A skilful communicator, Tom has an established Crown Court trial practice and his fearless approach to his cases sees him regularly instructed by both the CPS, as a Grade 3 Prosecutor, and defence solicitors to act on their behalf.
Tom regularly deploys his specialist knowledge in applications on matters of law, in disputes of fitness to plead, in hearsay applications, s.78 PACE applications and those adducing or resisting bad character evidence at trial.
Tom has a raft of experience in the Youth Courts, from defending particularly vulnerable youth offenders to prosecuting complex multi-handers. These are delivered with great care and the application of the skills and practice required in Crown Court trials.
Whether acting in matters of theft, domestic violence, assault, sexual offences or driving offences, Tom’s down to earth nature and emotional intelligence ensures a tactful manner with young offenders and vulnerable witnesses and his skilful handling of those on the bench helps to achieve the best possible result for his client.
Born and raised in Leeds, Tom has a strong connection with the local community and experience of working with regional firms and of life in the city.
Contact Tom’s clerks
Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202
Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203
Inquests
Tom has experience in conducting inquests in the Coroner’s Court. He is happy to assist and advise at all stages.
His experience in personal injury law means Tom is well-placed to offer continuity of representation, from inquests to civil actions for damages arising post-inquest.
Other regulatory
Tom has also undertaken a secondment with and continues to be instructed by the South Yorkshire Police. This involves drafting applications for protective public orders, such as Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Orders. He appears in court on the hearing of such matters and prosecuting such breaches. Tom also provides specific advice on issues arising out of work undertaken by the police, which has included making recommendations of local police force regulations.
Tom’s previous experience working with Leeds Children’s Social Work Services and Leeds Adult Social Care gives him a good understanding and grounding in regulatory bodies and their duties, as well as a sensitive manner, which helps when instructed on inquests.
Born and raised in Leeds, Tom has a strong connection with the local community and experience of working with such regional partner agencies.
Contact Tom’s clerks
Private
Tom is instructed on a range of private family law matters, from applications for child arrangements orders to occupation orders and non-molestation orders and more. He is comfortable delivering support and advice in difficult circumstances and is regarded for his fearless approach on behalf of his lay clients and for his skilful written work.
Public
Tom is also instructed on public family law matters, appearing on a number of contested ICO hearings for the Local Authority and parents. His meticulous approach to his written work is positively received by clients and benches alike. Tom provides a quick turnaround with such work, facilitating his availability to be instructed on contested ICOs.
As a family law paralegal with Sugare and Co. and with time spent working at Leeds Children’s Social Work Services before joining the Bar, Tom is experienced in all stages of family law, which shows in his work and his sensitive handling of clients.
Born and raised in Leeds, Tom has a strong connection with the local community and experience of working with regional partner firms and agencies and of life in the city.
Contact Tom’s clerks
Tom enjoys a mixed civil practice and is regularly instructed on small claims matters in the county courts where he has been noted for handling matters with cool grace and determination. He has developed a busy practice conducting credit hire cases, which has been helped by his keen case preparation and substantial knowledge of the case law. Tom’s familiarity with civil applications sees him regularly deal with relief from sanctions applications, and in particular a number of cases concerning abuse of process.
He also appears regularly on MOJ Stage 3, infant approval and disposal hearings and has experience in winders lists in the county court.
Contact Tom’s clerks
Senior Clerk – Andy Reeves on 0113 213 5252
Talia Webster on 0113 202 8609