Andrew Smith
Practice Andrew was called to the bar in 1996 following seven years with the CPS based in Manchester. He is a specialist criminal Barrister who provides advice and advocacy for both the Prosecution and Defence. He is regularly instructed as both leading and led junior in the most serious cases and is a category 4 prosecutor. He is also certified to prosecute sexual offences cases in Greater Manchester. Typically his practice includes the following: • Fraud • Confiscation and money laundering • Homicide and serious violence • Serious Organised Crime • Conspiracies • Serious Sexual offences Andrew quickly developed a heavyweight prosecution practice and is well respected for his meticulous preparation and pragmatic attitude. He has prosecuted many multi-handed conspiracies and has been led in numerous cases involving gangland murder, heavyweight armed robbery and fraud. Andrew is equally at home defending and maintains a substantial defence practice with considerable experience in the most grave and complex criminal cases including large scale drugs, fraud and murder cases. He is well known for his attention to detail and his client friendly approach. Andrew whilst based in Manchester is regularly instructed to work off circuit and is happy to travel as required. Andrew has a particular interest in youth crime involving those with learning disabilities and is a member of chambers National Autistic Society pro-bono unit. Recent Cases R v. Rothwell and others “Operation Pin”, Manchester Minshull Street. Prosecution Leading Junior in conspiracy to supply cocaine. R v. Reid, Manchester Crown Square. Successful defence of gang related possession of prohibited firearm. R v. Ghafelipour, Manchester Crown Square. Prosecution junior in particularly brutal murder of an ex-girlfriend. R v. Arsalan and others, Sheffield Crown Court. Defence junior in conspiracy to supply drugs and possession of firearms. R v. Francis and others, Manchester Crown Square. Successful defence in gang related possession of firearms. R v. Shaw and others “Operation Cambist”, Manchester Minshull Street. Defence Leading Junior in a two month Customs and Excise Evasion of Duty (£25 million) cigarette and tobacco Importation. R v. Levesconte and others “Operation Hartley”; Nottingham Crown Court. Defence Junior in 4-6 week Supply of class A controlled drugs. R v. Litwinski and others “Operation Greengage”, Liverpool Crown Court. Defence Leading junior (VHCC) in cross border multi agency Conspiracy to Import Drugs and Firearms. R v. Taylor and others “Operation Abbreviation”, Bolton Crown Court. Defence junior alone in SOCA prosecution Conspiracy to supply class A drugs. R v. Sabir and others “Operation Palm”, Leeds Crown Court. Defence Junior alone in SOCA prosecution Conspiracy to import/supply 750 kilo’s of heroin valued in excess of £20 million. R v. Glover and others, Manchester Minshull Street. Defence Leading junior in 5 week eBay Fraud prosecuted by the Trading Standards Authority. R v. Lane “Operation Belle”; Manchester Minshull Street. Prosecuting a Sexual Grooming case involving the use of a covert police operative in Internet chat-rooms. “Operation Marengo”, Manchester Minshull Street. Prosecution Junior alone in 18 handed covert police operation targeting class A drug dealing. R v. Hulmes and others “Operation Gherkin”, Manchester Minshull Street. Prosecuting Junior alone in police operation targeting organised armed robbery gang. Others R v. McColl and others, Manchester Minshull Street and Liverpool Crown Court. Prosecution 2nd Junior in Conspiracy to Rob and gangland Murder of a police informant. R v. El-Kurd and others (McGuiness), Knightsbridge Crown Court. Defence 2nd Junior. Principal case money laundering/criminal property Oldham Riots. Defence Junior alone. Personal Inn: Lincoln’s Inn Memberships: Northern Circuit and Criminal Bar Association.
