Head of Chambers
Simon Russell
Flint KC
Tenant
EXPERTISE
Simon Russell Flint KC is widely acclaimed as an eminent figure in criminal trial and appeals advocacy jurisdiction. He is renowned for his exceptional proficiency in navigating complex legal landscapes. With a keen focus on delivering supreme advocacy, Simon offers strategic counsel to professional clients at the outset of legal proceedings, meticulously crafting strategies and managing cases to secure optimal outcomes.
His expertise lies in the representation of defendants facing charges of serious fraud, financial misconduct, and grave acts of violence, including murder and homicide. Additionally, Simon has proven expertise in defending individuals facing allegations of sexual offences, both current and historical, as well as manslaughter, child cruelty cases, and incidents of death resulting from dangerous driving. Beyond the courtroom, Simon is frequently sought out by clients convicted post-trial, leveraging his astute insights to navigate applications and appeals before the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
Simon’s reputation as a resolute defence advocate precedes him, underscored by a distinguished history of triumphs in high-profile cases. Renowned for his exceptional skill in cross-examination, he is unequivocally regarded as one of the foremost practitioners at the Bar. His approach is characterised by a blend of precision, eloquence, and adaptability, making him a formidable force in the legal field.
Simon has vast expertise in handling diverse legal matters, including Commercial Crime, Inquests & Public Inquiries, Professional Disciplinary Tribunals, Health & Safety issues, and Extradition cases. His track record speaks volumes, showcasing his ability to advocate for and represent his clients effectively.
SIMON SPECIALISES IN ADVISING & REPRESENTING PEOPLE CHARGED WITH
White-Collar Crime:
- Fraud and Corporate Crime: Misrepresentation or deceit in business
- Money Laundering: Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA); concealing the origins of illegally obtained money
- False accounting
- Tax evasion
- Market abuse: Insider Trading; Illegal securities trading based on non-public information
- Ponzi schemes
- Bribery and Corruption
- Sanctions
- Anti-competition
Conspiracy and Serious Organised Crime:
- Firearms offences, including supply and possession of illegal firearms
- Internet crime
- Conspiracy to Money launder
- Excise and tax fraud (including oils fraud)
- Intellectual property crime (including counterfeit goods)
- Armed robbery and cash-in-transit attacks
- Conspiracy to Supply and Import Class A drugs
- Counterfeit currency
- Human trafficking
- Organised immigration crime
- Environmental crime
Crimes Against the Person:
- Murder (homicide), manslaughter, infanticide
- Common assault and Battery: Physical harm or threat of harm, harassment, offensive weapon, wounding/ABH/GBH
- Sexual Offences: Rape, sexual assault, assault by penetration, sexual exploitation, child sex abuse and trafficking, extreme pornography, disclosing private sexual images without consent (‘revenge pornography’), indecent images of children
- Human trafficking: Modern slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour
- Kidnap: False imprisonment, child abduction
Crimes Against the State:
- Terrorism: Acts of violence to instil fear for political purposes
Crimes Against Morality and Decency:
- Prostitution: Engaging in sexual activities for money
- Obscenity: Distribution of sexually explicit material
- Public Indecency: Lewd behaviour in public spaces
Crimes Against Property:
- Embezzlement fraud: Deception for personal gain
- Aggravated Burglary
- Arson or arson with intent to endanger life
- Burglary: Unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime
- Theft: Shoplifting, stealing, robbery
Crimes Against Public Order:
- Disorderly Conduct: Disturbance of public peace
- Rioting: Participation in violent public disturbances
- Unlawful Assembly: Gathering with intent to disturb public peace
Crimes Against the Administration of Justice:
- Perjury: Lying under oath
- Obstruction of Justice: Interfering with legal processes
- Contempt of Court: Disrespect or disobedience towards the court
Cyber Crime:
- Computer Misuse Act
- Fraud
- False accounts
- Coercion and Control
Cyber-Enabled Crimes:
These are not dependent on computers or networks but are transformed in scale or form using the internet and communications technology.
- Economic related cybercrime, including:
- Fraud
- Intellectual property crime – piracy, counterfeiting and forgery
- Online marketplaces for illegal items.
- Malicious and offensive communications, including:
- Communications sent via social media or other electronic means.
- Cyberbullying/trolling.
- Virtual mobbing.
