He has considerable recent experience of defending in more evidence heavy cases such as homicides (murder and attempted murder), frauds, drugs conspiracies and firearms offences. He is now regularly instructed in more complex multi-count / multi-defendant cases as leading junior counsel. Rupert is especially comfortable in and enjoys defending in multi-handed cases, particularly when cut-throat defences are involved.
Rupert’s willingness to pursue all legal avenues on behalf of his clients is reflected in the fact that, since 1999, Rupert has appeared in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division on over 110 occasions, usually defending. Of his appeals against conviction, eleven have resulted in the appellant’s convictions being quashed. The three appellants whose convictions were most recently overturned (all the subject of separate appeals) were all separately acquitted at their respective retrials. Rupert has also previously been instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service to represent the Crown’s interests, both in the Divisional Court and in the Court of Appeal.
Rupert’s Crown Court defence practice, which is focused primarily in London and on the South Eastern Circuit also encompasses sexual crime and, in particular, offences against children, due to Rupert’s experience in dealing with vulnerable people and those with mental health problems. He was one of the first to undertake the Advocacy and the Vulnerable Course run by the Inns of Court.
In the last few years, Rupert has been regularly instructed to represent privately paying defendants, who are either ineligible for legal aid or who prefer to pay privately in order to guarantee continuity of counsel.
Rupert is an extremely thorough advocate who prepares his cases meticulously. He can be robust or sensitive when dealing with witnesses at trial depending upon what the situation demands. He has a wealth of experience of defending in complex trials, multi-handed or otherwise. He is willing to raise any arguable point of law and enjoys exploring interesting legal issues. He gives his clients practical and comprehensible advice in conference and does not attempt to avoid difficult clients or apparently hopeless cases. If circumstances warrant a guilty plea, Rupert has managed to secure non-custodial disposals in a number of very challenging cases where the custody threshold has often been comprehensively crossed.
Rupert is a qualified pupil supervisor and was the joint head of the chambers pupillage committee for 7 years. He acts as mentor with the Inner Temple mentoring scheme.
‘Rupert is simply fantastic. He is incredibly personable and gets on well with clients. He is fiercely intelligent and leaves no stone unturned in advancing a defence. He is also first class in court; articulate and charismatic in his delivery.’ (Legal 500, 2023)
“Rupert is very impressive – he is intellectually brilliant. He is a formidable jury advocate and has a wonderful ability to effectively communicate even the most complex cases. He’s a fearless advocate in court and a real fighter. He has the ear of judges.” (Legal 500, 2021)
“He cross-examines with tenacity and precision.” (Legal 500, 2020)
Qualifications
BA Classics (First Class) – Bristol University
Professional Associations
Criminal Bar Association
Fraud Lawyers Association
South Eastern Circuit
Inner Temple
Recent Instructions
2026
R v DA [2026] – currently instructed as leading junior to represent Met Police officer charged with multiple offences of rape / sexual assault of 4 separate complainants. Listed for 4 week trial at Guildford Crown Court in March 2026.
R v JM [2026] – leading junior currently representing 83 year old facing 25 counts of historic sexual offending against male and female children over period of 40 years. 5 week trial at Guildford Crown Court – ongoing.
2025
R v LB [2025] – leading junior representing first defendant indicted with conspiracy to kidnap, false imprisonment and sexual assault. 5 week trial at Guildford Crown Court.
R v AW [2025] – junior alone representing male originally indicted with attempted murder. Victim died during original proceedings. Indicted with murder. Trial of issue partially successful resulting in lower mandatory minimum starting point.
R v JC [2025] – led junior in 4 week murder trial before High Court Judge. 60 year old man accused of murder and rape of his ex-partner during overnight stay at Pennyhill Park & Spa.
R v ES and others [2025] – secured the only acquittal following 2 week trial at Guildford Crown Court of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
R v ET and others [2025] – represented a male accused of laundering the proceeds of romance fraud. 6 week trial at Guildford Crown Court.
