Crime
Nick is a highly regarded criminal practitioner. He is one of only seven Band 2 Western Circuit criminal juniors recommended in Chambers & Partners, who say ‘He is meticulously prepared and a very smooth advocate’.
Although Nick has always defended, he has in recent years specialised in prosecuting heavyweight crime. He is now actively cultivating a more balanced practice and particularly welcomes instructions for the defence. He has an easy manner with clients and juries, he prepares thoroughly, his advocacy is measured and effective and he has an excellent reputation with local judges and court staff.
In 2021 Nick was led by Alexandra Healey KC for the defence in a bribery case valued at £1/2 million.
In 2022 Nick led for the prosecution in Operation Keyhole, an eight-handed conspiracy involving the supply of at least 70 kilos of high-grade cocaine and 38 kilos of cannabis with a total street value of over £7 million. It is the largest and most complex drug supply case in the history of Dorset Police.
Nick was leading counsel for the Crown in Operation Supermarine, a three-month trafficking trial involving 10,000 pages of evidence where all nine defendants were represented by two counsel.
Nick prides himself on excellent client service and responds to all requests for advice and paperwork promptly. He is approachable and available 24/7 to his professional clients. He has a good understanding of technology and has deployed this to effect in cases involving computers, mobile phones and cell-site evidence.
‘What I really value about working with Nick is the sense of working as a team. He is always available to advise and I am never left wondering when I will be able to speak to him. He will hold as many conferences as the case needs, he will attend every hearing that he possibly can and, where he cannot, will prepare everything so that a colleague can seamlessly take his place. The consistency and level of preparation that he provides really is the gold standard that we look for at Shentons.’
Chloe Jay, partner, Shentons Solicitors, Winchester