David Birrell
Practice
David has a busy criminal practice and accepts instructions from both the defence and prosecuting authorities (including CPS, DWP, G4S, the Probation Service and DBIS) on a wide range of matters including fraud, drugs, serious violence and sexual offences.
He has extensive experience of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) applications and their enforcement. He has been involved in numerous high value contested applications. He has a firm grasp of the law in this area which he combines with thorough preparation and keen attention to detail.
David also specialises in road traffic offences. He receives repeat instructions from leading motoring solicitors. He consistently delivers results, particularly in cases involving excess alcohol, dangerous driving and penalty points ('totting up') disqualifications.
David is viewed as being tenacious in Court and in his cross-examination of witnesses. His speeches are praised for being focused and persuasive. Likewise, his easy manner with the jury has attracted praise.
David understands that a modern barrister is more than a mere mouthpiece for his clients. He is approachable and down-to-earth. As such, David maintains good relationships with both his professional and lay clients. He is always prepared to make himself available to advise and confer outside of court hours including evenings and weekends. He is also prepared to travel, if necessary, to meet and advise clients and/or their families.
Recent notable cases
Operation Liptrot (2011) – Conspiracy to supply large quantities of Class A drugs where the drugs gang operated across the North
R v Jackson (2011) – Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs - test purchase operation in North Liverpool
R v Farrimond (2011) – section 18 wounding - throat slitting in Carlisle
R v Spriggs and others (2010) – conspiracy to supply the ‘designer drug’ mephedrone/ M-CAT in West Cumbria
Operation Pin (2010) - Multi-handed conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in Salford
R v Wilkinson (2010) – sexual assault
R v Lee (2010) – ‘Crash for cash’ insurance fraud in Liverpool
Operation Palamino (2009) – Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs - drugs gang operated in Oldham
R v Ellis (2009) – Mortgage fraud
Forthcoming cases of note
R v C and others (2012) – multi-handed conspiracy to defraud financial institutions
R v C (2012) – s.18 wounding involving complex medical issues of causation of injuries
R v W and another (2012) – serious aggravated burglary
Professional
David contributes to the Solicitors Journal by writing the Crime updates. He researches all developments in criminal law. He is therefore happy to advise and assist in cases which involve novel or complicated issues of law and procedure.
Appointments
2011, Junior of the Northern Circuit of the Bar.
Education
Saint Edward’s College, Liverpool
University of Liverpool
L'Université Paris 1 - Panthéon-Sorbonne
Nottingham Law School
Personal
David is a keen footballer and captains a successful amateur football team in the Liverpool Old Boys’ League.
