Kings Bench Chambers

David Lyons

Call	1987 Middle Temple
Memberships	Criminal Bar Association
Practice	Crime, Serious Fraud and Prison Law

David Lyons specialises in crime with the emphasis on serious violent and sexual offences. He has appeared in cases involving murder, attempted murder, wounding, serious public disorder, rape and sexual assault.

He also acts in cases involving computer pornography, in which he has developed a particular expertise, money laundering, fraud, the importation/ supply of drugs and high value theft.

Mr Lyons also acts in Judicial review cases arising from criminal and prison law matters.

In addition to the Crown Court, Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal, Mr Lyons appears in disciplinary tribunals, including Prison Law hearings and Courts Martial (both in the UK and overseas) and offers advice on appeal against conviction and sentence in cases referred to him after conviction.

In 2008 Counsel has been involved in; a five handed rape / child abuse ring case, a murder and as a leading junior in a “operation trident” attempted murder case at the Central Criminal Court.

In addition he is currently involved in an appeal arising from the conviction of a man of good character who stabbed a neighbour while under the influence of the anti-depressant “Citalopram” (an SSRI). The effects of this family of Drugs, which include Prozac, are an especial interest of counsel as they were in the past often neglected as a possible defence in cases where patients of previous good character suddenly exhibit uncharacteristically violent behaviours.

He frequently appears as a leading junior in more serious cases.

His reported cases include.
R v Sirignano [1997] EWCA Crim 2824.
R v Owens & Stevens [1999] 2 Cr.A.R. 59 .
R v John Smith [1999] EWCA Crim 1906.
R v John James [2000] EWCA Crim 64.
R v Santiago (2005) Times 10/3/2005.
Unreported, at least in the law reports, he also acted for a Bank manager who stole over one million pounds and spent it on Parrots! See Independent, The (London), Sep 3, 2003.

CASES OF INTEREST

R v Sirignano 1997 EWCA Crim 2824 (Contempt of Court right to fair trial.)
R v Owens & Stevens 199 2 Cr App R 59 (Evidence – telephone intercepts.)
R v John Smith 1999 EWCA Crim 1906
R v John James 2000 EWCA Crim 64

See also Morgans V. Director Of Public Prosecutions [2000] UKHL 9; [2000] 2 All ER 522; [2000] 2 WLR 386; [2000] Crim LR 576 (17th February, 2000)

INTERESTS

Sailing (RYA Yachtmaster)
Photography
Middle Temple Advocacy Trainer

 

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