Called: 2000
Overview
Dominic has spent all ten years of his career practising from 5 Paper Buildings, where he completed his pupillage. In recent years he has focused to an increasing extent on criminal fraud, acting both on behalf of the prosecution and the defence – and, on one notable occasion, being instructed together with leading counsel as amicus curiae in a month-long fraud trial from which the defendant had absented himself, leading his legal team to withdraw (R. v. MH, 2008).
Dominic has developed particular expertise in cases which might conclude in confiscation proceedings. His practice includes regular instruction in stand-alone cash forfeiture and confiscation hearings.
Following a lengthy application and vetting process, Dominic was recently appointed a Special Advocate, a role that involves acting as independent counsel to the court in cases that may involve sensitive disclosure issues or matters of security.
Dominic principally practises in the following fields:
Criminal Defence:
Dominic has regularly appeared on behalf of defendants facing serious allegations involving sex, violence, drugs and dishonesty. He has acted for defendants in several multi handed trials for violent disorder. He intends to continue to expand his defence practice, with a particular emphasis on fraud. Notable cases of the last 12 months have included:
R. v. AB & others
Instructed as leading junior counsel to defend a young woman charged together with members of her family and other individuals with a conspiracy to contravene immigration laws.
R. v. AK
Instructed to advise and represent a solicitor in an appeal against a conviction for failing to disclose substantial assets to the Official Receiver in connection with bankruptcy proceedings.
AG’s References Nos. 48 & 49 of 2010 (2010 EWCA Crim 2521)
Instructed on behalf of one of the respondents in this application by the Attorney-General to increase the sentences imposed at the Crown Court. The two defendants had been sentenced to 25 and 30 months’ imprisonment respectively in relation to a conspiracy to convert and distribute firearms. The application by the A-G to increase these sentences was successfully resisted in the Court of Appeal.
R. v. JS & others
Dominic is presently instructed as led junior counsel to represent a director of a safe deposit company on a number of charges including perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to conceal criminal property. The safe deposit centres in which the defendant was employed were raided back in 2008 as part of Operation Rize, the largest operation ever mounted by the Met Police.
Criminal Prosecution
Dominic is a Grade 3 prosecutor, with considerable experience at junior and led junior level. Notable cases of the last 12 months include:
R. v. DS & others
Instructed as led junior counsel to prosecute seven defendants charged with a conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
R. v. AL & others – “The Ritz Fraud”
Instructed as led junior counsel to prosecute three men charged with a conspiracy to defraud. The allegation was that the defendants had tricked investors into paying £1m by promising that they were in a position to be able to sell them The Ritz Hotel in Piccadilly.
Asset Recovery
Dominic has been instructed by defendants, prosecuting authorities and ARA/SOCA in both civil and criminal proceedings concerning the proceeds of crime. He is familiar with all aspects of asset recovery litigation, including receivership and civil recovery - in respect of which he was instructed for one of the respondents in the leading case of ARA v. Green & others. He has considerable experience in particular in the field of criminal confiscation.
Intellectual Property Crime
Dominic has appeared for prosecuting agencies in numerous cases involving trade mark and copyright infringements. The IP cases in which he has been involved have frequently concluded with confiscation proceedings.
Courts Martial
Having successfully represented clients in court martial proceedings in such exotic locations as Colchester and Osnabrück, Germany, Dominic looks forward to developing his practice in this area.
Pro Bono Work
Dominic is a member of the Bar Pro Bono Unit. Past cases which he has undertaken on a pro bono basis have included judicial review proceedings in relation to the withdrawal of LSC funding in a family case and advising on actions against the police in relation to allegations of wrongful arrest. He has also been instructed in appeals to the Privy Council from various Caribbean states. He continues to be available for advice and representation in appropriate cases on a pro bono basis.