The Team
Our expert team of solicitors are ready to give you the best representation available
Sukhy Ark
Sukhy is a qualified solicitor with over 20 years experience. He is a specialist Criminal Defence Solicitor exclusively dealing with the most complex and serious offences. His outstanding reputation and ability has led to him being sought out by clients nationally.
He regularly deals with prosecutions brought by numerous agencies including the Police, National Crime Agency, Serious and Organised Crime Unit, Proceeds of Crime Unit and the DWP.
His caseload consists of multi-handed complex cases before Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, Manchester, London, Stafford, Oxford, St Albans, Swindon, Birmingham and Wolverhampton Crown Courts. He has been instructed in Crown Courts all over England and Wales.
Sukhy is regularly instructed on high profile and multi-handed conspiracy cases and quite often instructed by multiple defendants on the same cases.
Sukhy is highly thought of by his peers and has been instructed in criminal cases to represent practising solicitors, company directors, army officers, medical professionals, senior managers, serving and retired firemen and other high profile individuals.
R V H Stafford Crown Court This was Staffordshire’s first high profile case involving people trafficking and modern day slavery. The whole case was the subject of a BBC documentary called “The Prosecutors” whereby the whole case from initial arrest to trial conclusion was filmed and documented. Multiple defendants were charged but only the defendant represented by Sukhy at the police station and throughout the trial process was found Not Guilty
R V M and others . Nottingham / Derby Crown Court 4 defendants were arrested and charged with murder on the basis of joint enterprise. This was a complex area following the recent rulings on joint enterprise. Sukhy and his team represented 3 of the 4 defendants in interview and at court. The interviews were conducted over many days and the basis of the defence was set out in the interviews laying the foundations for the trial. All 3 defendants represented by Sukhy at the police station and at court were found not guilty and only the fourth defendant, who was not represented by Sukhy was found guilty . An example of how Sukhy and his team were able to adapt to the changes in the law and get the right results for the clients.
R V B Derby Crown Court Defendant charged with assisting an offender who was charged with 2 counts of attempted murder. The defendant that was represented by Sukhy was also the subject of a Channel 4 documentary about dangerous prisoners .After a lengthy trial the defendant was found Not Guilty,
R V H Leicester Crown Court (Operation Buster )Numerous arrests were made in relation to the importing and supply of Class A , Class B and Class C drugs. Some of the offenders who were found guilty received sentenced to prison terms in excess of 25 years. Following a 4 month trial the defendant represented by Sukhy at the police station and through out the trial was found Not Guilty.
R V K Oxford Crown Court – Numerous defendants charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs . Trial began with an estimate of 6 – 8 weeks . By the end of the first week the case against all defendants was discontinued by the CPS
R V I Derby Crown Court Encrochat Case Numerous defendants charged with conspiracy to supply drugs and money laundering . The estimated values of the conspiracy by the CPS was in excess of £165 Million pounds. Sukhy was asked to represent 4 defendants involved in the conspiracy. This was a particularly challenging case as the law and evidence in relation to Encrochats continually changed throughout the proceedings and there were challenges to the admissibility of evidence happening in courts across the country. Sukhy was able to take on board all the changes and was able to follow all the cases that were happening in the different court centres.
R V P Derby Crown Court The defendant was convicted of Supply of Class A drugs for a 3rd time. This made the defendant subject to a minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years . Sukhy and his team were able to convince the court not to impose the minimum term of 7 years and impose a much reduced sentence.
R V D Nottingham Crown Court R V D The defendant was remanded into custody after being charged with 2 offences of S.18 GBH. The defendant was represented by a firm of solicitors in Nottingham and was advised that he should enter Guilty pleas to both counts and expect a sentence in excess of 10 years. The defendant disagreed with this advice and transferred his case to Sukhy. After successfully representing the defendant in court not only did Sukhy manage to get the defendant bail during the proceedings , but he was found Not guilty of one count of S.18 Gbh and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in respect of the second count . The defendant was sentenced to imprisonment but only to the period he had already served whilst on remand and no more.
R V K Oxford Crown Court Defendant charged with 1 count of money laundering , the consequences for the defendant would have meant that if convicted the home and all possessions would have been seized by the courts. After the prosecution case ended , Sukhys team made representations to the Judge which led to the Judge making a finding that there was no case to answer for the defendant.
