Michael Skelley has established a reputation as an accomplished jury advocate. He specialises in a broad spectrum of criminal defence work. Michael brings commitment to all of his cases, distilling the evidence and developing the right tactical approach. His aim is always to bring a case to life for the jury, identifying features which are most likely to lead to an acquittal. He believes in building a rapport with his client, and a bond of professional trust with his instructing solicitors. He offers an established track record of hard work, perceptive analysis and thoughtful advocacy.
Over recent years Michael has acted as a leading junior and junior alone in a range of cases, and in particular:
- Money laundering and fraud
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Sexual offences, including historic sexual abuse
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Serious violent offences and homicide
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Supply and importation of drugs
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People trafficking and prostitution
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Child pornography and computer crime
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Mental health issues
Michael has also appeared before the Courts Martial, representing service personnel charged with fraud, sexual assault and violence.
Michael has pursued successful appeals against conviction and sentence in the Court of Appeal.
Recent Cases:
Darlow (2010) Michael represented one of 3 family members facing historic allegations of systematic rape and child abuse during the 1970’s, who was acquitted after a two week trial.
Plews (2009) Acted as junior counsel representing a woman charged with the murder of her violent partner by stabbing him in the heart. Michael advised on the preparation of psychiatric reports in relation to provocation and diminished responsibility. The outcome was a conviction for manslaughter and a sentence of 3 years imprisonment.
Fines (2009) Represented a university student charged with two offences of section 18 wounding with intent.. The client had used a hunting knife against two men, virtually disembowelling one of them. The Defendant maintained that the two men were robbing him and that he was acting in self defence. He was acquitted by the jury after a 2 week trial.
Clarke (2009) This Defendant faced an allegation of Conspiracy to Defraud. He was one of six men alleged to have been involved in making serial false insurance claims in respect of a valuable speedboat, and faking a burglary of his own home. He was one of two defendants who fought the case to trial and was acquitted by the jury.
Fairhurst (2009) This client faced DWP fraud allegations alleged to exceed £50,000. She was married to the first Defendant who had set up a business as a contractor which he maintained left him entitled to benefits. She was acquitted after a 2 week trial.
Chance (2009) Represented a property developer, who entered guilty pleas to possession of cocaine with intent to supply. The Crown sought to establish criminal benefit of £1.5 million and requested a confiscation order in the sum of £750,000 based on his property portfolio. Michael steered the proceedings through to the fully contested hearing, which resulted in a Confiscation Order of £53,000.
Baker (2008) The Defendant was a farmer charged with manslaughter following the detachment of a wheel from his agricultural trailer, killing an 86 year old pedestrian. There were difficult issues of expert evidence in relation to the state of the vehicle, and detailed issues arising from farming practice and regulation. The case went to trial and Mr Baker was acquitted by the jury.
Oyebanjo (2008) Allegation of money laundering of £1.5 million on behalf of a corrupt Nigerian state governor.
Barham (2007) Represented a Company Director facing an allegation of section 18 causing GBH with intent. He had bitten off part of the finger of a former employee during an altercation in a public house, and maintained that he was acting in self defence. He was acquitted by the jury at trial.
Knight (2007) Multiple allegations of serious sexual abuse by a father on his young children. There were concurrent High Court Care proceedings and substantial disclosure issues. The case was ultimately stayed at trial following a successful abuse of process application.
Chukanova (2006) Allegations of controlling prostitution at a number of West End brothels and people trafficking from Eastern Europe.
