Mark Friend

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PRACTICE

Mark has rapidly developed an extremely busy Crown Court practice, covering all aspects of criminal law.

He prosecutes and defends in a wide range of cases but in recent years his practice has focused on defending serious allegations of criminality.

EXPERIENCE

Mark has extensive experience of cases spanning the entire spectrum of criminal law.  He has been instructed in a variety of serious and complex cases that have received considerable media attention, including prosecutions by the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue and Customs, Trading Standards, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (F.A.C.T).

Mark has also acted as junior counsel in a number of cases including those involving allegations of serious sexual misconduct, large scale drug conspiracies, substantial frauds and money laundering. He has experience of video and TV link cases involving young and vulnerable witnesses.

Mark has a keen interest in road traffic law and has developed an enviable reputation for successfully defending motorists across the country in privately funded cases.

Mark adopts the same pro-active and determined approach to every case, placing a premium upon thorough preparation and dedicated client care. Those who instruct him know that he is always available to discuss the progress of proceedings and advise upon evidence, law and strategy.

NOTABLE CASES

• R v MOHAMMED & Others [Bolton Crown Court; 2005] - large scale copyright & trademark infringement case. Prosecuted privately by the Federation Against Copyright Theft.

• R v NICHOLSON & Others [Manchester Crown Court; 2006] - junior counsel for lead defendant in large scale fraud involving allegation of complex deception by a number of legitimate and illegitimate companies. Prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office.

• R v MURCOTT [Carlisle Crown Court; 2006] - extensive cheque fraud case attracting widespread media attention.

• R v CHEN & Others [Preston Crown Court; 2007] - junior counsel in extensive fraud and money laundering case in which defendant was “exposed” on the BBC Rogue Traders programme.

• R v MANIR & Others [Bradford Crown Court; 2008] - acted for lead defendant in fraud case involving large deception committed against the Abbey National bank.

• R v M & Others [Manchester Crown Court; 2008] - complex firearms case involving allegations of “gang-land” attempted murder. Included witness anonymity orders under new Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Act 2008.

• R v SPELMAN & Others [Manchester Crown Court; 2008] - significant class A drugs conspiracy.

• R v WOODS [Minshull Street Crown Court; 2009] - case involving allegations of double death by dangerous driving receiving extensive media attention.

• R v BEAUMONT [Manchester Crown Court; 2009] - drug importation case involving airports in Jamaica and the UK;

• R v SCHAFFER & Others [Stoke Crown Court; 2009] - extensive trading standards prosecution in relation to a complex conspiracy to defraud.

• R v GLEAVE [Bolton Crown Court; 2009] - complex case involving a lengthy investigation into the largest ever theft from British Telecom.

• R v MUIRHEAD & Others [Bolton Crown Court; 2009] - Operation Perryville - extensive undercover police operation into class A drug supply in the Rochdale area of Greater Manchester.

• R v BRANDON [Chester Crown Court; 2009] - extensively reported case involving a 17 year old charged with causing the death of a schoolmate after “joyriding” with a friend.

• R v NIEM MOHAMMED [Wolverhampton Crown Court; 2010] - faith healer prosecuted for multiple offences of deception, fraud and blackmail.  A case raising complex cultural issues and reported widely in the national media.

• R v KHAN & Others [Bolton Crown Court; 2010] - Operation Mandal - lengthy undercover police operation targeting the supply of class A drugs on an extensive scale.

• R v REEVES & Others [Liverpool Crown Court; 2010] - Operation Beath - international investigation into massive conspiracy to import class A drugs valued at in excess of £100 million.

• R v OKOH & Others [Minshull Street Crown Court; 2010] - conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration into the UK through “sham” marriages.

• R v BARNES & Others [Manchester Crown Court; 2011] - Operation Zambesi - extensive police operation targeting the wholesale supply of class A drugs in Greater Manchester.

OTHER PRACTICE AREAS

Mark also has a keen interest in sports law and can be instructed directly to provide representation at disciplinary hearings and in sporting regulatory matters.

He also offers awareness-seminars for sporting figures on staying within the law both inside and outside the sporting area – including guidance on professional conduct, public order, alcohol, driving, sexual behaviour and privacy.

Download Mark Friend CV