Aviation
Stephen is recognised for his specialist aviation practice. An RAF trained pilot with flying experience ranging from gliders to fast jets and rotary he has an enviable reputation for defending aviation related prosecutions. These have ranged from regulatory issues to allegations of gross negligence manslaughter. His clients have included aircraft engineers, pilots (private and commercial), aviation businesses and international airlines. He acted as leading counsel for Internet giant Amazon in their recent prosecution for shipping dangerous goods by air. He is currently instructed in the Shoreham Air Show crash prosecution.
Stephen is instructed in Inquests and in High Court civil claims arising out of aircraft accidents. He is able to advise on aircraft leasing and operating agreements. He has written for a number of aviation publications on legal topics and was a guest speaker, at a Royal Aeronautical Society legal conference, on the admissibility of AAIB reports in legal proceedings.
Notable Cases:
- CAA-v-L Defence – Magistrates’ Court defence of pilot charged with reckless endangerment – found not guilty.
- CAA-v-M Defence – Crown Court defence of ATPL charged with reckless endangerment – found not guilty.
- R v W Defence – Crown Court defence of aircraft inspector charged with manslaughter following fatal aircraft crash. Nolle Prosequi entered by the Attorney- General following legal argument.
- CAA v G Defence – international airline charged with operating transatlantic flight with invalid C of A and AOC.
Public Access
Stephen may accept Public Access work, where he can be instructed directly by a member of the public rather than a solicitor.
Contact Stephen’s clerks
Senior Clerk – Andy Reeves on 0113 213 5252
Talia Webster on 0113 202 8609
