Liam is an experienced criminal practitioner regularly instructed to prosecute and defend in cases involving allegations of serious crime ranging from complex fraud to severe violence.
Liam is a former Amicus intern and once spent seven months in Asheville North Carolina working with defence attorneys in capital punishment cases.
Notable Cases
R v Rashid and Others (Teesside) – Secured the conviction following a two-and-a-half-week trial of an experienced conveyancing solicitor who, alongside her husband, was accused of committing offences of fraud by false representation and perverting the course of justice.
R v Belford and Others (Newcastle) – Instructed by the CPS International Justice and Organised Crime Division to prosecute four defendants facing allegations concerning drugs and the transportation, concealment and recovery of a double-barrelled shotgun arising from an extensive undercover surveillance operation. All four defendants were convicted after trial. A media report of the case can be found here.
R v Saunders – Secured the conviction after trial of a man ultimately sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment with a five-year extended licence period for biting off the chin of another male in a Bigg Market nightclub. The case revolved around facial mapping evidence which was adduced following lengthy legal argument.
R v Smallman (Teesside) – Lone Prosecution Counsel in complex fraud involving thirty-one complainants. Defendant convicted after a four-week trial and made the subject of a Serious Crime Prevention Order. A media report of the case can be found here.
R v O (Durham) – Secured the acquittal after trial of an 80-year-old male with no previous convictions facing historic allegations of rape and indecent assault.
R v A (Leeds) – Instructed on behalf of violent recidivist accused of unlawful wounding with intent after attacking a man in his home with a knife. Defendant acquitted after trial.
R v Harkness & Richardson (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) – Prosecution Counsel in case arising from a well-planned armed robbery of a busy hair salon. Both defendants convicted, one after trial. Conviction and sentences of 9 and 10 years’ imprisonment upheld by the Court of Appeal.
R v P (Teesside) – Instructed on behalf of defendant accused of assault by penetration. Acquitted after trial.
R v W (Teesside) – Instructed on behalf of sex worker accused of robbing complainant she alleged was actually an unsatisfied former customer. A media report of the case can be found here.
R v Gosley-Shaw (York) – Instructed to prosecute defendant accused of stealing her 89-year-old grandmother’s life savings. Secured conviction of defendant after trial. A media report of the case can be found here.
Memberships
North Eastern Circuit
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Professional Qualifications
2008 LLM in Advanced Legal Practice, Northumbria University
2007 Bar Vocational Course, Northumbria University (Outstanding)
2005 LLB (Hons) 2:1, University of Liverpool
Awards
2007 The Baron Dr. Ver Heyden de Lancey Prize, Middle Temple
2007 Certificate of Honour, Middle Temple
