David was appointed Head of Chambers at 9 Park Place in May 2023, following 15 years as Head of the Criminal Team.
David has been involved in many of the most high-profile cases in Wales in recent years. As a junior, he was part of the team that successfully prosecuted the Pembrokeshire coastal path murders. As a King’s Counsel, he has led teams in the most complex and serious homicide cases, bringing excellent cross-examination skills, a clear and considered approach and a good manner with the jury to both Prosecution and Defence.
“David is the go-to silk on the Wales and Chester Circuit.”
David has huge experience in cases involving murder, serious sexual offences and conspiracy to supply drugs. He has particular expertise defending in cases of Gross Negligence Manslaughter and related Heath and Safety prosecutions. He has recently appeared in the Old Bailey in a case involving Terrorism offences.
“David is an exceptional KC…[he] is very good at leading the most serious and complex cases as both advocate in court and also at the preparatory stages.”
David is renowned as an excellent advocate. He brings clarity and calm in the most pressurised situations. He is ranked as a Band 1 Silk in the Chambers UK Guide.
David has conducted many trials involving homicide and serious sexual offences. He is regularly involved in these cases at the earliest stage, advising and leading the team from the outset. He has been instructed by the Defence in many of the most high-profile murder cases in Wales in the last five years, consistently providing the highest level of advocacy, legal knowledge and client-care in the most difficult circumstances.
David has successfully represented companies and individuals charged with Gross Negligence Manslaughter and related Health and Safety offences. He is particularly adept at cross-examining expert witnesses in these cases.
David regularly defends in cases prosecuted by Companies House. He has successfully represented directors of listed and multi-national companies, where the threat of disqualification has been avoided.
“David is an exceptional KC.”
“David is very good at leading the most serious and complex cases as both advocate in court and also at the preparatory stages.”
“David is the go-to silk on the Wales and Chester Circuit.”
(Chambers UK Guide: The Bar – Crime)
- R v John Cooper [2011]: Part of the Prosecution team that successfully prosecuted 2 double murders (The Pembrokeshire Murders) and a series of sexual offences against children.
- R v Terence Whall [2020]: Defended in the high-profile murder of a man in rural Anglesey killed by a crossbow.
- R v Stapleton and others (Operation Oberon) [2020-2022]: Defended in the lead drugs conspiracy prosecution in Wales, resulting from the Encrochat evidence recovered by international police forces from encrypted devices.
- R v Keith Young and others [2021]: Defended in a HSE prosecution of companies and individuals for gross negligence manslaughter and related health and safety offences, arising from the collapse of a church in Cardiff during demolition works.
- R v John Cole and others [2022]: Defended in the high-profile murder of Logan Mwangi, aged 5.
- R v Alun Titford [2023]: Defended in the gross negligence manslaughter of the 16 year old daughter of the defendant.
- Recorder sitting in Crime: 2018
- Leader of the Wales and Chester Circuit: January 2020-December 2022.
- Malvern College
- St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge (Law)
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