Overview
David is a highly-regarded leading junior, with substantial experience defending over a wide range of serious offences. Recent cases have included acting for an accused in the Massereene Barracks shootings in Northern Ireland, defending in a major animal rights "terrorism" case in Oxford, representing an IFA in a £12M "Ponzi" fraud and the successful defence of an alleged anarchist activist on violent disorder charges arising from clashes with neo-fascists.
He is frequently called on to advise on and conduct complex appeals (several following referral from the CCRC), and has appeared as counsel in a number of successful and noted appeals.
Current instructions include defending in a murder case where the prosecution will seek to rely on mixed profile DNA, acting for a doctor accused of perverting the course of justice, defending in a major conspiracy to defraud with linked counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice with his solicitor, and advising in several referral murder appeals.
He has developed a particular expertise in the developing and contentious field of "low template" DNA, and has extensive experience cross-examining some of the foremost forensic scientists in this field. He has also co-authored a comprehensive article on DNA law and practice published in The Archbold Review February 2011
To view the article please click here.
David is now accredited with the Bar Council to accept "public access" (direct) instructions in appropriate cases.
What the directories say
Recommended in current Legal 500, who comment that "his diligence and cleverness are head and shoulders above other juniors", having previously (2009) noted that he was "carving out a strong reputation". He is also listed as ranked counsel in Chambers & Partners (2011).
Recent cases
- R v Nelson - conspiracy to supply class A drugs on a wholesale basis.
- R v Bilton (and 10 others) - anti-fascist violent disorder allegation.
- R v Burke - conspiracy to supply class A drugs (successful dismissal application).
- R v Whitehead - IFA involved in £12M pyramid fraud.
- R v Powell - blackmail and firearms offences against the QPR football chairman, Gianni Paladini.
- R v Peach and others - gold bullion scam with money stolen from comedian, Ricky Gervais.
- R v Mentore - the "Prada gang" robberies.
- R v Meek - the Cripps Corner contract killing.
- R v Sagar - solicitor indicted for corrupt practices.
- R v Anwoir and others - £50M money-laundering scam.
- R v Gatsinzi and others - described by the BBC as "the UK's biggest ever stolen car racket".
- R v McLaughlan and others - where he acted for the lead defendant in a major "ghost worker" fraud against the MOD at the Devonport nuclear submarine base.
- R v Broughton - acted for leading animal rights activist on "terrorist" attacks against Oxford university.
- R v Victor - campaign of rape and robbery.
- R v Sophocleous - multi-£M VAT fraud.
Appeals (CCRC referrals)
- R v James and Karimi - provocation in murder; precedent between HL & Privy Council.
- R v G - counsel's conduct of defence affecting safety of conviction.
Other recent appeals include
- R v Yearwood. Successful referral conviction appeal on issue of impartiality/jury composition.
- R v Zulhayir appeal dealing with issues of jury notes, jury bias and article 6 ECHR right to fair trial by an impartial tribunal.
- R v Whitehead - successful sentence appeal, with important guidance re applicability of sentencing guidelines in cases of major confidence fraud.
- The landmark House of Lords decision R v Kennedy - unlawful act manslaughter & causation
- R v Powell (re competence of very young children to give evidence).
- R v Atkinson (bad character).
- R v Anwoir (money laundering).
Publications
Seminars/Lectures
He has lectured on aspects of money laundering, and has contributed to BBC "Law in Action". He also has provided training for a range of organisations including the CCRC, Liberty and the DCA. In 2004 he travelled to Turkey on behalf of the Council of Europe and the Foreign Office where he provided training to local judges and prosecutors on the fair trial provisions of the ECHR.
Memberships of associations
- Criminal Bar Association
- South East Circuit
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Year of Call
1984
Education
LLB(Hons)
Email Address
d.bentley@doughtystreet.co.uk
Click for contact details
Specialist Teams
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