Paul Walker specialises in all areas of criminal law, especially serious fraud involving VAT, diversion, Inland Revenue, mortgage, advance fee and other commercial fraud activities, drug offences, sexual offences, confiscation hearings and crimes of violence (including murder, GBH and violent disorder). He has particular expertise in dealing with young defendants and the cross-examination of young and vulnerable witnesses.
Amongst Paul’s attributes is his analysis of CCTV footage and he has been singled out for praise on a number of occasions by Judges, for his close scrutiny of this type of evidence.
Road traffic allegations are an area in which Paul excels and he successfully defended in cases of causing death by both dangerous and careless driving. Successful arguments in respect of special reasons and exceptional hardship have enabled clients of Paul’s to retain their driving licences.
Paul has represented a number of professional and semi-professional footballers.
He has expertise in the Coroners Court having represented both the family of the deceased and witnesses called to give evidence.
Paul has appeared in Prison Disciplinary hearings on behalf of prison inmates and made applications at the High Court for certificates of inadequacy under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
The 9-week trial concerned large scale drug dealing and the possession of numerous firearms. Paul and Liam`s client was said to be a “Leading Role” Class A drug dealer. Mr A accepted he was involved in the drugs trade, but categorically denied possession of the guns which were allegedly found at his “safe-house”. Leading counsel for the crown described the prosecution case against Mr A as “comprehensive and compelling”. After considering Paul`s closing speech the jury disagreed. Mr A was acquitted on all the counts the jury had to determine.
Mr O was accused of aggravated burglary. A number of armed men had stolen items from the complainant`s bedroom in the early hours of the morning. Mr O was apprehended nearby. He was 65 miles away from home, wearing a balaclava, gloves and a stab-proof vest. The victim`s wallet was found at Mr O`s feet. His case was that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.
In this case Paul`s client was said to be the 2nd in command of a large-scale conspiracy to produce cannabis. There were a number of cannabis farms throughout Yorkshire. Mr G was filmed using an anti-surveillance device to check for trackers. He was recorded allegedly discussing the grows with fellow conspirators and it was said that cell site evidence placed him at the location of the cannabis farms. The trial lasted for 7 weeks and involved challenging issues of law, a complex factual matrix and unusual ethical problems. Following Paul`s speech (which was praised by both leading and junior prosecution counsel and the Judge) Mr G was unanimously acquitted.
Mr K was accused of conspiring to steal £1m in a cash-in-transit “staged” robbery. The Crown`s case was that it was an inside job. The investigation, undertaken by the Flying Squad was meticulous. The evidence, according to Crown counsel, was “overwhelming”. Mr K did not give evidence. Paul`s speech was described by a co-defending barrister as being “simply brilliant”. Mr K was unanimously acquitted.
Olivia Haggar, led by Paul Walker, represented a client charged with ten counts of Stalking and one count of Perverting the Course of Justice. The case concerned a prolonged campaign of stalking, described by Sussex Police as one of the most complex stalking cases they had ever investigated. Instructed by Andrew Bishop, Bishop & Light.
Paul Walker led Rishi Nathwani for the main defendant in this 6 week international paedophile ring trial. Their client was the mother of the abused children and the case attracted worldwide publicity. The Crown`s suggested starting point upon sentence was 13 years imprisonment. The Recorder of Portsmouth`s sentence, following mitigation, was 4 years imprisonment.
Following an Attorney General's reference, the Court of Appeal in March 2012 increased the Sentence of this defendant to 8 years.