R V N Stafford Crown Court The defendant was a senior medical professional who was accused of sexually assaulting a junior member of staff. Sukhy made various representations and was able to obtain from the CPS large amounts of material that the cps felt was not relevant to the case. This unused material was used in the trial and the complainant cross examined upon the same . At the conclusion of the trial he was found Not Guilty.
R V H – A large scale investigation by the NCA in regards to theft of motor vehicles, industrial equipment , and theft of Cash Machines . Through the use of cell site analysis Sukhys team were able to get some of the charges removed from the court as they were able to show that the defendant could not possibly have been present.
R V C Large investigation into Supply of Class A drugs by Staffordshire policeinvolving the cuckooing of people and county lines supply of drugs. Multiple defendants represented by Sukhy . Trials took place and one defendant was found not guilty and the other defendant pleaded to a much reduced charge and received a substantially reduced sentence than his co- accused.
R V H – Cash for crash case , where it was alleged by the CPS that car crashes were staged so that insurance monies could be claimed . Multiple defendants requested that Sukhy represent them. Two defendants represented by Sukhy took the matter to trial. One of the defendants was found not guilty and the second defendant although found guilty received a non custodial sentence and there was no POCA or confiscation proceedings. Others hat were not represented by Sukhy received custodial sentences and were subject to confiscation proceedings.
Sukhy has represented many defendants that have been found not guilty by the courts for various offences such as , assaulting prison officers , rape ,firearm offences supply of drugs.
Helen Bennett
Helen is a Solicitor with 20 years Post Qualification Experience (PQE). Her specialisms include Self-Defence in assault cases, consent in Sexual Offences and Proceeds of Crime defences. She also has a thriving client base of clients charged with Motoring Offences. She has successfully defended clients charged across the entire ‘ladder’ of assault offences from serious assaults such as Murder, Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent down to Common Assault. In her 20 years of practice, she has only lost one trial when defending a client in respect to serious sexual offences.
Helen is passionate, determined and steadfast in her defence work. She is incredibly adaptable with her work and her personality, approachability and personable manner helps sets the most nervous of clients at ease. She excels with her meticulous attention to detail to fully examine Prosecution evidence and ensures no stone is left unturned in the defence of her clients.
Helen has played a critical role in securing acquittals for numerous clients for her expert advice at the Police Station. Helen comments “I thrive on the adrenaline of having to assess, think and advise quickly whilst often having to calm, reassure and represent clients in incredibly distressing and delicate times. What happens at that very first stage – the police station interview – is so imperative to the rest of the case, should the client be charged. What happens at the Police Station can and generally does determine the outcome of cases.”
As well as being a Defence Solicitor, Helen is also a qualified teacher and uses her knowledge and training to defend clients with Learning difficulties and those who suffer various Mental Health diagnoses.
Away from the courtroom and classroom, Helen is a Hockey umpire – the highlight of her career thus far coming in 2019 when she was appointed to umpire the final of the European Championships in Krefeld, Germany. She has just returned from the 4 Nations Tournament in Nottingham, England and is due to officiate at the World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa in 2022.
Her other interests include her extensive charitable work – she completed the Moonwalk in aid of Breast Cancer walking 26.2 miles only 6 weeks after breaking her foot in a hockey related incident, completed a triathlon of events by summiting Mount Kinabalu, cycling and white water rafting (breaking 2 toes in the process) in Borneo; completed the Inca Trail in Peru – both in aid of MacMillan Nurses and is currently training for a 5K Race for Life. She is intending on walking the Great Wall of China in 2023 again for charity.
R v D – a three defendant youth trial where her 17-year-old defendant was charged with Murder of a 17-year-old youth and Grievous Bodily Harm with intent of another. Through her extensive work and research on the case, her defendant was acquitted of all charges he faced and the families of the other two defendants were immensely grateful to her for the selfless contribution she made to ensure that ultimately only one defendant was convicted of a lesser charge of Manslaughter.
R v A – a young defendant was charged with Grievous Bodily Harm with intent of another and possession of an Offensive Weapon. Helen was able to secure the defendant bail, and through her meticulous investigation of the Prosecution case as well as her detailed preparation secured a Not Guilty verdict.
