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Eric Elliott QC

Year of Call:

1974 Silk 2006

Career:

Called to the Bar 1974, Gray's Inn

Assistant Recorder 1989

Recorder 1993 (Crime, Family, Civil)

Silk 2006

Member of the North Eastern Circuit

Member of the Criminal Bar Association

Profile:

"Eric Elliott Q.C defends effectively in serious criminal cases".  "A courageous and innovative advocate, highly recommended" (The UK Legal 500).

I practise in all areas of criminal law with particular emphasis on cases involving homicide, fraud, drugs and sexual offending. I am a member of the North Eastern Circuit where I appear in all the Court centres regularly but my practice is nationwide and I have led for the defence in many substantial and complex trials at a variety of Courts the length and breadth of the country. I also have an extensive referral practice in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.

Through the cases that I have conducted I have acquired a highly specialised knowledge of matters involving mobile phone technology and cell site analysis which frequently forms the central plank in many prosecution cases: such knowledge is often crucial to a dismantling of the Prosecution case and an integral part in the process of securing an acquittal. Likewise my practice has resulted in my having specialised knowledge of various aspects of forensic science in particular the science associated with DNA and I appeared in the Court of Appeal in the current leading DNA case of R v Reed and Reed (2010).

My expertise in "white collar crime" is well illustrated by my conduct in leading the successful defence team in R v Mehmood Mohammed (2011) at the Crown Court at Newcastle upon Tyne.  Deploying my detailed knowledge of the workings of accountancy practices and the legislation governing VAT and corporation tax I secured the acquittal on all charges of a 49 year old chartered accountant who had been accused of having been a pivotal figure in a multi million pound tax fraud and money laundering scheme masterminded by two others both of whom received substantial sentences of imprisonment following their convictions.

In addition I have developed a specialist practice relating to cases involving highly complex medical issues arising out of alleged injuries inflicted upon children.  In R v Vasey (2011) I mounted a successful defence of a mother accused of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent upon her 2 year old daughter.  The case involved highly extremely complicated medical issues stemming from the child having been born with a serious cardiac condition.  In all, 12 Consultant Paediatric Specialists were called on behalf of the Prosecution including a Consultant Haematologist and a Consultant Paediatric Surgeon.  The trial took place subsequent to care proceedings in the Family Division of the High Court as a result of which substantial issues of law arose "inter alia" as to the admissibility of evidence sought to be adduced by the child's father and co-accused upon the basis of "bad character".  I successfully argued that and evidence (including allegations relating to factitious illness syndrome) was inadmissible and the co-accused was convicted of offences of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

Further, I practise in regulatory and disciplinary work including advising and appearing in horse racing matters and enquiries governed by the British Horseracing Authority, drawing upon my experience as a license racehorse trainer.

I have sat as a Recorder in crime and civil since 1993 and my legal knowledge is further sustained by attendance at and participation in frequent Judicial Studies Board Seminars.

For further details please contact Yvonne Crosbie or Zoe Malir on 0113 245 1841.