General Crime, Regulatory Crime and Associated Matters, Confiscation & Proceeds Of Crime Act 2002 and Asset Recovery
After a general common law background I have become a specialist criminal practitioner over the past seventeen years, with an established practice in all local Crown Courts both defending and prosecuting. I continue to prosecute in serious cases for all the Wessex Area CPS branches and am often instructed in those matters most likely to involve a significant POCA element or where particular witness care skills will be required.
As well as general crime I have always maintained a more specialist practice in associated and non-CPS matters.
I have been on the Attorney General's regional B panel since 1998. As such I prosecute regularly for a number of Government departments, particularly for HMRC's regional investigation team, on significant drug importation and large scale smuggling cases. Previous practical experience with tachographs, delivery and HGV operations and shipping matters has allowed me to utilise that specialist knowledge effectively in many cases involving container or lorry loads of smuggled items.
That experience has also proved helpful in other regulatory type work, appearing both for private clients and relevant authorities particularly in Trading Standards, Road Traffic, VOSA prosecutions and other Transport and Operations Licensing matters.
I have particular specialist knowledge and long experience in Benefit Fraud prosecutions and am regularly instructed by HMRC, DWP and local authorities. I have lectured and delivered training seminars for many of the South's Local Authority investigators and lawyers in this area of law. I also deal with cases for DBIS (formerly DTI).
Confiscation/POCA & Asset Recovery
This has become a significant part of my practice in recent years, both as a prosecutor and working and advising direct for Hampshire Police on cash seizure, forfeiture and asset recovery issues. As well as dealing with Money Laundering cases and post-conviction confiscation for the CPS, I am instructed by the CPS Central Confiscation unit on enforcement matters, and increasingly advise, represent and train Local Authorities as to POCA matters including restraint orders and confiscation proceedings.
This is now an important part of many Trading Standards and Benefit Fraud cases, as well as in more routine criminal matters.
In 2006 I initiated our popular, regular POCA Forum for local professionals and investigators in this field. This is now attended by a range of investigators and lawyers from four local Police forces, the CPS, HMRC, SOCA, UKBA, SFO, many local authorities, our own Team and a variety of other organisations. It has proved to be a valuable resource in keeping attendees up to date and sharing tips on practice and procedure in this fast moving area of the law.
Confiscation and POCA will no doubt continue to be of great significance to both prosecutors and defendants in a challenging economic climate. My considerable practical experience of its day to day operation at local and regional level, compliments my up to date knowledge of the statutes and case law permitting me to give relevant and effectively focussed advice and representation in this specialist area.