Michael Boylan
Michael has been involved in Criminal Defence work for over 13 years. He is a Duty Solicitor and assists those who need expert representation at the Police Station, the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court. He has experience in every aspect of criminal offences and provides representation and advice to any person involved in minor offences that range from low level assault, public order and driving offences to the most serious offences such as international drugs trafficking, firearms offences and homicide.
Michael will always fight your corner, this is something he is well used to doing being a Former England International and Multi Titled England and British Amateur Boxing Champion, after hanging up the gloves he pulled on the pads and moved into coaching his success and experience resulted in helping to produce champion boxers. His results in the court room also follow his sporting success and that shows in the verdicts and outcomes he receives for those he defends.
Michael’s personal background and sporting achievements enables him to work and achieve the best possible outcomes for not just adults but also young people too. He is open and approachable and will give you advice which is not just something you want to hear but the advice you need to hear.
His hobbies besides boxing are supporting Mayo, Guinness and travelling.
Simon Dean
Since qualifying as a solicitor Simon has specialised in Criminal Defence. He represents clients at the Police Station, Magistrates Court and Youth Court on a variety of matters including sexual offences, theft, assault, robbery, and motoring matters. He is somebody who is well respected by other professionals due to his skilful advocacy. Simon has earned an excellent reputation for his clear and concise advice to clients and is often many clients first choice of Solicitor.
Simon is also instructed by clients who face grave charges before the Crown Courts, and has recently represented clients before many Local Crown Courts.
Throughout his career Simon has dealt with people from all walks of life and from diverse educational, cultural, and occupational backgrounds. He is somebody who always puts his clients first and treats them fairly and ensures that the best results are obtained for his clients. An experienced advocate, Simon ensures that the Court are made aware of any issues or difficulties that the client may face and that the courts reflect upon the same.
R V B The defendant was charged with importation of Class B drugs into the UK. The defendant faced huge personal difficulties and Simon ensured that the Court were made aware of this, resulting in a non custodial sentence.
R V S The defendant had previously been charged and convicted of an Affray . Many years later the victim passed away and the defendant was charged with manslaughter. This was a challenging case which Simon and the barristers handled with expertise ensuring that the defendant received an excellent outcome.
R V J The defendant was a transgender person before the Criminal courts and felt that the courts were biased. Simon used his expertise to handle this case in his usual sensitive manner.
R V B The defendant had severe learning difficulties and faced serious sexual charges against a minor. Simon was able to explain the law and proceedings in a manner in which the defendant could understand and follow.
R V T The defendant faced serious sexual offences upon children. Simon was highly praised by the defendant’s family in the delicate but thorough way he dealt with the case.
R V M The a former serving soldier was charged with offences involving the obstruction of a railway line to endanger life. The defendant had PTSD and psychiatric issues. Simon instructed a QC in these proceedings and ensured that the defendant was treated fairly and engaged in the court process.
R V D The defendant was disabled and wheelchair bound. The defendant faced court hearings but would only deal with Simon as her Defence solicitor.
Charles Lorton
An experienced and well respected lawyer. Charles has practised in Birmingham and Staffordshire for many years . His calm nature yet robust representations make him a clients favourite.
Charles always ensures that those he represents receive the best possible outcome and will often be found meeting and advising his clients out of normal office hours.
Harj Johal
Working exclusively on some of the highest profile and most serious cases across the country, Harj Johal has built up a nationwide following amongst his clients. He is especially experienced in dealing with murders, large scale firearms/drugs conspiracies, complex frauds, and serious sexual offences.
His robust style ensures all his clients can be assured he applies exceptional care and skill to every case, whether it be a complex crime or a smaller more straight-forward matter. He always ensures clients are kept fully informed and takes care to regularly explain to them their options and the procedures involved throughout.
