Ben Holt

Practice Areas

Ben Holt is a specialist criminal barrister, with a reputation for skilful handling of complex cases, astute tactical decision-making and attention to detail. His relaxed and unstuffy manner in court appeals to juries and judges alike though he can be ferocious in cross-examination where appropriate.

Ben is regularly instructed as leading and led junior for the prosecution and defence in the full range of criminal cases and has extensive experience dealing with homicide cases and allegations involving organised crime groups. He was appointed Junior Treasury Counsel, based at the Central Criminal Court, in April 2024 by the Attorney General and regularly advises the AGO in relation to unduly lenient sentences. He frequently appears in the Court of Appeal; instructed by the AGO to argue the Reference.

Receiving instructions from the full range of specialist units within the CPS; He is frequently instructed by the Homicide Unit, Special Casework Units [London and the South-East], the Serious Economic, Organised Crime and International Directorate and the Counter Terrorism Division.

In addition, Ben has been instructed in substantial cases involving fraud and international money laundering; both for the prosecution and defence.

Ben has specific experience in dealing with complex disclosure issues. These have included the handling of particularly sensitive material and reviewing cases that have involved evidence from Covert Human Intelligence Sources and RIPA warrants. He has been instructed by the CPS to review disclosure and has worked together with the NCA and specialist units of the Metropolitan Police in this regard.