Anthony Cartin Year of Call: 2010 Telephone: 0121 236 0863 Email Address: anthony.cartin@stiveschambers.co.uk Overview Anthony is a specialist criminal barrister with experience of handling the full range of criminal offences. He appears mostly as a junior on his own but has been led by both leading junior and Silk. Anthony generally practices in the Crown Court, predominantly for the defence but also prosecuting on occasion. He also accepts instructions in privately-funded matters in the Magistrates Court particularly for road traffic offences but also more generally. He does not shy away from giving robust advice when required in the best interests of his client. However, he also recognises that the defence advocate will often be the last line of protection a defendant has against a misconceived prosecution case. This means that notwithstanding what may appear an overwhelming case, Anthony will always fight for a client who protests their innocence. Practice Areas Criminal After being called to the Bar in 2010 Anthony commenced work for a well-respected criminal defence firm in Birmingham, where he worked for the following five years. Initially working as a prison law caseworker, Anthony handled his own large caseload. This included regular appearances before District Judges sitting as Independent Adjudicators hearing criminal charges for prisoner misconduct. He also regularly appeared before the Parole Board on applications for release or progressive moves for IPP and lifer prisoners or recalled prisoners seeking re-release. Anthony also handled the litigation of two Judicial Reviews against the Ministry of Justice during this time. Having cross-qualified as a solicitor during his time at the firm, Anthony handled a busy Magistrates Court practice, appearing mostly as a trial advocate in the Magistrates Court. This evolved to handling more Crown Court work before Anthony transferred back to the Bar and joined St Ives in 2015. Anthony has experience of dealing with the whole range of criminal work including: Murder Rape Serious drugs cases Aggravated burglary Arson Fraud Robbery Wounding and GBH (with intent) St Ives Chambers 1 +44 (0)121 236 0863
Perverting the course of justice Dangerous driving Sexual assault Anthony has had success in the Court of Appeal where his written submissions have been praised by the Court. In 2016, he successfully defended three separate Youth Court rape trials for young and vulnerable defendants. This required delicate but effective crossexamination of young witnesses in very sensitive cases. He has experience of intermediaries in criminal proceedings for witnesses and defendants. Anthony has experience of handling large volumes of evidence, particularly call data which is increasingly commonplace in more sophisticated criminal cases. He has also dealt with contested confiscation proceedings in the Crown Court, fitness to plead hearings and defendants suffering from significant mental illness. Anthony relishes a challenge and thrives in a trial environment. Although still relatively junior he has experience of dealing with serious criminal matters and against far more senior opponents, including silks. He prides himself on being down-to-earth and approachable for both professional and lay-clients alike. Notable Cases R v Thacker [2018] Birmingham Crown Court Successfully defended to acquittal after trial in an attempted rape allegation. R v Martin-Leon [2018] Birmingham Crown Court Led by Zafar Ali QC to defend a 17-year old boy charged with murder. R v Watkins [2017] Lewes Crown Court Anthony defended one of 9 defendants in a 6-week money laundering trial following frauds and confidence tricks upon multiple elderly victims. R v Ebanks [2017] Birmingham Crown Court Successfully defended to acquittal after trial on a false imprisonment allegation. The complainant had vulnerabilities and alleged being kept prisoner and being regularly beaten by his former partner s family members during a time when the pair lived with them. Unanimous acquittal in under ½ hour. R v King [2017] Birmingham Crown Court Defending a paranoid schizophrenic client who had been discharged from a hospital order before going on to cause life-changing facial injuries to a complete stranger in the street whilst experiencing psychotic symptoms. R v Hoey [2017] Stafford Crown Court Prosecuted a 2-week benefit fraud trial investigated by the DWP. The case attracted national press-interest and resulted in unanimous convictions. The prosecution was complicated by significant defence expert and medical evidence outlining long-standing medical problems that the defendant suffered from. R v Picard and another [2017] Birmingham Crown Court Aggravated burglary allegation where a vulnerable person with learning difficulties was attacked in his home with weapons as a result of a neighbour dispute. The case called for a delicate and careful cross-examination of the witness. R v Vincent Nixon [2016] Court of Appeal Anthony was praised by the Court for his written submissions and secured a reduction in sentence from 5 years and 4 months to 4 years imprisonment for a number of historical sexual offences. St Ives Chambers 2 +44 (0)121 236 0863
