Background
Cyrus Shroff was called to the Bar in 1983. After pupillage he spent about 3 years in practice at the independent Bar. He undertook criminal work for both prosecution and defence in the Magistrates’ and Crown Court, as well as some family and tort.
In 1986, Cyrus joined the Essex Crown Prosecution Service. In 1988 he was promoted to Senior Crown Prosecutor and then Principal Crown Prosecutor in 1990. In 2003 he became Head of the Trials Unit, responsible for overseeing the most serious and high-profile cases. He developed extensive experience in PII issues.
In early 2005 he was appointed Head of Complex Casework for the South of the County and in this capacity he had responsibility for the most serious investigations and prosecutions in the locality, including offences involving violence, drugs, fraud and sexual crimes.
Cyrus also regularly undertook advocacy in the Crown Court and was the lead national tutor for Higher Court Advocacy being responsible for the writing and supervision of course material.
He returned to the independent Bar in 2005, bringing to chambers 20 years' experience as a very senior CPS prosecutor.
He speaks fluent Cantonese.
Current Practice
Cyrus Shroff’s reputation and knowledge of prosecution procedures and practices is highly valued and much sought after by solicitors. He has developed a reputation for negotiating fair and reasonable disposals of difficult cases as well as for managing complex drugs (and other) cases that have major disclosure issues.
He appears on the CPS London List of Advocates at Grade 3 but undertakes work both as defence and prosecution counsel. He has been instructed on many serious cases by the CPS and defence solicitors.
His practice covers all aspects of crime, and consists of cases of murder, rape, drug offences, serious violence and Proceeds of Crime amongst other criminal matters. He has particular aptitude for serious cases of a violent or sexual nature, and has experience in the High Court. He has also had experience in various more isolated areas such as bigamy. He has successfully dealt with cases involving sensitive issues and vulnerable victims and was recently defending one of four youths charged with murder. This case lasted 8 weeks.
He was invited to act as an assessor on the Higher Court Advocacy course for Nottingham Law School and has recently been asked to perform a similar role for City University. He was also invited by the CPS to assist in the preparation of a newly designed course for those wishing to undertake “complex trials” and was asked to be a tutor on the “pilot” course.
Over recent years he has participated in numerous courses to enhance his knowledge and experience, including a seminar on sexual offences in July 2007.
He was recently asked to visit Mauritius on a watching brief by the parents of a murder victim. Whilst there, he met with both the senior police officer in charge, the Trial Judge and the Attorney General. In July 2007, he was asked to return for the trial of the same murder in an advisory capacity and assisted the prosecution in securing the conviction of all four defendants. He has since advised on appeals against sentence.
Recent Cases of Note
CK
Representing one of 3 Defendants charged with large scale drugs conspiracy where defence of duress was raised and left to the jury. Particularly sensitive issues surrounding threats made to defendant.
AH
Prosecution counsel in this attempted murder case where the victim initially stated he could not name his attacker. Prior to the trial he informed the police that the defendant was not his assailant. Despite this the defendant was convicted of s18 wounding.
MA
Represented one of 2 defendants on charges of blackmail where he admitted acting as a money lender without a license. He was acquitted. Following negotiations, POCA proceedings were sucessfully waived.
PL
Represented the defendant on charges of rape of his step-daughter, where he was acquitted. Successfully argued severance of child pornography charges at start of trial.
HJ
Advised Defence Solicitors who were representing this defendant on potential charges of bigamy. This involved consideration of his surrender and co-operation with prosecuting authorities.
Anthony Jeffreys [2006] EWHC 1377 (Admin)
This (reported) appeal was successfully resisted by Cyrus Shroff who was instructed on behalf of the CPS. Mr. Justice Hodge commented on "the clear and helpful skeleton argument" submitted and adopted "the helpful conclusions of Mr. Shroff".
Case note: This case related to the issue of service of the certificate of analysis in an excess alcohol case and whether the District Judge was entitled to infer from the peculiar circumstances of the case that service had been effected.
Brian Hudson
Brian Hudson was convicted for the murder of his partner of 11 years at their home in Basildon. During the trial it emerged that Hudson had taken photographs of Shirley Akhurst after she had been killed.
Mann and Ors
The multi-handed murder trial of a reclusive victim killed by two teenagers. A post-mortem examination concluded that the victim died of multiple injuries. One 18-year-old was found guilty of murder, another of manslaughter. Two other 18-year-olds were acquitted.
Farik
In this widely reported trial involving multiple, extremely serious charges, the defendant was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend by strangulation. He was also found guilty of two counts of rape and one of assault.
Reid and ors
A complicated murder trial in connection with the stabbing and murder of Peter Grimshaw. The defendant was cleared of a charge of murder but convicted of manslaughter after the court found he acted in self-defence when he was attacked.
Another defendant was convicted on a charge of assisting Reid by driving him from the scene of the killing. He was sentenced to nine months in prison. Throughout the trial there were numerous DVDs to be viewed, substantial unused material and issues surrounding bad character.
