Patrick Mason

In his time at the Bar, Patrick has developed a strong Crown Court practice in all types of cases, now defence-based, including: homicide, serious violence, serious sex cases, firearms cases, drugs and tobacco trafficking, as well as a wide range of less serious matters. Patrick has acted as leading junior in a number of cases and conducted a number of murders without a leader. He is a highly experienced and respected advocate with a reputation for his expertise cross-examining witnesses in sensitive cases, and for his skill as a jury advocate. Patrick has been described as a formidable mitigator.

As a former serviceman, Patrick has a particular interest and expertise in representing current or former servicemen, especially those who have suffered PTSD on active service.

Patrick has conducted many appeals against the revocation of firearms and shotgun certificates.

Patrick also undertakes Magistrates Court trials, prosecuting and defending in unusual or complex matters, which have included cases involving animals and hunting.

Appeal Cases

Patrick is a highly experienced Court of Appeal practitioner, having appeared in over 50 cases before the court. He has appeared in several guideline cases before five-judge courts. He is available for advice work.

Notable Cases in the Court of Appeal:

• R v Privett & Others [2020] EWCA Crim 557 – leading case on arranging and facilitating child sex offences, Patrick represented two defendants, including Privett, and led the submissions for the appellant.
• R v Clarke & Cooper [2017] 1 WLR 3851 – conjoined appeal to look at guidelines sentencing defendants of extreme old age, the appellants in this case aged 101 and 96.
• R v Pearce [2013] 1 Cr App R (S) 309 – sentence in sexual activity cases
• R v H & Others [2012] 2 Cr App R (S) 21 – conjoined appeal including several cases, giving sentencing guidelines in historic sex abuse cases. Patrick’s client was the only one to succeed on the merits.
• R v Morgan 176 JP 633 CA – committal for sentence.
• R v Bradbeer [2012] EWCA Crim 914 – death by dangerous driving, sentence.
• R v Kettle [2012] 2 Cr App R (S) 34 – discretionary life sentence for arson overturned.
• R v Cullen [2010] EWCA Crim 1611 – sentence for perverting the course of justice, assistance to the prosecution considered.
• R v Coles [2010] EWCA Crim 320 – discretionary life sentence for rape overturned.
• R v Vile [2001] EWCA Crim 2201 – sentence in aggravated arson
• R v Lisle Times February 26 1997 – Army Rules of Procedure
• Briscoe v Shattock [1999] 1 WLR 432 – dangerous dogs

Courts Martial

Patrick has defended in the Court Martial on many occasions. Before the creation of the Military Court, he appeared in all of the Navy, Army and RAF courts in locations throughout the UK, Germany and Cyprus. He has an outstanding record of success defending servicemen and civilians as leading junior and junior alone. Some notable cases include:

1997: LCpl Lisle RAF, a rape case which went to the CMAC

1998: Lt Cdr M, successfully defending numerous allegations of sexual misconduct on university naval vessels

2002: Cpl P, successfully defending Royal Dragoons NCO on a charge of rape

2005: Petty Officer V, successfully defending SBS PO on charges of neglect of duty

2007: LCpl C, defended RM NCO on a sentence. He was retained in the service and went on two win the George Cross in Afghanistan

2009: Flt Lt C, successfully defending the OC of the RAF parachute display team for perjury at a Board of Enquiry after a serious parachuting accident

2011: LCpl B, Leading junior defending NCO on a campaign of rape

2021: PO C, defending senior PO on multiple counts of assault. He was retained in the RN and kept his rank

2022: Able Seaman S, successfully defending leading campaigner for transgender rights for sexual assault

Patrick accepts instructions in regulatory prosecutions in the Magistrates and Crown courts. He has conducted numerous appeals against the revocation of firearms and shotgun certificates for appellants and respondents. He has acted in the High Court for a defendant in an Education Act prosecution.

Prior to coming to the Bar Patrick practised as a solicitor for 16 years in a wide range of fields of work in the private and public sectors, employed and on his own account. As a consequence, he combines the client handling and case management skills associated with a competent solicitor with the advocacy and document drafting skills of the highly respected barrister he has become.

Patrick will accept instructions on a direct access basis in many areas of law in any part of the country.