Member of these Practice Teams
CRIME | CIVIL | FAMILY | Download CV as PDF

PRACTICE AREAS:

• CRIME
• CIVIL & COMMERCIAL
• PERSONAL INJURY
• PUBLIC LAW
• FAMILY

CRIME

Since pupillage Darren has built his reputation in defence work although he now has a growing prosecution practice for the CPS, the Probation Service and local authorities. He has a broad range of experience in general crime, drugs, serious violence, sexual offences, road traffic and fraud. He also has experience in health & safety, trading standards and wildlife/environmental related criminal work. Examples of recent cases conducted include:

• R v H, K & P – Defended 3 Defendants who were former employees of Hanson PLC being prosecuted under wildlife protection legislation for allegedly destroying sand martin nests at sand quarry. The Crown called 2 experts. One Defendant acquitted at close of prosecution case and the remaining two at the end of the trial.

• R v A –  Deception, Fraud and Theft – Sole Junior for Defence in 5 day trial, successful acquittal in case relating to allegations of fraud against  personal injury solicitors by accident repair  body shop.

• R v D & others – sole junior for D in successful acquittal in 5 handed case relating to alleged group attack and robbery on lone male. Successful submissions to exclude tainted ID parade on basis of breaches of PACE guidelines. ID Evidence excluded under s.78. D acquitted following submission of no case to answer at close of Crown’s case. 

CIVIL & COMMERCIAL

Darren draws upon a wealth of experience in commercial claims handling, litigation management and dispute resolution from working within the London insurance market before coming to the Bar. A qualified solicitor, Darren has also worked with a city law firm and in house with a global loss adjusting practice. He draws upon wide experience conducting investigations, evidence gathering and advising clients facing legal disputes, particularly with supply of goods & services, professional negligence and product liability claims.

Darren’s advocacy experience spans small claims, fast track and multi track trials together with working on arbitrations and mediations. He is an accredited mediator and has completed various courses on commercial negotiation skills.  Examples of cases he has worked upon include:

•Represented product liability insurers in settlement negotiations in Germany concerning supply of defective building materials, leading to product recall claims from across Europe and associated consequential loss claims under various European jurisdictions.

• Advised various Sri Lankan insurers on policy coverage under London Market Reinsurance policies in respect of potential recoveries against reinsurers for tsunami damage claims. Instructed on New Years day 2005 and initial advice provided within 48 hours.

• Assisted management consultants in the review of claims management procedures for Lloyds syndicates, advised on FSA regulations and claims management best practice and undertook a review and audit of U.S litigation leading to overhaul of internal claims management procedures.

PERSONAL INJURY

Darren spent 10 years in the insurance industry working as a claims adjuster before coming to the bar. He spent much of his early career managing motor, employers and public liability personal injury claims. His experience ranges from simple RTA cases through to more complex paraplegic, fatal and industrial disease claims. He undertakes work under CFAs and is a member of APIL. Darren draws upon wide experience in negotiating settlements and resolving personal injury claims through ADR. He now splits his time equally between claimant and defendant work.

Darren also appears at Inquests and has defended in associated criminal proceedings following serious road accidents and in HSE prosecutions. Examples of cases conducted include:

• Advised product liability insurers in respect of claims against a toilet paper manufacturer in respect of claims relating to anaphylactic shock reaction to a new brand of scented toilet paper. Claims all resolved out of court with no media involvement. Product later recalled for redesign of cardboard core.

• Advised pharmaceutical company in respect of various claims from patients involved in clinical trials in the UK, USA and Italy following adverse reactions to keyhole surgery. Acted as coordinator of various negotiated settlements in Italy, France and UK.

PUBLIC LAW

Darren has experience in immigration and asylum work, regularly appearing at AITs and advising upon the preparation of cases. His experience includes asylum, Art 8, entry clearance and bail applications. He is also experienced defending in associated criminal proceedings. In 2006 he completed a week long course on case preparation with the Immigration Advisory Service.

Darren has a growing practice in prison law representing serving life prisoners at parole board hearings, and advising upon personal injury and other civil related claims against the prison service. He has a strong track record in parole cases working closely with his clients and instructing solicitors in the preparation of cases on a pro bono basis where necessary.

FAMILY

Darren has particular interests in care proceedings cases and has represented parents in several cases from emergency protection hearing through to the final hearing. He is well versed tackling sensitive issues. Darren has also acted for Local Authorities, notably representing them in associated criminal proceedings relating to PII.

MEMBERSHIPS

Middle Temple

South East Circuit

London Commercial & Common Law Bar Association

Criminal Bar Association

Personal Injury Bar Association

Professional Negligence Bar Association

Association of Personal Injury Lawyers

Liberty

Young Fraud Lawyers Association

Member of these Practice Teams

CRIME | CIVIL LITIGATION | PERSONAL INJURY | |

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