Criminal Defence Blog

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt gives a guide to the offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Barrister Quentin Hunt looks at issues relating to Breach of Condition Notices.

Quentin achieves acquittal for client in rape case at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Criminal defence Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the perverting the course of justice sentencing guidelines.

Quentin assists repeat client in avoiding going to prison in tricky sentencing cases.

Quentin's client regains shotguns following licence revocation.

No action taken against Quentin's client in serious allegations.

Quentin supports client in domestic violence allegations

Quentin ensures that Landlord only receives caution in illegal eviction prosecution.

Quentin secures Not Guilty verdict for Medical Professional whose career depended upon a clean record.

Quentin successfully looks after solider in high profile military police investigation.

Quentin secures no prosecution for celebrity client.

CPS drop case on day of trial following Quentin's persistent representations against prosecution.

Quentin saves clients substantial sum of money in Proceeds of Crime Act case.

Quentin secures not guilty verdict for client after Communications Act trial.

Successful representations result in no action being taken against Quentin's client.

Quentin secures acquittal at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Quentin Hunt concludes successful private prosecution in neighbour dispute case.

Barrister Quentin Hunt examines how to remove adverse entries in police records.

Quentin Hunt secures client's acquittal after 5 day trial at Harrow Crown Court.

Quentin Hunt ensures that no further action is taken against his clients in large scale fraud allegation.

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines how applications can be made for the return of property seized by the Police.

Police return shotguns and licences to mother and son following intervention by Specialist Barrister Quentin Hunt

Quentin Hunt achieves success in the Court of Appeal in Serious Crime Prevention Order case.

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt ensures his client receives a non-custodial sentence in Perverting the Course of Justice case before Harrow Crown Court.

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the imposition of Banning orders under the Football Spectators Act 1989

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the offence of Wasting Police Time.

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the offence of possession of a bladed article and relevant defences.

No further action taken against Quentin Hunt's client following effective pre-charge representation.

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt analyses the offence of Fraud by Abuse of Position.

Quentin interviewed by national newspaper on matters of driving law.

Criminal Barrister presents a guide to appeals from the Magistrates' Court to the Crown Court.

Quentin achieves acquittal for client in drink driving case which could have had serious repercussions on potential death by dangerous driving charges.

Criminal defence Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the offence of Perjury.

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt secures acquittal of City worker on drug charges.

Barrister Quentin Hunt examines criminal liability relating to false and misleading statements made by Company Directors.

Quentin Hunt features as leading lawyer in independent guides to the legal profession for 2022.

Leading Barrister Quentin Hunt explores defences available to charges of possession of controlled drugs and possession with intent to supply.

Leading Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the law surrounding the possession of controlled drugs.

Quentin features in The Sun Newspaper giving expert legal opinion.

Leading Criminal Defence Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the available defences to charges relating to extreme and indecent images.

Leading Criminal Defence Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the law relating to extreme and indecent images.

Quentin Hunt features in the Mail on Sunday, giving expert legal opinion.

Quentin achieves not guilty verdict for client in Southampton Crown Court.

Quentin assists client by way of successful pre-court representations to CPS over offensive communications case.

Quentin Hunt acts in Death by Dangerous Driving case before Swansea Crown Court.

Leading Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt explains how to obtain section 82 Environmental Protection Act court orders against noisy or nuisance neighbours.

Mr ZS was accused of stalking, contrary to section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Quentin achieves acquittal for client.

Mr AE was prosecuted by Ealing Borough Council for breach of a planning enforcement notice under section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1997. He instructed Quentin Hunt, a specialist Planning Enforcement Barrister, to represent his interests...

Quentin was instructed to act on a Direct Public Access basis by Mr AS who had been convicted of drug dealing offences....

BBW Ltd are Jewellers who operate a large-scale business purchasing and selling high value wrist watches. Without warning or notice, they were informed that their bank had frozen their business account.

Quentin drafted and submitted a detailed application on behalf of Mr PL under the ‘Victim’s Right to Review’ scheme...

Quentin Hunt was instructed on a direct public access basis to act on behalf of Mr LK, who was before the Lincoln Crown Court accused of an offence of Perverting the Course of Justice.

Quentin Hunt, achieves the timely discharge of a Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 account freezing order put in place by the MHRA over a Company's bank account.

Quentin achieves success for client in Planning Enforcement prosecution.

Quentin Successfully resists Account Freezing Order application by West Midlands Police on behalf of High Net Worth foreign nationals.

