Called to the Bar 1994/Lincoln's Inn

Education

• Newcastle University LLB (Hons)

Areas of Practice

Civil Practitioner with an emphasis on personal injury, general chancery, employment and all aspects of non-criminal public law/police work. Undertakes both contentious and all aspects of non-contentious work. Is available to provide training to legal/commercial clients. Ian has a nationwide practice, including Northern Ireland. Accepts work on a direct access basis.

Regularly undertakes both litigation and advisory work. Acts both for Respondents and Claimants.

Police Law

Mentioned in Legal 500 in respect of the 7/7 bombing and subsequent inquest (instructed on behalf of West Yorkshire Police).Experienced in all aspects of non-criminal police work including misfeasance, coroners' inquests, police pensions, licensing, disciplinary proceedings and injury litigation.

Instructed in several linked claims in Northern Ireland in which the MOD and RUC/PSNI are alleged to have colluded with loyalist paramilitaries in the murder of civilians. Examples include - Loughinisland, Sean Graham Bookmakers killings, and 'Shankill Butchers' investigation.

Has “developed vetting” status.

Member of the Government “A” panel of counsel for civil work (Northern Ireland).

Ongoing Court of Appeal proceedings regarding the legality of the CRB disclosure regime.

Representing several senior police officers in ongoing claims against their own forces.

Instructed in several inquests on behalf of healthcare providers in relation to deaths in care and custody.

Instructed in ongoing death in police and prison custody inquests.

Recent cases

Inquest into the 7 July 2005 “7/7” bombings
Instructed as First Junior Counsel on behalf of West Yorkshire Police.

R. (Sec. of State) v Asst. Deputy Coroner for Inner West London.
- Exclusion of public from Inquest proceedings on grounds of national security.

T v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police,
- Legality of regime of ECRB disclosure.

Dowson and Others v Chief Constable for Northumbria Police:
A multi-claimant harassment action brought by a number of officers against their management. Total claims exceed £1.5m

Armstrong v CC of West Yorks Police,
- Leading authority on grounds of arrest.

Hunter v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police,
- Liability for personal injuries sustained in police training exercises.

Professional Membership

Member of the Personal Injury Bar Association
North Eastern Circuit
Bar of Northern Ireland