With over 30 years at the Bar, Austin’s well-established criminal practice encompasses a wide range of work.
Areas of Expertise
- Serious sexual offences
- Violent offences
- Robbery offences
- Drugs offences
- Dangerous driving
Austin appears in Criminal Courts at all levels up to the Court of Appeal and is regularly instructed by both the prosecution and defence. He has expertise in large scale POCA matters on behalf of the Crown.
Austin formerly practised in the field of immigration law and this has provided the basis for a particular interest in criminal cases involving foreign nationals and refugees.
Notable Cases
- R v S – Acted for defence in allegations of historical rape and sexual offences on victims in a care home.
- R v Ahmed – Acted for defence in large scale multi handed conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs in West Yorkshire.
- R v Armstrong – Prosecution counsel in POCA proceedings arising from conviction to supply Class A drugs with a street value of £1m.
Austin prosecutes on behalf of the Trading Standards Authorities and has appeared on behalf of Local Authorities in environmental cases and public interest immunity applications.
Contact Austin’s clerks
Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202
Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203
Austin has a broad and well-established Personal Injury practice.
Areas of Expertise
- Accidents in the workplace and industrial disease
- Inquests
- Road traffic accidents
- Sporting injuries
- Accidents at school
He advises and appears in a wide range of actions for personal injury, with particular emphasis on industrial and sporting accidents, regularly appearing on behalf of claimants in contested claims before both the High Court and County Court.
Austin has regularly attended inquests on behalf of insurers and other interested parties.
Austin has considerable experience in bringing claims before the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, especially on behalf of severely brain damaged or sexually abused applicants, and challenging decisions by way of Judicial Review proceedings.
Contact Austin’s clerks
Senior Clerk – Andy Reeves on 0113 213 5252
Talia Webster on 0113 202 8609