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As a barrister of considerable experience in criminal and civil as well as commercial law, Shiraz has been speaking on behalf of the vulnerable and outcast for some 20 years. He has particular experience in criminal defence, housing and personal injury (having a medical sciences degree) and has a wealth of experience in cases concerning vulnerable people.
He is also founder and director of Be Coherent Ltd, a communications and legal training company which provides law and advocacy, persuasive communications, and media and defamation training for non-lawyers.
Crime
Shiraz is experienced in all aspects of criminal defence work in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal. He has acted for defendants charged with:
- murder;
- arson;
- serious crimes of violence;
- organised crime;
- the importation and production of class A and B drugs; and
- serious public order offences.
Shiraz has been instructed in many Proceeds of Crime Act cases. He also has a particular interest in cases involving mental health issues.
One important case in which Shiraz was instructed was R (Sogbesan) v Inner London Crown Court (2002) Crim.LR 748, DC in which a short sentence with no right of appeal was overturned, creating a route of appeal. The case is reported in Archbold (2007) at 7-16.
Dangerous dogs & animal welfare
Shiraz has significant experience in Dangerous Dogs Act and associated animal law cases relating to ownership, allegations of cruelty etc. One of his more notable cases was the judicial review of a decision to order the destruction of a dog (Re Dino). This resulted in petitions to the House of Lords and to Europe, and eventually succeeded following referral to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Civil litigation
Shiraz has broad general civil litigation experience. He is a useful advocate for any general civil matter, offering advocacy and advice in housing and personal injury matters.
Education
- B.Sc. (Hons.) (Lon.) Medical Sciences, University of London
- LL.B. (Hons.) Queen Mary College, University of London
- Bar Vocational Course
Hobbies & Interests
- Playing in his band
- Freelance writing
- Animal welfare – he has a number of parliamentary contacts in this area
- Governance and Chair for university and nursery organisations