Quentin Hunt was instructed to represent a couple in respect of fraud allegations. Following a long history of engagement by Quentin and negotiations and representations the case ended when the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the case and Not Guilty verdicts entered against both defendants.

Quentin Hunts secures large reduction in sentence in Insolvency Service prosecution after successful appeal.

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines recent changes to the DBS filtering regime and disclosure of convictions and cautions to employers.

Mr GH was an IT worker in the City of London charged by the police with Criminal Damage contrary to the Criminal Damage Act 1971. For obvious reasons GH wanted to avoid having a criminal record and therefore selected specialist Direct Access Barrister Quentin Hunt to represent him at Court.

Mr JM attended a political protest at London’s Speaker’s Corner in October 2020. During the protests he was arrested for Criminal Damage and two charges of assaulting a Police Officer. He was subsequently summonsed to Court and faced three separate criminal charges. He instructed Direct Access Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt to look after his interests and secure the best result possible.

Quentin Hunt represented Mrs JC, a professional landlady who appeared before the Crime Courts in respect of a failure to comply with the terms of a planning enforcement notice. In mitigation for Mrs JC Quentin persuaded the Court to pass a sentence of an Absolute Discharge upon Mrs JC. This is the lowest possible sentence that can be passed by a Criminal Court by law and is a sentence which is rarity- Home Office statistics show Absolute Discharges are given in a mere 0.7% of cases. The effect of this sentence is that Mrs JC was categorised as having not been convicted of a criminal offence. This was important for Mrs JC in respect of her applications for finance, her travel and her general character. She was delighted with the sentence passed.

Quentin wins Appeal to keep City Solicitor on the road- Mr RS is a Litigation Partner in a well know firm of City Solicitors. He had represented himself before the Magistrates Court in respect of two matters of speeding and had been disqualified from driving. RS travelled a lot for his work and needed his driving licence for personal reasons and was looking to appeal his sentence. RS instructed Quentin Hunt, a specialist Criminal Barrister to look after his interests at the Appeal hearing and give him the best chance of success. Quentin was instructed on a Direct Access basis.

Following Quentin’s provision of legal analysis in the ground-breaking Channel 4 Documentary – ‘Diana- the truth behind the interview’ there has been a groundswell of press and public interest in the allegations that Martin Bashir, a BBC journalist used forged documents to secure his famous Panorama interview with Princess Diana in 1995. As a result of significant public interest in this matter, Quentin has been interviewed by a number of national press publications for comment,

Mr xx is a prominent member of a major UK political party. He was subject to a complaint to Police and criminal investigation in respect of a number of unsubstantiated allegations of criminal behaviour. No criminal charges were brought by police against the Politician after Quentin’s assistance.

SP Ltd are a large property management company based in the South East of England; they were accused, as a corporate entity, of a breach of s172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 in respect of failure to provide driver’s information relating to their company fleet of vehicles. The Directors of the company were very concerned about the position as the company had to pass various checks due to their areas of operation and any criminal offence recorded against the company could have seriously affected their operations and ability to effectively tender for contracts. They therefore instructed Quentin Hunt to act for the company on a Direct Access basis.

Leading Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt looks at the 'elements' of the offence of Fraud by False representation under the Fraud Act 2006.

The victim’s right to review scheme can be complicated and daunting; in this article leading Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the VRR scheme and answers questions associated with it.

The variation of a restringing order is a factually and legally complicated area of law. A specialist lawyer in this area will be able to present an application effectively so as to give it the best chance of success. Quentin Hunt is a specialist Criminal Barrister who has over 20 years’ experience dealing with restraining orders; he approaches all cases, big or small, with the same level of professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm. If you find yourself wanting to vary a restraining order you may contact Quentin for a free no obligation conversation about your case.

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt assists client in Public Order Act 1986 investigation.

Specialist Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the variation of a Restraining Order or discharge of a Restraining Order under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Quentin Hunt, barrister at law achieves success in Fraud Act 2006 prosecution.

In this article Public Order Offences lawyer Quentin Hunt looks at the offence of Violent Disorder and examines what has to be proven by the prosecution and how such cases can be successfully defended.

Criminal defence Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the offence under s4A Public Order Act 1986

Quentin achieves Not Guilty result in case involving failure to comply with notification requirements under s9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003

In this article Public Order Offences lawyer Quentin Hunt looks at the s4 Public Order Act offence and examines what has to be proven by the prosecution and how such cases can be successfully defended.

Quentin persuades Police and CPS to take no action in Harassment case.

Specialist Planning Enforcement Barrister Quentin Hunt looks at the considerations surrounding applications to withdraw a planning Enforcement Notice.

