David Whittaker KC

Practice Areas

David Whittaker KC has considerable experience in most forms of serious crime. He frequently acts in complex, often high profile cases. He is regularly instructed to defend in fraud cases brought by the SFO and FCA; receives private instructions in general crime; and is increasingly instructed on behalf of corporate bodies and their officers in Health & Safety investigations. He conducts ancillary proceedings, including asset forfeiture, restraint and confiscation; and is also instructed in private prosecutions.

Recent cases of fraud include Operation Tabernula (representing a trader charged with insider dealing) and Operation Cotton (representing defendant in the largest land banking scheme). Current instructions include a £21 million conspiracy to cheat and a £10 million pensions fraud. In general crime he secured acquittals for two professionals charged separately with coercive and controlling behaviour in a marriage. He has been involved in a number of encrochat cases and also defends in motoring cases and death by driving.

In Health & Safety matters he recently defended in a gross negligence manslaughter and secured the acquittal of a building company charged over the death of a sub-contractor. He advises companies and individuals pre-charge in Health & Safety and conducts Inquests. He is instructed in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. He also acts for care home providers charged under the 2014 Health and Social Care Act Regulations.

His case preparation is meticulous, and he excels at client care.

Career

Appointed King's Counsel 2019

Called 1986

Professional Memberships

ARDL

CBA

Fraud Lawyers Association

Health and Safety Lawyers Association

2002-present: Recorder