Thomas Nicholson-Pratt

1986

Tom has appeared for the crown or for the defence in cases involving the full range of criminal offences. Over the last few years he has often led in trials including fraud, substantial drug importations, and murder. He was appointed a Recorder in 2004 and is authorised to hear allegations of serious sexual offences.

Ranked as a Legal Expert in Crime by Legal Experts - Legal 500, www.legalexpertsdirectory.com

Recent and notable Cases

R v H
H was charged with another with firearms offences. A search warrant based on information from an informant was executed by operation trident officers led to the discovery. Forensic evidence linked the firearm and ammunition to a bag captured on CCTV, in the possession of the defendant. Case had a substantial amount of PII hearings at the request of the prosecution. Initially judge upheld prosecution application neither to confirm nor deny. At the close of the case, both defendants having given evidence, the judge finally ruled the prosecution had to disclose whether a named individual was or was not the informant. Crown having discussed the matter at senior levels of police and cps, declined to comply and offered no further evidence resulting in the acquittal of the defendants.
2010, Crown Court
R v C
Instructed privately to review a conviction for firearms offences, following the refusal of leave by the single judge. Having advised on fresh evidence, Tom secured leave to renew the application for leave, and at the full hearing persuaded the Court of Appeal to quash the convictions.
2010, Court of Appeal
R v J
J charged with another, with double murder and double kidnapping, sacked his legal representation mid trial. Tom led by Queens Counsel was instructed at short notice to take over the trial, which had 4 weeks still to run. An application to discharge the jury was refused, but a short adjournment granted for the new team to familiarise themselves with several thousand pages of evidence and unused material.
2010, Crown Court
R v K
Represented K who was charged with a serious sexual assault on a female member of the public whilst in the course of his employment. He worked at a concert venue , and was said to have committed the offence when the female left the hall during the performance , in order to use the lavatory. Defence requests of the prosecution led to the discovery of material that formed the basis of an application to cross examine the complainant on certain aspects of her sexual history . As a result of the application the prosecution made the decision to offer no evidence.
2009
R v K
This defendant was charged with rape. The complainant , a young student was attacked whilst walking home along a secluded footpath at night. Having dragged her into some undergrowth , she was subjected to serious violence before being sexually assaulted. Significant scientific evidence was left on her and at the scene which resulted in the defendant's plea of guilty. Tom acted for the defendant, and was able to secure the least sentence, in the circumstances.
2008

News

Nine additional members of 15 New Bridge Street complete Public Access Training Course
23 November 2009
Faith healer murder - 15NBS team secures the only acquittal
Thomas Nicholson-Pratt (leading) and Liam Walker (Junior) of 15 New Bridge Street secured the acquittal of Mr KM in the widely reported ‘Luton faith healer murder'.
27 March 2008