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Overview
Sam joined Albion Chambers in April 2025, having undertaken a specialist criminal First Six at a set in Exeter.
Prior to pupillage, Sam served with The Royal Air Force Regiment, before being medically discharged in 2017. Sam was awarded a Lord Denning Scholarship by Lincoln’s Inn to undertake the BTC at the University of the West of England, where he spent time as the UWE Law Society President during his undergraduate degree.
Whilst at Bar School, he conducted Pro Bono work representing and advising injured members of the Armed Forces Community in The War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber. During a three year period, Sam recouped numerous financial awards for his clients, including lifetime care and medical pensions; successfully recouping over £20 million for injured appellants.
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Crime
Sam is a CPS Grade 1 prosecutor and is keen to expand his practice, both prosecution and defence, whilst undertaking his specialist pupillage. He has a particular interest in Youth work, having undertaken a variety of courses to further his understanding in this area, including “Representing Child Clients: Practical Skills for Junior and Pupil Barristers 2024” and “Advocacy for Children in Conflict with the Law 2024”.
Recent Cases
R v S [2025] (Taunton Magistrate Court)
Representing a self-employed courier who had pleaded guilty in the first instance to speeding.
As this was the 4th offence of such nature, the driver was called before the court as he had therefore accumulated 12 points and was there for subject to a TOTTING ban.
Sam made submissions surrounding the law in this area and submissions of exceptional hardship. Following evidence from his client, Sam made submissions on the basis that the Defendant did meet the criteria of exceptional by the nature of the financial support that his gives to family members who suffer with ill health.
The bench returned a finding of exceptional hardship, allowing the Defendant to remain driving and continue their ongoing contract.
R v A [2025] (Bristol Magistrates Court)
Prosecuting a Defendant charged with 2 counts of assaulting emergency workers and 1 count of Harassment. Sam responded to rigorous submissions by the Defence in an attempted half time submission which went on to be deemed unsuccessful by the Bench. After a half day trial, Sam was successful in the prosecution, resulting in a non-custodial sentence due to the Defendants health issues.
DVSA v W [2025] (Cheltenham Magistrate Court)
Representing a HGV Driver who had pleaded guilty to a number of offences of knowingly making a false tachograph record. Sam persuaded the bench to keep the matter in the lower courts, despite submissions from the Prosecution to send it to the Crown Court to allow the full range of sentencing powers. In doing so, Sam made submissions on behalf of the Defendant, who is a sole carer for his children, to ensure the matter was only dealt with by way of a financial penalty. This maintained the ability to care for his children and remain in employment.
R v HL [2025] (Bristol Crown Court)
Representing a vulnerable individual on appeal on conviction and sentence for being in control of a vehicle whilst over the prescribed limit. Although a defence was unsuccessful on the conviction, Sam was able to argue exceptional hardship which resulted in no driving disqualification being imposed.
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Courts Martial
As a former serviceman, Sam has a very keen interest in building a specialist practice in this area and welcomes appropriate instructions accordingly.
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Pro Bono
Recent Cases
K v Secretary of State for Defence [2025] (War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber)
Represented K on a pro bono basis in an appeal against the refusal of an award by the Secretary of State for Defence. The Tribunal found that service was the cause of K’s life changing injury and ruled that K was entitled to an award under the War Pension Scheme.
