LCJ gives judgment in IPP appeals

Judgment was handed down today by the Lord Chief Justice in the case of R v Roberts and others [2016] EWCA Crim 71 (link).  The Court of Appeal has provided further guidance in relation to appeals brought significantly out of time and the principles which apply to such applications.

This is of particular importance to those wishing to appeal against Indeterminate sentences for Public Protection ("IPP"), where appeals are often brought several years after the sentence was imposed.

Thom represented the appellant Mr Wakeling, and was led by Joel Bennathan QC of Doughty Street Chambers and instructed by GT Stewart Solicitors.

For details of Thom's expertise in criminal appeals, click here.

Acquittal secured in stabbing trial

After a four day trial, Thom secured not guilty verdicts in the case of R v S at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The defendant was accused of stabbing her cousin's partner, but successfully argued she was acting in self-defence, after she accused him of sexually assaulting his stepdaughter. The case involved delicate but detailed examination of a nine-year-old witness.

Thom instructed with Alun Jones QC on David Haigh costs appeal

Alun Jones QC and Thom Dyke have been instructed by Kaim Todner to judicially review a £230,000 costs order made against David Haigh, the former managing director of Leeds United Football Club.  The order was made in October 2015 following Mr Haigh's application to bring a private prosecution.  He alleged his former employers two GFH Capital executives, and their lawyer, former Gibson Dunn & Crutcher partner Peter Gray, engaged in “human trafficking” to lure him to Dubai where he is currently in prison.

For the background to the case, see coverage from BBC News, The Lawyer, The Daily Mail and The Guardian. 

Court of Appeal hears conjoined IPP appeals

Thom appeared today in the Court of Appeal before the Lord Chief Justice, in one of thirteen conjoined cases concerning appeals against Indeterminate sentences for Public Protection ("IPP").  The specially convened court heard argument on the vexed question of appeals brought significantly out of time, and is expected to give guidance as to what principles should be applied.

Thom was led by Joel Bennathan QC of Doughty Street Chambers and instructed by GT Stewart Solicitors.  Judgment will be handed down by the court on 18 March 2016.

Thom instructed on search warrants JR

Thom has been instructed, together with Alun Jones QC, by Devereaux Solicitors to bring a judicial review against a series of search warrants obtained by Kent and Essex Police Serious Crime Directorate.  

Court of Appeal praises Thom's advocacy

The Court of Appeal praised Thom's trial advocacy today in the case of R v Colukoglu [2015] EWCA Crim 1900.  Giving the judgment of the court, the Recorder of Westminster, HHJ McCreath said:

“We pay particular tribute to him...for the manner in which he conducted the trial, acting, we are fully satisfied, with total propriety and in the very best traditions of the profession."

Thom attends LAG advanced inquest training

Today Thom attended advanced inquest training, provided by the Legal Action Group.  Training was provided by Leslie Thomas QC of Garden Court Chambers and Adam Straw of Doughty Street Chambers, and is supported by INQUEST.

Click here for further details of Thom's experience representing parties at inquests.