Paul Walker specialises in all areas of criminal law, especially serious fraud involving VAT, diversion, Inland Revenue, mortgage, advance fee and other commercial fraud activities, drug offences, sexual offences, confiscation hearings and crimes of violence (including murder, GBH and violent disorder). He has particular expertise in dealing with young defendants and the cross-examination of young and vulnerable witnesses.
Amongst Paul’s attributes is his analysis of CCTV footage and he has been singled out for praise on a number of occasions by Judges, for his close scrutiny of this type of evidence.
Road traffic allegations are an area in which Paul excels and he successfully defended in cases of causing death by both dangerous and careless driving. Successful arguments in respect of special reasons and exceptional hardship have enabled clients of Paul’s to retain their driving licences.
Paul has represented a number of professional and semi-professional footballers.
He has expertise in the Coroners Court having represented both the family of the deceased and witnesses called to give evidence.
Paul has appeared in Prison Disciplinary hearings on behalf of prison inmates and made applications at the High Court for certificates of inadequacy under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Mr S was accused of rape. The complainant had recorded Mr S apparently confessing to the offence. Paul was able to persuade the jury that Mr S may have been misunderstood. The jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict.
Natasha Wong QC led Paul Walker in the landmark Old Bailey trial involving the defence of a mother and partner under the Female Genital Mutilation Act. The case involved Complex expert medical evidence, child witnesses and extensive evidence of the defendant’s involvement and belief in witchcraft. The case attracted considerable media attention.
The defendant faced numerous allegations of sexual assault. The 42 civilian witnesses, who gave evidence against him, accused him of a campaign of abuse in the 1970s and 80s. At the time he was the parish priest. Paul had to overcome the fact that Mr Bennett had pleaded guilty to (and been sentenced to a term of imprisonment for) almost identical offences. Despite the “bad character” evidence and the sheer weight of prosecution evidence, Paul secured Mr Bennett`s acquittal on each of the 25 counts on the indictment. The defence speech was commended by the Recorder of Guildford.
Paul Walker represented this defendant who was cleared after a Multi-handed child prostitution trial. Mr Carella was D2, his case necessitated a cut-throat defence with D1, who was represented by a QC.Mr Carella was found Not Guilty, whilst all the other main defendants, including D1 were convicted.
Paul Walker successfully represented this man charged with rape. The defendant accepted entering the bedroom of a woman and touching her leg as she slept. The complainant had alleged that Mr Traynor had demanded to have sex. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty less than 30 minutes after retiring.
Paul Walker defended in this rape of a 6 year old boy. The defendant was a 15 year old boy. The case was particularly challenging as the defendant suffered from extreme learning difficulties. Paul successfully argued that he should benefit from an intermediary. Although convicted, Paul was able to persuade the District Judge to impose a non-custodial sentence.
Paul Walker led Rishi Nathwani for the main defendant in this 6 week international paedophile ring trial. Their client was the mother of the abused children and the case attracted worldwide publicity. The Crown`s suggested starting point upon sentence was 13 years imprisonment. The Recorder of Portsmouth`s sentence, following mitigation, was 4 years imprisonment.
Following an Attorney General's reference, the Court of Appeal in March 2012 increased the Sentence of this defendant to 8 years.
