Profile

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Mr Woodhall studied at the University of Cambridge where he took a double first in law. Having become a member of chambers in 1997, he has developed an established practice, specialising in criminal work.

He is instructed by both the prosecution and the defence in all areas of criminal work. He is regularly instructed in multi-defendant cases and cases of considerable complexity such as:

• murder and attempted murder;
• sexual offences including rape, historic sexual abuse and offences against children;
• armed robbery;
• firearms offences including importation and distribution of firearms;
• serious violence including causing grevious bodily harm with intent and unlawful wounding;
• large scale public disorder; and
• large scale drug trafficking cases.

He regularly works with Leading Counsel on cases of the utmost gravity. In addition to regular appearances before the Crown Court, he has appeared in the Court of Appeal and Divisional Court.

Mr Woodhall is experienced in conducting all stages of criminal cases including:

• dismissal applications;
• abuse of process arguments;
• applications for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and Sexual Offences Prevention Orders;
• confiscation proceedings; and
• special measures applications.

Mr Woodhall is often instructed to advise prior to charge and is fully conversant with disclosure and public interest immunity issues, as well as all aspects of sentencing legislation and procedure. He is regularly instructed to advise upon and conduct arguments in relation to the admissibility of evidence, including:

• arguments pursuant to Section 41 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (restrictions on crossexamining complainants in proceedings for sexual off ences);
• Sections 98-111 Criminal Justice Act 2003 (bad character evidence);
• Sections 114-127 Criminal Justice Act (hearsay evidence); and
• Sections 76 and 78 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

Having been specifically invited into chambers to specialise in criminal law, Mr Woodhall is a valued and enthusiastic member of the criminal group, dedicated to providing those who instruct him with an efficient and professional service of the highest quality.

Notable cases include:

• R v Amos and others (gangland murders – eleven defendants and super-grass witnesses)
• R v Saltmarsh and others (the single largest importation of converted firearms into the United Kingdom
• R v Ali and others (the largest connected network of illegally held weapons in the United Kingdom, including the largest single seizure of firearms ever in Greater Manchester
• R v Coburn, Joyson and Calvert (murder involving DNA issues – identical twins)
• R v Taylor and Harrison (manslaughter of a baby)
• R v Huckerby and Power (£6.5 million armed robbery)
• R v Barber and others (conspiracy to supply £3 million worth of Class A drugs)