R v Woolcock and others [2016] Warwick Crown Court Led by Peter Cooper in a two-month, five defendant, forty-count indictment, rape and sexual trafficking trial. Peter and Anthony s client faced 12 allegations including six counts of rape, sexual assault, four counts of human trafficking and an attempted rape. He was acquitted on all but the two least serious offences. R v (a Youth) [2015] Birmingham Youth Court Prosecuted a 12-year old defendant for the sexual touching of their 6-year old cousin. R v Jeremiah Ezekial Butler [2015] EWCA Crim 1425 Leave to appeal granted to argue regarding appropriate credit in overwhelming cases and whether prosecutorial delay in charging was a mitigating feature when a defendant had already been recalled from licence. To find out more, email crimeclerks@stiveschambers.co.uk. Regulatory As a barrister who principally practices in criminal law, Anthony recognises that the regulatory sphere encompasses cases with considerable overlap with crime as well as cases which can only properly be considered regulatory in nature. He considers that his expertise in the criminal arena can be used to great effect in regulatory proceedings. In particular, an aptitude for incisive crossexamination can be used to great effect in matters where there are important factual disputes at the heart of the case. Anthony accepts instructions in a broad range of matters such as trading standards prosecutions as well as other cases brought by Government agencies and local authorities in the criminal courts. Anthony has a particular interest in allegations under animal welfare, dangerous dogs and food hygiene legislation. In addition to this, Anthony accepts instructions on appeal to the Magistrates Court in respect of SIA and taxi licensing refusals as well as in Education Act matters. Having worked for two years as a solicitor with a Magistrates Court practice and for several years previously as a Court Associate to District Judges (MC), Anthony is very familiar with the Magistrates Court and its proceedings. In the disciplinary field, Anthony accepts instructions in fitness to practice hearings before the NMC, HCPC, GMC and Teaching Agency (formerly GTC). Although these hearings do not have criminal sanctions and are civil in nature, often the allegations made by a regulator will be similar to or may even amount to criminal charges. The consequences of adverse findings can of course be devastating to a hard-earned career and call for expert handling. Although hearing centres for these matters are located across the country, a Birmingham base offers convenience to clients from the Midlands who may wish to have a conference with counsel ahead of proceedings. Anthony also has experience of seeking Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO) on behalf of police forces as well as contested confiscation and cash forfeiture hearings in the Crown and Magistrates Courts. Notable Cases Food Standards Agency v Sadiq [2016] Sandwell Magistrates Court Prosecuted the operator of a poultry slaughterhouse which was operating outside of its permitted hours and thereby killing in the absence of oversight by an official veterinarian. National Crime Agency v Shahzad [2016] Birmingham Magistrates Court Appearing for the NCA, following a two-day hearing, secured the forfeiture of 100k of cash believed to be intended for use in criminal activity. DPP v Four Seasons Exotic Limited [2016] Birmingham Magistrates Court St Ives Chambers 3 +44 (0)121 236 0863
Prosecuting a fruit and veg wholesaler for repeatedly failing to heed warnings concerning the quality and labelling of produce being sold. Operation Decimal [2016] Birmingham Magistrates Court Prosecuted a family of three for VAT offences arising out of the operation of their jewellery business. Acceptable pleas entered on the first day of trial. Ahmed v The Director of Border Force [2016] First-Tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) Appeared for the successful applicant to challenge the refusal to consider an out-of-time application for restoration of seized jewellery of sentimental value which was brought in through customs undeclared. DPP v (a nurse) [2015] Birmingham Magistrates Court Defending an agency-nurse who was discovered to have stolen prescription drugs from a hospital whilst employed there. Anthony secured a financial penalty for the nurse notwithstanding sentencing guidelines arguably indicating a far more serious sentence for such a serious breach of trust. To find out more, email civilclerks@stiveschambers.co.uk. Qualifications CPS Advocates Panel Level 2 College of Law Birmingham, Bar Vocational Course (Very Competent) 2010 University of Essex, LLB (2.1) 2005-2008 King Edward VI Five Ways, Birmingham 1997-2004 Memberships Midland Circuit Criminal Bar Association The Honourable Society of Middle Temple Association of Lawyers for Animal Welfare Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers St Ives Chambers 4 +44 (0)121 236 0863
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