Alex Preston, Olliers Solicitors.
Siobhan McGuiness, VHS Fletchers.
Stacey Mabrouk, Olliers Solicitors.
John Black, John Black Solicitors.
With over 26 years experience in Criminal Law Simon is a highly experienced advocate instructed in both prosecution and defence work.
Having qualified as a solicitor in 1997 Simon began his career as a criminal defence specialist in London before moving to Manchester in 2001 when he worked for Platt Halpern Solicitors as an assistant and then partner from 2005. After qualifying as a solicitor advocate in 2003, Simon has practised in the higher criminal courts, transferring to the bar in 2011. He has undertaken jury trials, and other work in the Crown Court for over 20 years, both prosecuting and defending serious crime.
Simon’s experience consists of serious and complex criminal offences including rape, historical sexual abuse, murder, fraud and major drug conspiracies. He is instructed as a led junior in cases of murder and complex Encrochat Operations.
Simon is recognised for his meticulous and thorough preparation , but also a calm and approachable manner, which immediately puts both professional and lay clients at ease, often in challenging circumstances.
He is a highly effective jury advocate with an excellent track record of results from either side of the court. His ability to navigate highly sensitive cases, often with young and vulnerable witnesses or defendants with mental health issues or other specialist needs is a distinguishing ability, sought by those that instruct him.
CRIME
REGULATORY
POLICE MISCONDUCT
Whilst mainly appearing in the higher criminal courts Simon also specialises in defending clients for motoring offences in the Magistrates Court. Simon also now sits as a Deputy District Judge (Magistrates Court).
Simon is registered under the Direct Access Scheme and can take instructions directly from members of the public.
Simon has been an advocacy assessor for the BPP Law School since 2012 and taught advanced criminal litigation at the Manchester Metropolitan University for five years.
Simon also regularly trains detectives in police forces around the country, including for the Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, North Wales, Cheshire, Cumbria, Devon and Cornwall, Humberside Police forces. Subjects include police interview techniques/procedure, the role of the defence and prosecution within the criminal justice system, bad character, hearsay, and court room skills.
Simon also has significant regulatory experience, including appearing before the General Medical Council (GMC) in Fitness to Practice proceedings, the Health and Care Professions Tribunal (HCPT) and before the Traffic Commissioner in Public Enquiries concerning HGV/PSV licences. He is also expanding his experience in police misconduct hearings.
Deputy District Judge (Magistrates Court) Jan 2022
Prosecuting Panel Level 4
CPS Rape and Child Sexual Abuse Panel
CPS Serious Crime Panel Level 3
CPS Fraud Panel Level 3
Solicitors Higher Rights of Audience (Criminal Courts) 2003
Prosecuting Panel Level 4
CPS Rape and Child Sexual Abuse Panel
Solicitors Higher Rights of Audience (Criminal Courts) 2003
Criminal Bar Association
Northern Circuit
Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers
Manchester University - BA (Econ) Upper Second Class Honours Degree in Government and Politics
Manchester Metropolitan University - Legal Practice Course - pass with distinction
Manchester Metropolitan University - Common Professional Examination - pass with commendation
Simon Blakebrough is a practising barrister, who is regulated by the Bar Standards Board. Details of information held by the BSB about Simon Blakebrough can be found here.
Simon Blakebrough's clerks will happily provide no obligation quotations for all legal services that he provides. Their contact details can be found here. It is most common for Simon Blakebrough to undertake Court and advisory work for a fixed fee or a brief fee plus refresher days. Simon Blakebrough accepts instructions on legal aid rates where those are available, details of which can be found here. Any advisory work is most commonly charged at an hourly rate, although fixed fees are available. Conditional Fee Agreements and Damages Based Agreements will be considered in cases with favourable prospects of success. Simon Blakebrough will typically return paperwork within 10 days, however professional commitments, complexity and volume of documentation can affect these approximate timescales.
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