Tim is regularly instructed both for the prosecution and defence in cases of murder, gang-related gun crime, fraud, and terrorism. He has considerable experience of devising and producing schedules and graphics for the assistance of courts and juries in complex trials following on from large-scale police operations. Based on the Midland Circuit, Tim is instructed across the country. He has an extensive knowledge of the Armed Forces, having served in the Royal Tank Regiment, which is particularly relevant to court martial work.
In business crime, Tim is frequently instructed by the Serious Fraud Office, CPS Headquarters, HM Revenue & Customs, the DTI and the Health & Safety Executive. Tim both prosecutes and defends in cases involving allegations of fraud, money-laundering and corruption.
Recent key cases
- R v Mann (2008): Prosecuting the murderer of two elderly female residents of a nursing home
- R v Kenning, Fenwick & Blackshaw [2008] EWCA Crim 1534; Times, July 10 2008: an agreement to aid and abet an offence did not constitute a criminal conspiracy
- R v Downes & Ors (2008) Prosecuting three defendants convicted of attacking and killing by drowning a young student.
- R v Carty (2008): appearing for a defendant involved in a shooting at Loughborough University and said to be part of an organised criminal gang
- R v Daymond & Ors (2007): the successful acquittal of a prison officer charged with gross negligence manslaughter and "cover-up" in relation to a death in custody at Ryehill Prison
- R v Colin Gunn & Ors (2006); [2007] EWCA Crim 1529; (2008) 1 Cr App R (s) 24: the "Trusthorpe murders" - the revenge killing of John and Joan Stirland in their own home by an organised gang. Case reported on the use of discretionary life sentences for conspiracy to murder
- R v Bailey & Chapman (2006): "Operation Ferry" - the largest recent intercepted importation of firearms and explosives
- R v Kelly & Andrews (2005): the drive-by shooting of schoolgirl Danielle Beccan
- R v Hudson & Ors (2005): the prosecution, for the murder of a young girl, of eight members of her husband's family. Widely reported in the press as the case of the "family from hell"
- R v Robinson [2002] EWCA Crime 2489; The Times, 13 November 2002: the largest ever fraud on the legal aid fund, spanning a six year period. There were 22 convictions. Reported on the issue of the police use of lawyers as informants
Contact Timothy Spencer QC
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7242 3555
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7242 2511
Email: clerks@7br.co.uk