Specialist Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines ‘road rage’ offences, relevant defences and how such cases are best conducted.

Quentin wins Stalking Protection Order case against Metropolitan Police under the Stalking Protection Act 2019

Leading Criminal Defence Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the ingredients of the offence of Misconduct in Public office and undertakes an analysis of the law and relevant authorities.

Barrister Quentin Hunt examines s179 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and answers questions that are commonly asked in Planning Enforcement Notice cases.

Quentin Hunt, a criminal defence Barrister who specialises in defending trading standards prosecutions, answers commonly asked questions about Trading Standards prosecutions.

Specialist appeals Barrister Quentin Hunt outlines the process and procedure in getting a second opinion advice on appeal.

Public access Barrister Quentin Hunt helps a defendant avoid custody in a serious road traffic case relating to a motorcyclist being rammed off his bike on the M4 motorway.

Leading Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt explores the current Criminal law in respect of Forced Marriage and associated offences.

A sexual assault allegation can have wide ranging ramifications with a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and mandatory registration on the sex offenders register. With this in mind anyone who finds themselves accused of a sexual offence may wish to secure the best representation possible.

If you have a Planning Enforcement or Proceeds of Crime Act case then you need robust and experienced representation to secure you the best result possible. Quentin Hunt is an expert Barrister specialising in these areas, you may contact Quentin for a free, no obligation conversation about your case.

Quentin represented Mr LB, an individual accused of fraud as a director of a green energy company installing solar panels. Mr L was accused of a total of 8 offences relating to financial irregularities within the company and the fraudulent installation of solar panels for the purposes of receiving rebates from the government in respect of the ‘feed in tariff’ system. These included counts under the Fraud Act 2006 alleging fraud by false representation.

When Premier League footballer Christian Benteke found himself in need of specialist legal representation in respect of a number of driving matters he chose to instruct Quentin Hunt on a direct public access basis.

At the conclusion of proceedings the Court agreed with Quentin’s submissions and returned a Not Guilty verdict and an award for costs in his favour. MM was able to return to his life and employment without any criminal record or stain upon his character. If you find yourself accused of a criminal offence and it is vital that you maintain ‘good character’ for your employment, you will need a determined, diligent and hard working lawyer. Quentin Hunt has a reputation as a tenacious Barrister with uncompromising standards who will fight every inch of the way for his clients. If you wish to contact Quentin about an ongoing or potential matter you may do so for a no obligation conversation about your case.

Criminal appeals Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the law and procedure in Criminal case appeals from the Crown Court

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the offence of False Accounting contrary to section 17 of the Theft Act 1968

Quentin appeared on behalf of Mr FO in the Court of Appeal in respect of a sentence of £90,000 imposed upon a client for breach of 3 planning enforcement notices contrary to s179 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Upon appearance at the Court of Appeal Quentin was successful and the Court granted the appeal and reduced the financial penalty to £60,000, a saving to the client of £30,000.

An examination of the offences and defences to commonly prosecuted offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 by Barrister Quentin Hunt.

The Bribery Act 2010 replaced a complex web of outdated legislation and common law with a single regime of Bribery offences. It is undoubtedly a complex piece of legislation which was unveiled to much fanfare. The Act is undoubtedly tough, one of the more draconian Acts of its sort in the world. This post outlines some issues relating to the key offences, under the Act and looks at how the Act in enforced and how it operates in practice.

Quentin represented Mr RC, a successful trader of prestige and high performance cars in respect of an appeal against a conviction for failure to provide driver’s details contrary to s172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Quentin Hunt, a sexual offences Barrister, examines the elements of the offence of sexual assault and the defences available when a person is charged with such an offence.

Quentin represented Miss DC, who was subject to an investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office in respect of a breach of section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1988.

Quentin reviews aspects of National Minimum Wage Act 1998 which put into place various sanctions for non compliance with the legislation, the most serious of which is criminal prosecution.

Quentin represented Mr TC, an ex-army officer whose shotgun and firearms licences were revoked by the Metropolitan Police following a series of incidents which gave them concern about the holder’s suitability to continue to hold a licence.

Quentin has represented individuals who have ranged from master forgers who have created millions of pounds’ worth of forged currencies through to those who have changed dates on official documents for seemingly pointless motives. Find out more about the law in regards to forgery and false instruments.

This week marks the six-month anniversary since the General Data Protection Regulations took effect. Quentin takes a look back over this time to see whats changed.

Quentin explains the complex and often confusing interrelationship of planning enforcement law and criminal law and how it can impact upon any criminal prosecution by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs).

