Andy Fitzpatrick

Practice

Criminal law

Practices a full range of criminal defence work. Particularly interested in Animal Rights, Environmental protests, Anti-war and Civil Liberties cases. Has also been involved, both as instructing solicitor and subsequently as Junior Counsel in a number of high profile murder and conspiracy trials.

Recent cases :

• R v Oliver [2011] EWCA Crim 3114 - appeal against sentence allowed - possession of extreme pornographic images (Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 s.63(1) ) and aggravating feature of file sharing > judgment
• Represented protesters charged following direct action at Manchester Airport in May 2010 – wilful obstruction of a public highway > more
• R v XX (Doncaster Crown Court, 2010) – contemporary and historic rape allegations. This case currently has leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal on whether it was appropriate/fair to try the historic cases at the same time as the contemporary allegation. An issue of Joinder and Severance.
• R v Waring (Manchester Crown Court, 2010) - high value money laundering.
• R v Taylor and others (Minshull Street Crown Court. 2010) - high value duty free shoplifting allegations.
• Involved in several cases arising out of the arrest of anti fascist protesters in Bolton anti EDl action (2010). Serious issues of non disclosure have led to cases being dropped by the prosecution. An appeal to the Crown is being undertaken in the case of one defendant.
• R (on the application of Rebecca Noone) v (1) the Governor of HMP Drake Hall, (2) Secretary of State for Justice [2010] UKSC 30 (Supreme Court ruling on HDC for prisoners) junior counsel led by Pete Weatherby. > news story and judgment
• R v Taylor (Liverpool Crown Court, 2010) – religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress. > read BBC news item
• 3-day trial for ABH on policeman (2008) - missing CCTV evidence
• Appeal by way of case stated against Magistrates Court conviction for racially aggravated offence Section 4 Public Order / Crime and Disorder Act. (2007)
• Appeal against IPP sentence for robbery offences with short tariff (2007)
• R v Ablewhite & ors. (2006) Nottingham Crown Court - unreported, the Staffordshire "guinea pig farm case" conspiracy under Serious and Organised Crimes Act 2006.
• Leading Junior in a major murder case involving organised criminal gangs in Manchester.
• Appearances at the Court of Appeal in fresh evidence cases against conviction and appeals against sentence.

Prison law

Instructed in all forms of prison law including representation at adjudication and lifer panel hearings.

Mental Health

Has an interest and experience in cases involving mental health law.

Inquests

Experience of inquests and pre-inquest hearings for bereaved families.

Professional Associations

Member of the Manchester Duty Solicitor Scheme for 15 years
Child Care Panel for Solicitors
Criminal Bar association
Inquest

Background and personal profile

Has a background as a solicitor working exclusively within the Legal Aid framework for 20 years (including 8 years as a higher rights advocate), with particular interest in family and crime, but specialising in crime for the last 5 years before being called to the bar.