- Offences that specifically target individuals, including cyber-enabled violence against women and girls (‘VAWG’):
- Disclosing private sexual images without consent
- Cyberstalking and harassment
- Coercion and control
- Child sexual offences and indecent images of children, including:
- Child sexual abuse
- Online grooming
- Prohibited and indecent images of children
- Extreme pornography, obscene publications and prohibited images
Dark Web Offences:
The dark web comprises internet sites and content intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers. The dark web facilitates criminal activity across a wide range of threats. It can be used to create so-called “safe spaces” for conspiring to commit offences, such as child sexual exploitation or the sale and purchase of illegal items (such as drugs or firearms).
Domestic Violence: Abuse or violence within familial or intimate relationships.
Drug Offences:
- Trafficking
- Supply and distribution of illegal substances
- Importation
- Possession
Economic Related Cybercrime:
Criminal activities conducted through digital means.
- Electronic financial fraud
- Fraudulent sales through online auctions or retail sites
- Mass-marketing fraud and consumer scams
Environmental Crimes:
Violations of laws protecting the environment.
Firearms Offences:
- Importation of Firearms
- Possession of Firearms and shotguns without a certificate
- Manufacture, sale, transfer of firearms, conversion
- Possession of articles for conversion of imitation firearms
- Possession of prohibited weapons
- Criminal use of firearms, acquisition and possession of firearms and air weapons by children and young people
Fraud:
- Art and Antique Fraud
- Benefit Fraud
- Credit Card Fraud
- Investment Fraud
- Mail and Wire Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Mortgage Fraud
Hate Crimes:
Criminal acts motivated by bias or prejudice against a particular group.
- Racist and Religious hate crime
- Homophobic crime
- Antisemitic crime
- Islamophobic crime
Restraint & Civil Recovery:
- Corporate and Commercial Fraud
- Financial Services Regulation
- Bribery & Corruption
- Money Laundering & Proceeds of Crime, including high-yield investment fraud
- Tax & Insolvency offences, including EU duty fraud
- Public and Charity Sector Fraud
- International Sanctions
- Unexplained Wealth Orders
Traffic Offences:
All driving offences. Violations of traffic laws and regulations.
Notable Cases
MURDER, MANSLAUGHTER AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT CASES
R v JS & Others | Defending in a 13-handed Murder trial involving an allegation of a contract killing between OCGs in Nottingham and Manchester.
R v DH & Others | Defending in a 7-handed joint enterprise Murder of rival drug suppliers where cut-throat defences were advanced.
R v VS | Defending 19-year-old who had been bullied at college and admitted to a charge of Attempted Murder by stabbing his aggressor.
R v JO & Another | Defending Defendant accused of Murder by gaining access to premises under the pretence of offering sexual services, then drugging victims with scopolamine.
R v BNM & Another | Murder, advancing defence of ‘loss of control’.
R v CH & Others | Defending in a joint enterprise Murder where cut-throat defences advanced.
R v JH | Responding to an application by A-G for C of A to consider the sentence imposed at trial was ‘unduly lenient’.
R v JB | Defending a 19-year-old woman charged with Murder of her father. Defence of self-defence advanced.
R v MK | Defending allegations of historic rapes and sexual abuse in sexual grooming ‘gang’ trial.
R v DD-W | Defending a 14-year-old, part of a ‘county lines’ operation, charged with Murder of a rival dealer.
R v TM | Defending in a trial of the right-wing extremist terrorist murderer of a well-known MP.
R v EI & Others | Defending in allegations of group violence, leading to charges of Murder and Manslaughter.
R v CC | Defending in a two-handed Murder of fellow drug addict.
R v CBE | Defending a doctor charged with causing the death by dangerous driving of one daughter and causing serious injury to another daughter.
R v P W | Defending in trial of Dutch lorry driver charged with the death of 58 illegal Chinese entrants at Dover docks.
R v I | Defending in the trial of the ‘M25’ or ‘trophy’ rapist.
R v LLR, ZXQ & Others | Defending in the Morecambe Bay cockle-picking disaster manslaughter trial.
R v H | Defending in the trial of a man accused of killing a delivery driver. Convicted many years previously of murder, but prosecution was brought without the A-G’s consent having been obtained. A retrial was ordered after the Court of Appeal ruled earlier proceedings were nullified. R v G and H [2015] EWCA Crim 952
R v IS | Defending in a trial of Murder of authoress HB and a dog.
