For over 20 years Martin Hooper has prosecuted and defended in criminal matters and related areas of law throughout London and the South East. He is an experienced and well respected advocate. Written testaments to him include:
“From the first time I met Mr Hooper I was confident in his ability ... he clearly was familiar with all the facts and I had every confidence that he would secure me the right outcome, which he did...” (D. Nelson – lay client)
“ Martin has worked for this firm for nearly 20 years ... his questioning of witnesses has always been firm but fair. His preparation is exceedingly thorough and he basically leaves no stone unturned. He has a high intellect ...and has always grasped both the facts of the case and the law ...” (P. Smith – solicitor)
“He has appeared before me on a number of occasions ...most recently a case alleging historical sexual abuse stretching back 30 years, and to defend such a case demands careful preparation. It is clear that had been done because the pre-trial application to exclude a highly prejudicial piece of evidence was well researched and firmly argued. It was successful. As in a lot of these cases care and tact had to be employed in cross-examining the complainant and I felt no need to intervene at any stage. The closing speech was measured, in keeping with the way in which the case had been conducted throughout ...” (HHJ Carroll – Crown Court Judge)
“We would like to thank you for all your effort over the last eight weeks... This case has been running alongside 9 others under the umbrella operation and we would like to thank you for the professional work you have done... you have been outstanding.” (DS Barker – Lead officer in the Camden Crime Squad)
He has experience as a leading and junior counsel in the whole range of criminal work including serious and organised crime, drugs, violence and complex fraud and financial work.
2 Counsel Cases have included:
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R v Penells and others (2005 Winchester and Reading crown Courts) Leading junior in allegations of large scale conspiracies to rob commercial premises of high value computer equipment. They involved challenging surveillance evidence including covert bugging, communication interception and PII issues. The trials lasted two and three months, both resulting in acquittals.
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R v Flinders (2005 Kingston Crown Court). Junior counsel in a murder involving diminished responsibility and self induced intoxication. This was one of the first cases to follow the change in the law by the House of Lords in Dietschmann
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R v McKenzie Hewitt and another (2008 Central Criminal Court) Leading junior for a man accused of attempted murder by discharging a firearm in a crowded nightclub. The witnesses sought anonymity. This was the first case in the Country to apply the legislation implemented after R v Davis in the House of Lords
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R v Rasalla (2009 Northampton Crown Court) Leading defence counsel in a building / construction fraud. As well as complex factual and technical issues there were substantial hearings about restraint of assets and confiscation proceedings.
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R v Dos Santos & ors (2010 Blackfriars Crown Court) leading counsel for the prosecution. This was an allegation of a large importation and conspiracy to distribute Crystal Meth. The trial lasted two months and resulted in convictions and sentences of up to 15 years. The case was referred to the Court of Appeal where the lord Chief Justice asked for the Crown to assist in sentencing guidelines. This is currently the leading authority on this topic.
Other significant cases include:
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R v Nelson and others (2006 Southwark Crown Court) Representing a bank employee charged with conspiracy to commit a bank fraud. He was successfully acquitted
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R v Tafari (2006 Reading Crown Court) Defended a man charged with holding his wife hostage through a long siege. He had severe mental health problems and significant psychiatric issues such as restriction orders were argued for sentence
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R v Stanley (2008 Woolwich Crown Court) Defended a man accused of 12 counts of historic rape on his niece. Acquitted on all counts
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R v Geir and others (2008 Croydon Crown Court) Successfully defended in a sophisticated VAT fraud which centred around ‘celebrity chefs’ such as Marco Pierre-white
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R v Tyler and others (2009 Kingston Crown Court) Multi handed large conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Confiscation hearings are still continuing!
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R v Cummins and another (2010 Central Criminal Court) Successfully prosecuting allegations of supplying class A drugs and possession of live firearms.
Martin Hooper is a pupil supervisor and is authorised to undertake grade 3 prosecution work. He is accredited to accept direct access work and is a member of the Criminal Bar Association and South East Circuit.