Ranked in The Legal 500 (2021) for Crime.
“Incisive and meticulous, with a commanding presence in court.” – The Legal 500 (2021)
Shufqat is a very experienced criminal barrister who is regularly instructed in the most serious cases. He is very highly regarded and is known for his thorough approach and his ability to identify and concentrate on the essential issues involved in achieving the best outcome.
Shufqat is approachable and has an easy going manner with clients. This is complemented by a firm and robust approach in court.
In recent years he has concentrated on and developed an enviable defence practice.
Notable cases
- R v RQ [2015] – Represented a Bradford City Council employee acquitted of electoral fraud. Telegraph & Argus
- R v SY [2014] – Represented a defendant who faced the mandatory minimum 5 years’ custody for possession of a firearm disguised as a knuckleduster. The judge was persuaded that exceptional circumstances applied and reduced the sentence to 3 years’ custody.
- R v OM [2013] – Represented a defendant acquitted of a number of drug-trafficking counts. Following a defence application, the judge ordered the prosecution to disclose to the defence the name of their informant. Following this the prosecution offered no evidence.
- R v AK [2013] – Represented, as junior alone, a defendant acquitted of involved money laundering and supply of millions of pounds of class-A drugs. This multi-handed, 10-week trial involved a ‘cut-throat’ defence against a defendant represented by a Queen’s Counsel and junior. Upon conviction, the other defendant was sentenced to over 20 years’ imprisonment. Daily Mail
- R v A [2013] – Represented a male nurse acquitted of sexually assaulting male and female patients.
- R v H [2011] – Represented the religious teacher who was prosecuted for assault after being secretly filmed by the Channel 4 Dispatches programme Lessons in Hate and Violence. This was also reported by the BBC.
- R v S [2011] EWCA Crim. 2193 – Represented a 15-year-old who had been sentenced to detention for public prosecution for a series of knifepoint robberies. Successfully appealed the sentence, which was quashed and replaced with a determinate sentence.
- R v D [2011] – Represented, as junior alone, a solicitor acquitted of wounding with intent and false imprisonment.
- R v IK [2010] – Represented, as junior alone, a defendant acquitted of causing grievous bodily harm to a solicitor.
- R v PH [2009] – Represented, as junior alone, a blind man acquitted of causing death by dangerous driving. Yorkshire Evening Post
Contact Shufqat’s clerks
Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202
Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203