FRAUD & FINANCIAL CRIME
R v KH & Others | Defending in a trial of company director accused of participation in multi-million-pound alcohol diversion fraud. Preliminary issue of fitness to plead.
R v MD & Others | Defending in a trial of trader accused of participation in multi-million-pound alcohol diversion fraud.
R v M & Others | Defending in a trial of a High-Net-Worth Individual accused of conspiracy to cheat the revenue and cheating the revenue in respect of claims for capital loss relief.
R v J & J | Defending solicitor accused of conspiracy to defraud made in a private prosecution by solicitor’s firm of which Defendants were former partners.
R v P & Others | Defending in a trial of former investment banker accused of conspiring to cheat the revenue over film finance investments.
R v S & Others | Defending former employee of HBOS in a trial of allegations of conspiracy to corrupt, fraudulent trading, blackmail, and money laundering.
R v G & Another | Defending in a trial of a former company director charged with multiple allegations of obtaining investments by making false representations.
R v J & Others | Defending former company director charged with allegations of corruption relating to Nigerian tax officials.
Limited Company v HMRC | First Tier Tax Tribunal – Leading counsel for Appellants in a claim for repayment of withheld input tax due to the alleged fraudulent evasion of VAT.
R v M & M | Defending in a trial of accused charged by SFO with laundering proceeds of £52 million pension disinvestment fraud.
R v B & D | Defending in a trial of accused charged with transferring controlled prohibited arms to Iraq.
R v S & Others | Defending one of 5 accused charged by SFO with laundering the proceeds of the alleged Beijing Olympics ticketing fraud.
Limited Company v HMRC | First Tier Tax Tribunal – Leading counsel for Appellants in a claim for repayment of withheld input tax due to the alleged fraudulent evasion of VAT.
R v R & Others | Defending in trial of charges of defrauding lending institutions.
R v C | First junior counsel for the defence in three-handed SFO prosecution involving the international promotion of bogus investment schemes involving trades of transactions of Mexican government bonds.
R v C | Defending in a trial of charges of possessing 400 allegedly false bearer bonds, each with a value of £5 million, purportedly issued by the Royal International Insurance Company.
TTI Ltd v Commissioners of HMRC | First Tier Tax Tribunal—appeal proceedings for the return of VAT payments made by a company allegedly involved in MTIC fraud.
DEH v Commissioners of HMRC | First Tier Tax Tribunal – appeal proceedings for the return of VAT payments made by a company allegedly participating in MTIC fraud.
REGULATORY & DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
The Home Office appoints Simon as a Chairman of the Police Appeals Tribunal.
PUBLIC INQUIRIES
Simon acted as professional counsel in the formal investigation into the collision between the Marchioness and the Bowbelle [HMSO 23.3.2001] (Counsel for TB, the ‘lookout’ on the foredeck of the Bowbelle at the time of its fatal collision, in the formal investigation chaired by Lord Justice Clarke between Oct and Dec 2000).
A public inquiry is an independent investigation, frequently presided over by a judge, established in light of substantial public apprehension surrounding significant occurrences. Their mission is twofold: to ascertain the factual sequence of events and to glean invaluable insights for the future, thereby proffering recommendations. These inquiries typically garner considerable attention, are infused with emotional resonance, and endure relentless scrutiny from the media. Participation in such proceedings can be formidable, irrespective of whether one is a member of the public, a seasoned professional, a public figure, a corporate entity, or a governmental body.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Legal 500 says he is “charming with clients and versatile” and an “excellent jury advocate”.
- ‘A stylish, well-rounded, and experienced silk with an excellent style with a jury. ‘Chambers & Partners 2017 (Crime)
- ‘An exceptional barrister’. Legal 500, 2016: Crime
- ‘Frequently instructed in sensitive cases’. Legal 500, 2016: Fraud: Crime
- ‘He is a fantastic advocate who juries love’. Chambers & Partners 2016 (Crime)
- ‘He is very well regarded and hugely admired by a variety of people’. Chambers & Partners 2016 (Financial Crime)
- ‘He is very good with the clients, outstanding on paperwork, and he has charisma ‘Chambers and Partners 2015 Financial Crime
- ‘Simon’s cross-examination stands out. He has this lovely manner about him, and he is an excellent tactician ‘Chambers and Partners 2015 Crime
- ‘A skilled advocate who commands respect in the courtroom.’ Legal 500 2014
- “Immensely amiable, effective, intelligent and incisive”– few barristers enjoy a full commendation from the legal directories.