In one case of note, he was instructed on a complex murder trial in which there was a halt on day 4 at Nottingham Crown Court, with the Judge directing the Jury to return a verdict of not guilty. The allegation that the defendant stabbed the victim in the back penetrating his lung and outer heart with a 10″ kitchen knife. Harj and his team of experts undertook a review of CCTV and mobile phone footage using a specialist technical team. The result showed that the defendant was unarmed and that the fatal wound was in fact delivered by an unidentified male seen on enhanced footage to be wielding a knife and stabbing the victim in the back (R v A)
He has specifically been sought out and instructed by clients in the highly litigious EncroChat National Crime Agency prosecutions, due to his extensive knowledge of the hack of the EncroChat server in France, jointly by the French and Dutch Authorities. He was recently involved in one such conspiracy, where it was alleged, the defendant had conspired with several others to supply onto UK shores, in excess of 100 Kilos of Class A drugs (R v E)
Harj was also instructed by two defendants in a complex white-collar fraud at Birmingham Crown Court, in which it was alleged the defendants had benefitted to the sum of £10.5 million pounds. The Jury returned verdicts of Not Guilty. The Prosecuting authority served more than 110,000 pages of evidence in the case against the two defendants, making the outcome even more extraordinary (BCC v S)
Most recently, Harj has been instructed on the widely publicised National Crime Agency investigation into money laundering of over £100 million pounds between the UK and Dubai, in an investigation which has resulted in the arrest of over 21 individuals.
His successes in the Crown Courts have not gone unnoticed, with an article soon to be released detailing the victories he has found in court rooms up and down the country.
R v W – Instructed by a man accused of murdering a rival gang member in a gangland style execution. The defendant received a Not Guilty verdict to murder.
R v B – Defended the accused of attempted murder and assisting an offender. Due to an exceptional defence prepared by Harj Johal, the Jury were able to return verdicts of Not Guilty to both counts.
R v A – Instructed by a young man accused of playing a significant role in 12-handed multi-kilo drug conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, in a trial which lasted more than four months. The Jury returned Not Guilty verdicts on the two drug supply counts.
R v S – Defended on a multi-million-pound conspiracy to defraud HMRC. Due to representations prepared by Harj Johal, the Judge dismissed the Prosecution’s case at half-time.
R v H – Represented a defendant charged with 7 others for conspiring to supply/transfer prohibited weapons, namely firearms. Harj’s client was acquitted of all charges by a Jury.
R v S – Instructed by a defendant allegedly involved in an Organised Crime Group who stole a diamond tiara worth in excess of £3 million pounds. It was also alleged the group targeted A list celebrity homes to steal high value items. A former England and Premier League Footballer gave evidence. The case was highly likened by the media to the famous Hatton Garden Heist in London.
Mark Moore
Mark has been specialising in Criminal Defence and Licensing Law for the past 30 years. Prior to becoming a Criminal Defence Advocate he was a legal advisor to the local Magistrates often advising on complex legal issues, which ignited his passion for Criminal Law. Mark is a highly respected advocate and has a strong reputation as one of the leading advocates in the local area, he has a wealth of experience and is often asked about detailed legal questions by his peers. Mark can often be heard sharing his detailed legal knowledge with other Legal professionals.
Following many years experience as a trial Lawyer, Mark went on to obtain the Higher Court Qualification in 2010 which allows him to represent clients before the Crown Court. Mark regularly appears before all local Magistrates and Crown Courts.
Mark has a reputation for paying great detail to each case, along with the ability to identify the key issues in a case. He has the ability to break down complex legal issues in a simple and easy way to understand. Clients in particular appreciate his straight talking and approachable manner.
Mark is a dedicated solicitor and will often spend time outside office hours to ensure that clients cases are fully prepared.
Outside of the Law Marks passions lie in cycling and Hockey. He has completed many cycling charity rides both in and out of the UK. He can still be found on the hockey pitches either playing or coaching.
Dpp V J MM Mark successfully argued special reasons in a Motoring drink drive case where mouthwash was used. The defendant was not disqualified. as a result of the decision the prosecution challenged this matter upon appeal which in turn led to changes in the way that Staffordshire police dealt with Drink Driving cases.
R V H Mark was instructed in a complex computer hacking case which involved multinational Blue Chip companies and various Government agencies both in the Uk and the USA. Because of the complex and sensitive nature of the matter it was heard at the Central criminal Court in London. The defendant was successfully represented, and his liability was minimised resulting in him not receiving an immediate custodial sentence.
R V N The defendant was charged with negligent manslaughter. Mark worked with a leading QC and many experts in preparing the defence. The defendant after a lengthy and complex trial involving many legal issues which were argued successfully was found not guilty.
