Thirty Park Place

Michael Mather-Lees QC

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Michael Mather-Lees QC

 
 
 

Year of Call

1981

QC

2012

Areas of Practice

Crime

Regulatory, Inquiries & Inquests

Police Actions & Prison Law

 
 

Practice Overview

Michael Mather-Lees gained an LL.B. from the University of London, and following Call to the Bar, went on to practise in Bristol, before joining Thirty Park Place in December 2001.

He specialises almost exclusively within the field of Criminal Law, and his particular areas of expertise include Public Interest Immunity, fraud (VHCC), confiscation and medico-legal cases.

Chambers UK stated this year that Michael “really shines as a barrister who specialises in medico-legal cases and serious and complex fraud matters”, in 2007 declaring that in this area he has “more than the lion’s share of the available work”. In 2009 the publication also stated that Michael is “intellectually exceptional but also down to earth”.
The Legal 500 also describes him in 2007 as a "...strong player for Fraud and VAT"., and in 2008 as "...impressive in cross-examination".

Michael is also a regular contributor to Thirty Park Place's continuing professional education seminars regarding current legal developments

Recommendations

'Michael Mather-Lees has a broad practice that also takes in fraud. He is a "very accomplished" and skilful court advocate, say sources. He acted in the assault trial of R v Mitchell'.
(Chambers UK 2012)

"Michael Mather-Lees is recommended for VAT, fraud and medico-legal cases".
(Legal 500, 2012)

‘Michael Mather-Lees really shines as a barrister who specialises in medico-legal cases and serious and complex fraud matters'
(Chambers UK 2011)
"Michael Mather-Lees is “intellectually exceptional but also down to earth”’.
(Chambers UK 2009)
'Michael Mather-Lees wins support as “he can mix it with the best of them in court”.
(Chambers UK2008)

Appointments

  • Queen's Counsel 2012

Memberships 

  • Standing Committee for Legal Wales
  • Criminal Bar Association
  • Wales Criminal Law Association (Chairman)

Education

  • LL.B University of London

Notable and Reported Cases

  • R v Heath (2000) Crim LR 109: duress -involvement in drugs operation following threats of physical violence arising out of debt;
  • R v Anthony Court of Appeal (1998): inadmissibility of medical evidence -infant death x 2 (Munchausen/apnoea), substitution of verdict by virtue of additional evidence;
  • Broome v Perkins (1987) Crim LR 271: driving without due care and attention - diabetic in hypoglycaemic state - defence of automatism;
  • R v McCleary: mixed statements of partial confession
  • R v Steed (confiscation)
     

VHCC CASES

  • R v O'Sullivan Drugs Conspiracy

Murder/Manslaughter

  • Strangulation of pregnant wife following release from mental unit. Deemed fit to plead after 10 years in secure unit
  • Fatal stabbing of father by son (samurai sword)
  • Infanticide x 2-Munchausen by Proxy
  • Fatal stabbing of son by father
     

Sex/Indecency

  • Rape of natural daughter
  • Serving police officer charged with possessing indecent child photos

Fraud

  • £3m investment broker fraud
  • Multiple mortgage fraud
  • VAT fraud (fuel)
  • Clearing banks (VHCC)
     

Other

  • Historic scalding of 5 year-old child (now 15 years old)
    POCA
  • Judicial review - Tax & Vat evasion (£1m) 
     

 

 
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