APPOINTMENTS
- Acting Judge of the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands – 2021
- King’s Counsel – 2003
- Recorder to the Crown Court – 2000
- Assistant Recorder to the Crown Court -1998
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Criminal Bar Association South Eastern Circuit Former Chairman of the Committee of the Kent Bar Mess
- A Chairman of the Police Discipline Appeals Tribunal
Certification
Notable Cases
Fraud & Financial Crime
R v M & Others | Birmingham Crown Court, defending allegations of conspiracy to cheat the revenue and Cheating the revenue in respect of claims for capital loss relief by a High Net Worth Individual.
R v J & J | Isleworth Crown Court, defending allegations of conspiracy to defraud made in a private prosecution by solicitor’s firm of which Defendants were former partners. News Report
R v P & Others, defending allegations of conspiracy to cheat the revenue about film investments made by a former investment banker. News Report
R v S & Others | Southwark Crown Court, defending in allegations of conspiracy to corrupt, fraudulent trading, blackmail and money laundering, by former employees of HBOS. News Report
R v G & Another | Birmingham Crown Court, defending a former company director charged with multiple allegations of obtaining investments by the making of false representations.
R v J & Others | Southwark Crown Court, defending a former company director charged with allegations of corruption relating to Nigerian tax officials.
Limited Company v HMRC | First Tier Tax Tribunal – Leading counsel for Appellants in a claim for repayment of withheld input tax due to the alleged fraudulent evasion of VAT.
R v M & M [2012] | Southwark Crown Court, Leading counsel for the defence of accused charged by SFO with laundering proceeds of £52 million pension disinvestment fraud.
R v B & D [2012] | Southwark Crown Court, Leading counsel for the defence of accused charged by RCPO with transferring controlled prohibited arms to Iraq. News Report
R v S & Others [2011] | Southwark Crown Court, Leading counsel for the defence of MC, one of 5 accused charged by SFO with laundering the proceeds of the alleged Beijing Olympics ticketing fraud.
Limited Company v HMRC [ 2012] | First Tier Tax Tribunal, Leading counsel for Appellants in a claim for repayment of withheld input tax due to the alleged fraudulent evasion of VAT.
R v R & Others, Leading counsel for defence on charges of defrauding lending institutions.
R v C | First junior counsel for the defence in a three-handed SFO prosecution involving the international promotion of allegedly bogus investment schemes involving trades of transactions of Mexican government bonds.
R v C | counsel for defence on charges of possession of 400 allegedly false bearer bonds each with a value of £5 million purportedly issued by the Royal International Insurance Company.
TTI Ltd v Commissioners of HMRC (First Tier Tax Tribunal): appeal proceedings for return of VAT payments made by company alleged to be participant in MTIC fraud. (Instructed by SS, Smith & Williamson).
DEH v Commissioners of HMRC (First Tier Tax Tribunal): appeal proceedings for return of VAT payments made by company alleged to be participant in MTIC fraud. (Instructed by SS, Smith & Williamson).
CRIME
His career highlights include the notable cases of R v T, C, B & H – the first juryless criminal trial in 400 years; the House of Lords murder case R v A; R v P W, the trial of the Dutch lorry driver charged with the death of 58 illegal Chinese entrants at Dover docks; R v I, the trial of the ‘M25’ or ‘trophy’ rapist; and R v LLR, ZXQ & Others, the Morecambe Bay cockle-picking disaster.
R v TM | Central Criminal Court – Representing the alleged right-wing extremist terrorist murderer of Jo Cox MP. Guardian News Report. Second Guardian News Report.
R v EI & Others | Central Criminal Court – Defending in allegations of group violence, leading to charges of murder and manslaughter.
R v H | Central Criminal Court – Representing the murderer of a man accused of killing a delivery driver. Convicted many years ago of murder, but without the A-G’s consent having been obtained; retrial ordered after Court of Appeal ruled earlier proceedings were a nullity. R v G and H [2015] EWCA Crim 952
R v IS | St Albans Crown Court – Representing the alleged murderer of the authoress HB and her dog and her dog B. Guardian News Report. Second Guardian News Report.
R v Dr CE | Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court – Representing a doctor alleged to have killed one daughter and caused severe harm to another daughter because of his dangerous driving. The Sun News Report.
R v CC | Leicester Crown Court – Representing an alleged murderer of a drunken colleague.
