“Phenomenally bright… a very good advocate" (Chambers & Partners)
“A persuasive and forceful advocate” (Legal 500)
Prior to his election, Alex prosecuted and defended in the most serious cases, including international fraud, terrorist bomb plots, multi-handed rape cases and murder. Instructing solicitors have included the Serious Fraud Office ('A' Panel) and the Financial Conduct Authority. Alex has also provided pro bono advice – including to Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prisoner of conscience previously held captive in Iran.
White Collar Crime
Alex has instructed to advise and defend corporate clients. In relation to media investigations he acted for a number of prominent journalists in proceedings arising out of Operation Weeting (phone-hacking) and Operation Elveden (corrupt payments to public officials). He has acted on behalf of company directors accused of offences under the Insolvency Act 1986 and has represented corporate clients in relation to proceedings brought by the Environment Agency as well as under the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991.
Alex has experience of prosecuting on behalf of HMRC, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and others. In addition he has prosecuted privately, including on behalf of an internet company
in proceedings alleging the criminal misappropriation of online metadata.
Terrorism
Alex has been instructed in the most serious terrorism cases. In 2013 he acted in the prosecution of six defendants accused of planning an extremist terrorist atrocity in the UK, using an improvised explosive device (IED), firearms and swords. He also has experience in prosecuting offences under section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000 – including possession of documents useful to those seeking
to manufacture IEDs and evade detection. Alex is used to dealing with highly sensitive material, as well as advising on complex disclosure issues. He is familiar with marshalling large volumes of documentation, and advising on electronic trial presentation.
Inquests and Public Inquiries
Alex has appeared at inquests and public inquiries, including an inquest arising out of the murder of two private security contractors, shot dead by a colleague in Iraq.
Criminal Litigation
Alex prosecutes and defends in cases of homicide. He has appeared in several Operation Trident cases at the Central Criminal Court, including a double murder relating to targeted executions in south London. Other cases have included gang murder, and drug-related shootings. In this context he has developed experience in handling sensitive disclosure issues, assessing material ranging from covert
human intelligence source reports to prison surveillance recordings. As Defence Counsel Alex has successfully defended clients charged with murder and attempted murder arising out of serious gang violence in London, as well as gun crime.
Alex also acts in cases involving serious sexual offences. He has, for example, prosecuted six defendants accused of abducting two teenagers from Telford and subjecting them to a weekend of rape, sexual violence and degradation. He also prosecutes and defends in fatal road traffic cases, and is an experienced cross-examiner of experts.