R V S Mark was instructed as the advocate at the Crown court in a case where the defendant was charged with a robbery. The defendant was identified by witnesses and the court also allowed the Jury to know that the defendant had a previous conviction for Robbery. At the conclusion of the trial and Marks speech to the Jury the defendant was found not Guilty.
R V C The defendant was part of a large conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in the Burton area. Mark was instructed as the advocate at the Crown Court. At the conclusion of the matter the defendant was one of the few if not the only one to be found Not Guilty.
R V N The defendant a Vietnamese national was charged with Growing Cannabis on an industrial scale. Mark was instructed as the Advocate at the Crown Court. Mark was able to attack the case using his knowledge of the law which was constantly changing and was able to use this to persuade the Crown Prosecution to withdraw all charges against the defendant.
John Walsh
As well as being a Defence Solicitor, Helen is also a qualified teacher and uses her knowledge and training to defend clients with Learning difficulties and those who suffer various Mental Health diagnoses.
John is an experienced Criminal Solicitor and is well known throughout the Midlands. He is an extremely popular solicitor and is often the first name that clients ask for when facing criminal proceedings. He has extensive experience of representing clients at the police station and at the Local courts
John is approachable and thorough in his dealings with clients.
Neil Gerrity
“Neil is a highly experienced criminal Higher Court Advocate known for his meticulous
attention to detail, his down to earth manner with clients and always being fully
prepared for every case. Neil was the only one of 200 students in his year to achieve a
first-class Honours degree in law in 2002. He followed that up with a Distinction in the
Legal Practice Course in 2003. Neil became a trainee solicitor in 2003 and achieved
Police station Accreditation in 2004. He qualified as a solicitor in 2005. Neil went on to
become a Duty Solicitor in 2007 and a Higher Court Advocate in 2009. Since that time,
he regularly receives instructions to act in demanding, challenging and complex cases,
both in the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal.
Neil has particular experience of multi-defendant conspiracies, complex paper heavy
trials, large-scale drugs supply, OCG activity, human exploitation, money laundering,
Fraud and Robbery.
Neil has the ability and the work ethic to unearth the weaknesses in any prosecution
case and will always go that extra mile.”
Mark Holder
Mark is a qualified Solicitor and Duty Solicitor with over 30 years experience.
Specialised in Fraud, Homicide and Serious offences with experience of dealing with the National Crime Agency, Serious and Organised crime Unit and Child Protection.
Mark is well respected within the Criminal Justice System, the Crown Court and particularly the
magistrates Courts throughout the UK.
With a background in teaching Martial Arts to Youths, Mark has a particular rapport with those facing allegations within the Youth Court.
Mark has the ability to simplify the most complex of cases in a way that makes them easy for all to follow and with his calm and mature approach you can be certain that your case will be handled with the utmost care.
Parveen woods
Parveen Woods – Criminal Defence, Police Station Representative known for her robust, compassionate, pragmatic approach in dealing with frontline Criminal Defence work I have an approachable and down to earth manner.
I started my career in law in 1999 within Solicitors practice in Wolverhampton, West
Midlands and undertook the Chartered Legal Executives route to qualification gaining
Associate membership grade in 2004, a fully Accredited Police Station Representative
gaining qualification in 2004 with 25 years of practice and experience in front line Criminal Defence. I spent 19 of those years at a Multi-discipline Law Practice in StaƯordshire.
My work encompasses a broad range and spectrum of criminal matters ranging from minor Motoring to serious violence, complex Drugs, white collar Fraud/Theft/Burglary/Robbery
and Serious Sexual/Rape/historic oƯences and has particular experience with VHCC Money Laundering, Fraud cases alongside complex Historic Rape/Sexual oƯences.
I regularly attend Police Stations to represent in complex sensitive matters which require careful handling, providing clients with full support, going that extra mile, during and after at the most diƯicult times upon arrest, always acting in the best interests of clients, often
negotiating with the Police and becoming the voice for vulnerable persons, approaching each person with compassion, respect, dignity and utmost professionalism.
During any spare time, I enjoy a passion for travel, fine dining and is a keen masterchef!
Burton Office:
Address: 46 Station Street Burton-on-Trent DE14 1AX
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Contact Details:
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