Described by The Times in 2005 as a "high-flyer" amongst newly appointed QC's, Nicholas has gone on to cement his reputation as a highly effective advocate. The majority of Nicholas' work is criminal-based, particularly in the area of fraud and business crime, and he specialises in prosecuting and defending complex and serious cases. The remainder of his workload is made up of a mix of high-value clinical negligence and personal injury cases together with disciplinary work. Nicholas also undertakes judicial review work.
Instructed by the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Services Authority, CPS HQ, the DTI and leading defence firms, Nicholas' business crime practice has an emphasis on complex fraud, money laundering (including offshore transactions), cartel offences and corruption. In serious crime, he has significant experience prosecuting and defending in cases of terrorism, murder, manslaughter, violence, drug importation and supply and serious sexual offences. Prior to appointment to silk, Nicholas was shadow Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court.
On the civil side, as a junior Nicholas established a wide-ranging and very busy practise in personal injury work – both claimant and defendant – and specialised in clinical negligence cases. In silk he has focused on high value personal injury and clinical negligence claims, particularly birth injury cases.
With very considerable trial experience Nicholas is known for his meticulous preparation and his authoritative and incisive advocacy in both the civil and criminal arena.
Key cases
- R v Potts and others (PPP) £150 million"buy-to-let" fraud. Prosecuted to conviction in January 2009 five directors of a property investment company which collapsed having fraudulently attracted £150 million in investment. Instructed by the SFO.
- R v Shahid Hussain (2007): prosecution of a murder involving the innovative use of hearsay evidence in a case of claimed self-defence.
- Lynette White investigation (from 2005): leading counsel to the ongoing investigation into the wrongful conviction of the "Cardiff 3" for the murder of Lynette White. Currently leading the prosecution team in the forthcoming trial of 15 individuals charged with offences relating to the perversion of public justice.
- R v Byard (2006): prosecution of the murder, in 1982, of a three year old girl. Conviction based on new expert evidence.
- R v Rahman-Alan (2005): led for the Crown in the prosecution of the Gatwick airport bomber.
- R v Taylor (2005): the subject of a television documentary, dubbed the "biggest fraud in the world" - Nicholas secured the dismissal of all the charges faced by his lay client.
- M v Hampshire County Council (2005): acted for claimant in a complex personal injury claim arising from “escape” from school premises. Achieved successful liability outcome and multi-million pound award of damages.
- R v Brown (2004): SFO prosecution of the former chairman of Chesterfield Football Club for fraudulent trading - a fraud which led to the bankrupting of the club.
- Operation Tetley (2001- 2003): a Jersey based investigation into “commission” payments by defence contactors.
Significant Reported Cases
- R v Threapleton (2002) Cr. App. R (S) 46
- Nwabudike v Southwark LBC [1997] ELR 35
- Peach Grey v Sommers [1995] 2 All E.R. 513
Publications
- Cartel Offences in the Enterprise Act 2002. New Law Journal June 2003
Contact Nicholas Dean QC
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7242 3555
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7242 2511
Email: clerks@7br.co.uk