pound VAT fraud.

A-G Reference no. 19,20 and 21 of 2001,

R v. Byrne and others, 2002 1 C.A.R. (S) 33 - Guideline case in sentencing in manslaughter cases.

R. v.Saghir Ahmed and others, Liverpool Crown Court, 2002 - Customs and Excise duty fraud, involving London City Bond, in which proceedings were stayed for abuse of process.

R. v. Essa and others, Manchester Crown Court, 2003 - Stockport drugs related contract killing.

A-G Reference no. 74,95 and 118 of 2002, R.v.Suratan and others, 2003 2 C.A.R. (S) 33 - Guideline case in sentencing in manslaughter cases.

R. v.Jones and Jenkins 2004 1 C.A.R. 5 - directing juries where co-Defendants give evidence against one another.

R. v. Lowe, Manchester Crown Court, 2005 - killing by Defendant of his father whilst sleepwalking.

R. v.Climo and others, Preston Crown Court,2005 - Ormskirk contract killing.

R. v. Rashford 2005 EWCA Crim. 3377 - fact that D. in a murder case was the initial aggressor does not render self-defence invalid as a defence.

R.v. Henson, Liverpool Crown Court, 2006 - Salford contract killing.

R. v.Peniston, Manchester Crown Court, 2007 - manslaughter by Defendant(aged 16) of his sister (aged 12) by accidental shooting.

R. v. Sorton and others, Chester Crown Court, 2007/8 - killing of Gary Newlove, by kicking, in Warrington.

R. v. Ryan Herbert and others, Preston Crown Court, 2008 -so called 'Goth' killing of Sophie Lancaster in Bacup.

R. v. Priddle, Manchester Crown Court 2008 - First prosecution of Defendants in respect of a murder committed in Pakistan.

R. v. Zaidi, Manchester Crown Court 2008 - First prosecution of a Defendant for child cruelty, arising out of him permitting children under the age of 16 to use a zanjeer, for the purpose of self flagellation, in a shia muslim religious ceremony. Click here to read the Manchester Evening News Report of this case.

R v Francis & Francis, Manchester Crown Court 2010 - Twin brothers jailed for Murder. Click here to see the Manchester Evening News report of this case.