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