It is an offence to let a HMO without a licence. If you do so, the Local Housing Authority will have two options. The first will be to impose a civil penalty of up to £30,000 under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. The other option open to the Local Housing Authority is to pursue a prosecution against you under section 72 of the Housing Act 2004.

If you have entered a plea of Guilty and feel that you were not truly admitting your guilt or that there was a problem in the procedure leading up to the entering of the plea you may have ground to vacate your guilty plea.

Quentin put forward a good defence to the claim by the prosecution leading to the prosecution entering into negotiation with the defence and eventually brokering a settlement on behalf of his client of £141,000, an enormous reduction from the £1.12M initially claimed.

As a professional person, CK could not afford a criminal conviction as it would likely result in her losing her livelihood. As a result of Quentin's intervention, the prosecution took time to review the matter and came to a decision not to continue the prosecution.

Learn how Quentin was able to enter a revised plea with the resulting sentence being that his client was released from custody that day to go home with his family. Both FA and his family were delighted with the result.

Defendants who are otherwise law abiding people get caught out telling stupid lies to the Police and Courts without realising the dire consequences of getting caught.

In the New Test of Dishonesty the defendant can no longer use his own standards or what he understands the standards of society to be as a defence.

To what extent is someone protected over adverse comment that could be said to be free speech? Barrister Quent Hunt gives his views.

The Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) is a tool designed to help enforcement agencies tackle the longstanding issue of unexplained wealth in the UK. This has been recently highlighted in the media in recent press articles and fictionalised television series such as McMafia.

GDPR comes into effect on 25 May 2018. Test your understanding of your GDPR and Data Protection responsibilities

Section 33 is one of the most prosecuted offences under the of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it covers all manner of depositing of waste from small scale ‘fly tipping’ to industrial scale waste disposal.

As the black cab rapist John Worboys case continues to navigate the legal system, Quentin takes a look at the way in which significant changes in police and Crown Prosecution Service guidance have had a dramatic impact on the number of recorded cases.

As a result of the strong arguments put forward by Quentin at an appeal hearing at Birmingham Crown Court the Police indicated that they were not going to resist the appeal. The appeal was therefore successful.

Persons who are the subject of a SCPO often find the terms of the order too onerous or they may wish to have the terms varied to enable them to fulfil a business or life ambition

Quentin Hunt is an experienced jury advocate who specialises in effective cross examination of witnesses and the tactical deployment of defence evidence at trial.

Following oral submissions by Quentin the appeal was allowed by the Court. The sentence of 24 months imprisonment was reduced by half to one of 12 months. This meant that VP was eligible for release on a home detention curfew tag the week after the hearing in the Court of Appeal.

Quentin analysed their case and discovered that there was a material problem with the procedure that had been followed at the guilty plea hearing in the Magistrates Court. As a result of Quentin’s representation the matter was therefore remitted to the City of Westminster Magistrates Court where the defendants indicated Not Guilty pleas and elected for the matter to be sent to the Southwark Crown Court for trial.

DL had previously been advised that he could expect an immediate custodial sentence of around 15 months. DL and his family were delighted that he managed to avoid an immediate custodial sentence.

Quentin Hunt uses his many years of experience in dealing with complicated confiscation proceedings to save his client over saving of over £750,000

what can I do if I am accused of fraud and what are the defences to fraud charges?

Quentin specialises in the analysis of criminal cases following conviction and the lodging of persuasive and effective grounds of appeal.

Quentin represented AC, a student at Newcastle University who was accused of two counts of assault. Following under 10 minutes of deliberation the Court returned a Not Guilty verdict, AC was acquitted and was awarded costs

air rage incident on a Flybe flight from Amsterdam to Manchester in 2016. As a result of Quentin’s submissions LW escaped an immediate custodial sentence.

Quentin ensured GS was reinstated at her place of work with no points on her driving licence. The Court also awarded costs in GS’s favour.

Quentin was chosen to represent one of Britain’s most high profile drug smugglers.

Quentin secures Not Guilty verdict in ‘overwhelming’ stalking case

Due to instructing Quentin Hunt and instituting a private prosecution Mr B secured justice in respect of an important breach of his privacy and the compromise of his divorce proceedings.

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has been increasingly used to penalise defendants in all manner of cases in which many people would be surprised to find that POCA orders can be made

Following a lengthy investigation, the police made a decision to take No Further Action against WS. This meant that he was released from bail and would face no charges and would have no criminal record, caution or adverse record against his name.

