-
Overview
Patrick Mason is a senior lawyer with experience in both arms of the profession. He qualified as a solicitor in 1981 and, after gaining higher rights, he transferred to the Bar, being called in 1997. Since then, he has developed a wide-ranging practice. Specialising in defence work in serious crime, with an impressive appellate practice, Patrick accepts instructions in all types of cases. He combines high quality and intuitive advocacy with powerful connections with juries to achieve an exceptional rate of acquittals in trials. His written and oral legal arguments are focussed, concise and effective and he is known as a formidable mitigator.
In his life before the Bar, Patrick trained in commercial litigation, before spending five years in the Army, principally in Germany, prosecuting and defending all types of case at Court Martial. In private practice as a solicitor, he worked as a criminal legal aid lawyer and duty solicitor, as a civil litigator, family and property lawyer. He is able to deploy his wide experience of the law and life to great effect in all types of cases.
Patrick is licensed to accept work under the Public Access scheme.
Patrick is a Recorder sitting in crime on The Western Circuit.
-
Crime
Patrick has a strong Crown Court practice including homicide, serious violence, serious sex cases, firearms cases, drugs and tobacco trafficking, death and serious injury by driving, as well as a wide range of less serious matters. He 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 in cross-examining witnesses in sensitive cases, and for his skill as a jury advocate.
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.
Some recent cases include:
R v LN 2025: multiple rapes, controlling and coercive behaviour and violence, D and V both vulnerable. D acquitted of all rapes.
R v DB 2025: Multiple counts of rape in a lengthy relationship. D acquitted all counts.
R v P 2025: D acquitted of rape following meeting complainant in a pub.
R v DG 2025: D acquitted of racially aggravated offences and offences against the police.
R v NP 2024: D acquitted of rape of his elderly aunt.
R v GK 2024: two complainant historic case alleging sexual offences by swimming club captain against children in the club. D acquitted.
R v RF 2024: D found NG by reason of insanity in attempted murder case.
R v JH 2024: D found NG of raping his wife.
R v LB 2024: businessman acquitted of assault on an employee.
R v WP 2024: D acquitted of rape of former girlfriend.
-
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 P – 2025. Significant reduction in sentence achieved for a vulnerable woman convicted of sexual offences.
R v L – 2025. Quashing of post-acquittal restraining order.
R v R – 2024. Sentence reduced in historic sexual offences from the 1960’s.
R v LDS 2024. Responding to AG Ref in rape of a child.
R v AH 2024. Responding to AG Ref in death by dangerous driving case.
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 appellants.
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
-
Courts Martial
Patrick has defended in Courts 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:
2022: Able Seaman S, successfully defending leading campaigner for transgender rights for sexual assault
2021: PO C, defending senior PO on multiple counts of assault. He was retained in the RN and kept his rank
2011: LCpl B, Leading junior defending NCO on a campaign of rape
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
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
2005: Petty Officer V, successfully defending SBS PO on charges of neglect of duty
2002: Cpl P, successfully defending Royal Dragoons NCO on a charge of rape
1998: Lt Cdr M, successfully defending numerous allegations of sexual misconduct on university naval vessels
-
Public Access
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.