R v ML | Lewes Crown Court – Representing an alleged murderer accused of killing his former girlfriend following his ‘stalking’ of her after their separation. BBC News Report.
R v K & Others | Liverpool Crown Court – Allegations of multi-handed murder by London defendants in City Centre.
R v P & Another | Lewes Crown Court – Murder by stabbing in a planned gang revenge attack.
R v M & Others | Oxford Crown Court – Multi-handed murder of a homeless man in City Centre.
R v Z & Others | Central Criminal Court – Leading counsel for defence of alleged ‘gang – murder’ and associated violence offences.
R v D & Others | Central Criminal Court – Leading counsel for defence of alleged ‘gang – murder’ and associated firearms offences.
R v S & Others | Hove Crown Court – Leading counsel for defence of alleged street murder.
R v R | Lewes Crown Court – Defending a nursing home assistant charged with the killing of an elderly resident by setting fire to the premises.
R v FD | Lewes Crown Court – Defending mother charged with the murder of her two children aged two and three years. [2012] EWCA Crim 3073
R v G & Others [2011] 2 Cr.App.R. 20 – Responding in Court of Appeal decision concerning the power of a Judge to continue the trial and to return verdicts following the discharge of the jury due to jury tampering.
R v T & Others (No. 2) [2011] 1 Cr.App.R. 29 – Responding to the appeal relating to the first criminal trial without a jury. (See below).
R v T, C, B & H [2010] | Central Criminal Court (sitting at RCJ) – Prosecuting the first criminal trial without a jury before Mr Justice Treacy. The four defendants accused of participation in the Heathrow robbery whose earlier trial with a jury was stopped because of jury tampering. Telegraph News Report.
R v M | Lewes Crown Court – Prosecution of a killer of transgender sex – worker in her own home.
R v HM | Central Criminal Court – Defending murder by a Vietnamese drug gang.
R v L & Others | Central Criminal Court – Leading Counsel for the defence of one of four youths charged with murder and manslaughter on Halloween night in Bromley.
R v O’S | Central Criminal Court – Conspiracy to inflict GBH with intent.
R v CW | Lewes Crown Court – The widely publicised case of the Sussex – a-based spiritualist minister who murdered his wife, the BAFTA award-winning make – up artist, Diane. BBC News Report.
R v S | Liverpool Crown Court – Defending a police officer charged with causing death by dangerous driving as a result of killing an oncoming motorist as the officer tested Vascar speed – trap equipment while driving at 104 mph on a B road.
SERIOUS SEXUAL OFFENCES
R v I | Woolwich Crown Court – Defending an alleged rapist accused of 5 counts of rape. Indictment stayed as an abuse of process.
R v W | Guildford Crown Court – Multiple counts of rapes and buggeries of deaf and without – speech female.
R v P | Maidstone Crown Court – Allegations of historic persistent sexual abuse and rapes of females. Regulatory & Disciplinary Proceedings
REGULATORY & DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
Simon is appointed by the Home Office as a Chairman of the Police Appeals Tribunal.
INQUIRIES
Formal Investigation into the collision between the Marchioness and the Bowbelle [HMSO 23.3.2001] (Counsel for TB, the “lookout” on the foredeck of the Bowbelle at the time of its fatal collision, in the formal investigation chaired by Lord Justice Clarke between Oct and Dec 2000)
Directory Recommendations
The Legal 500 goes on to say that he is “charming with clients and versatile” and an “excellent jury advocate”.
- ‘A very stylish, well-rounded and experienced silk who has a very nice style with a jury.’ Chambers & Partners 2017 (Crime)
- ‘An exceptional barrister’. Legal 500, 2016: Crime
- ‘Frequently instructed in sensitive cases’. Legal 500, 2016: Fraud: Crime
- ‘He is a fantastic advocate whom juries love’. Chambers & Partners 2016 (Crime)
- ‘He is very well regarded and hugely admired by a variety of people’. Chambers & Partners 2016 (Financial Crime)
- ‘He is very good with the clients, very good on paperwork and he has charisma’ Chambers and Partners 2015 Financial Crime
- ‘Simon’s cross-examination stands out. He just has this lovely manner about him, and he is a very good tactician’ Chambers and Partners 2015 Crime
- ‘A skilled advocate who commands respect in the courtroom.’ Legal 500 2014
- “Immensely amiable, effective, intelligent and incisive” – few barristers enjoy a full commendation from the legal directories.