Introduction

Edward has nearly 30 years’ experience as a criminal and regulatory specialist in high-profile, complex cases that require a particularly sensitive and experienced advocate. His portfolio of criminal cases includes homicide, drugs, sexual offences and large-scale fraud . He has been described in a recent BBC radio programme as "a senior barrister who has conducted some of the most notorious child abuse cases in recent years".  These cases include allegations involving the child sex ring at St Benedict's School, Ealing,  and Operation Midland representing a high-profile public figures alleged to have been involved in a child sex ring with wider allegations of conspiracy to murder and others.  

Edward’s regulatory work involves representing a range of medical and other professionals in cases where issues of competence and professional misconduct arise. In addition to representing individuals, Edward is engaged as chair and, on occasions, assessor for the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

In addition to his acknowledged expertise in professional discipline, Edward is in demand in cases involving sports persons. Edward is a member of Sports Law where he acts in cases especially Rugby Union and horseracing.  

Edward is an experienced Courts Martial advocate and understands the special demands and sensitivities of such work.   

Crime

Edward is a highly experienced senior junior counsel who specialises in prosecuting and defending serious sexual and homicide offences. He has been involved in a number of high-profile criminal cases and investigations. 

Professional Discipline

Edward has defended in a number of cases before the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the General Medical Council (GMC). He currently sits as a panel chair for the NMC and as a legal assessor for the GMC.

Edward is also a regulatory chairman with wide experience of chairing and conducting Inquiries and other regulatory cases. In particular, he has chaired various and complex hearings involving medical professionals throughout the UK that will involve adjudication.

Sports

Edward has represented sportsmen and women (including rugby union players and jockeys) in various disciplinary matters.

Notable Cases

R v P and Otrs, Isleworth Crown Court
Child sex ring at St Benedicts School, Ealing.

R v R S, Central Criminal Court 
Predatory paedophile with an abduction agenda.

R v R-A, Wood Green Crown Court
A high-profile, trawling social media child sex exploitation case.

Operation Midland
Represented Field Marshall Lord Brammall, involving allegations of conspiracy to murder and VIP child sex ring.

R v L S, Inner London
Historic sexual abuse on two child complainants.

R v S, Harrow crown court
Serious sexual abuse of step father on eight-year-old daughter.

R v S and Otrs, Southwark Crown Court
Conspiracy to rob car phone warehouse throughout the southeast. Became the subject of a Channel 4 investigation.

The Stafford Nurse Inquiry
Public Inquiry.

R v P, L and R, Inner London Crown Court
Series of child cruelty and baby shaking cases involving sibling children.

Qualifications

BA, MA, MLitt  (Oxon)

Qualified at the Bar England and Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Testimonials

Described on BBC radio as a "senior barrister who has conducted some of the most notorious child abuse cases in recent years".

Appointments

Fee-paid judge since 2001 specialising in asylum and deportation. 

Memberships

Inn of Court of Northern Ireland
Kings Inn, Dublin
Criminal Bar Association

Direct Access

Edward is accredited to accept work under Direct access, also known as Public access, in suitable cases. In order to instruct Edward on a Direct access basis, contact the clerks on +44 (0) 20 7242 6476 or at clerks@33bedfordrow.co.uk.