Quentin represented AM, the “kingpin” leader of an organised criminal group who were responsible for a multi million-pound fraud involving compromising bank accounts of members of the public

This article examines the elements of the offence of Rape, possible rape defences and the current state of the law; it cannot hope to be definitive but should serve as a good layman’s guide to the law.

This article will consider the legal definition of sexual assault, what must be proven for there to be a conviction, and what you should do if you have been accused of sexual assault.

Quentin has been asked to speak on the topic of 'Criminal Law as it relates to Social Media' at the prestigious Legal Aspects of Social Media 2016 Conference hosted by Central Law Training and held at the DeVere London Bars

The question of the legality of taking children out of school without permission has been a hot topic in the news and on the internet recently. As a result, I have been both amused and dismayed to see quite a lot of misinformation and dubious ‘facts’ being portrayed as the state of the law.

FR was charged with Dangerous Driving and had pleaded guilty in the Magistrates Court, the case was transferred to the Crown Court for sentencing.

In this article we will look at the offence of unlawful harassment set out in section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

This article will consider the offence of unlawful eviction set out in section 1 of the Protection From Eviction Act 1977.

Should you find yourself facing a criminal matter it is vital that you obtain legal representation as soon as possible. Quentin answers many questions about Legal Aid for when a person is charged with a criminal offence.

The allegation centred on a dispute over the pay of the alleged victim’s daughter who was a previous employee of VW.

CB could not afford to have a criminal conviction against his name as it would have meant that he would have been unable to work in his industry again.

Quentin secures acquittal in Nightclub stabbing case

How can couples protect their assets in confiscation proceedings, how can a partner protect their interests in confiscation proceedings and when should a partner assert interest in Confiscation proceedings? Confiscation or enforcement?

This article explores the sentencing regime and the ways in which the risk of immediate custody can be reduced therefore answering the question of ‘How can I avoid a custodial sentence?’

Quentin was able to conduct extensive negotiations with the Prosecution in order to make representations that the trial should be discontinued

This article will explore the general principles of personal liability of directors for criminal offences and examine what I have found to be the most common examples of such liability coming before the criminal courts

Quentin represented Mr BG before Kingston Crown Court

There is an increasing trend towards prosecuting individuals for their online activity from Internet ‘trolls’ to the increasing reports of ‘revenge porn’

Although there are many direct access qualified barristers only a very small minority of those at the Bar are qualified to conduct litigation. This can have an enormous effect upon the conduct of your case.

A Not Guilty verdict was essential to TL as she works within the legal industry and could not have a conviction recorded against her name. She described the result as ‘Amazing… fantastic’.

Quentin represented a Miss SM who was accused of cutting her partner’s neck with a kitchen knife during a domestic incident in Chichester

Quentin represented Miss RM, a commodities trader who stood accused of possession of an offensive weapon and two counts of assault. RM attended a meeting of Haringey Justice for Palestinians where a protest took place.

Changing a Guilty plea is not an easy exercise. The Court of Appeal has stated on a number of occasions that ‘the cases must be comparatively rare where it would be proper to allow a change of plea’. This case study discusses the issues.

Where an application fails the applicant should be provided with reasons as to why, in order for them to assess whether the decision was justified and possibly appealable, there is no statutory requirement that reasons be given.

UPDATED FOR 2025. Local councils issue thousands of planning enforcement notices every month. Often these are in respect of matters which are highly contentious between business and homeowners and the council. What is not commonly known is that a breach of compliance with an enforcement notice..

In this second article, we examine the tests to be applied by the police in more detail. Read further to find out more..

For many, a shotgun licence is very important to both their livelihood and their leisure. However, given the fact that the decision in respect of shotgun and firearms licences rests entirely in hands of the various chief constables around the country, read further to find out more..

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 introduced an offence of Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving; this came into force on 3rd December 2012. As always it has taken a long time for the Police and CPS to start using the offence on a regular basis but we are now seeing the offence being prosecuted with some vigour. Read further to find out more..

According to Home Office Statistics the offence of Criminal Damage is one of the top ten most prosecuted crimes in the United Kingdom. It is also one of the most frequently abused by way of prosecutions being brought against individuals in circumstances where no offence has been committed. Read further to find out more..

Local authorities are becoming increasingly trigger-happy in respect of landlord and tenant prosecutions. Such prosecutions can occur when there is a dispute with a tenant over the circumstances of their leaving a property. Often such disputes can be the word of one party against the word of another. As such it is essential that a landlord or other party accused of such an offence gain specialist legal advice if being either investigated or prosecuted. Read further to find out more..