Michael Duck KC

Practice Areas

National experienced specialist in serious organised crime, gang related homicides (particularly involving young defendants, victims and witnesses), cybercrime, fraud, and regulatory work both in the UK and Commonwealth. Instructed regularly by defence solicitors and Crown Prosecution, Complex Casework Units around the country. Experience in the field for thirty five years.

Appeared in some of the country’s most well-known cases throughout his career including the appeal of Jeremy Bamber; the prosecution of gang members for the killing of Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakespeare (the “New Year's Day Shootings”); representation of one of the “M40 Bikers” for murder; representation of a man accused of murder during the Birmingham riots and of a man accused of abduction and murder of a policeman’s daughter involving a nationwide manhunt. Michael has been involved in further infamous cases such as representing the world-renowned surgeon accused of “signing” his patients’ livers during surgery (R v Bramhall - 2017). Recently instructed in R v Carpenter et al (trial date January - February 2024) the so- called Cube Night Club murder prosecuting the fatal stabbing of a young footballer which attracted much media attention.

Excellent track record with successful murder and attempt murder prosecutions:- R v Haines and Widget instructed by York CCU both defendants convicted of the kicking to death of a man on the street (Oct- Nov 2022): R v Edwards et al gang shooting of a 14 year old child rendering him paraplegic (June- August 2022): R v Willington (April- May 2022) stabbed his friend/ associate multiple times on a supermarket car park: R v Tampwo et al ( Oct 2020- Jan 2021) four-handed fatal stabbing in May 2018 involving a 15-year- old victim and four young defendants; body in the flat murder (R v Barnes – 2019): murder of a homeless man by beating and kicking (R v Olczyk - 2019); 3 handed knife murder and robbery of two young victims - complex CCTV and cell site investigation (R v Innis et al - August 2019). Defence acquittals including:- R v SM (Dec 2021) a man accused of conspiracy to murder a 15 year old boy with a firearm: R v CB (Feb 2022) successful representation of a young offender/vulnerable witness requiring an intermediary jointly accused with two adults and two other young defendants with a knife murder of another child; (R v Gray July 2019) a young man accused of murder in a multi-handed drive-by, gang-related, shooting - the defendant was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter - two of the co-defendants were convicted of the murder.

Vulnerable witness cases:- R v Ashraf M ( Sheffield Crown Court April- June 2023) representation of an 18 year old man in a drug related torture murder; R v T et al (January 2022) advice given from the pre-charge stage, multi-handed case involving sexual grooming and exploitation of young female complainants; representation of the first defendant in a multi-handed historic trafficking trial (R v Dhaliwal 2018) involving cross-examination of all vulnerable witnesses on behalf of all defendants. Murder trials involving young offenders:- R V Edwards et al ( June- August 2022) R v Ugochukwu (October – November 2021) representation of an 18 year old at the time of trial jointly accused with two other 18 year olds, a 14 year old and a 16 year old of the knife and firearm murder of a 15 year old boy; prosecution of a young offender (17) and another jointly charged with murder of a 16 year old stabbed outside Sutton Coldfield McDonalds, both were convicted (R v Ingram and Hussain - Nov 18); representation of a young offender who was jointly accused of stabbing a man to death in a fight along with four others (R v W - April 2019).

Serious organised crime cases:-R v Shaw (November 2022- July 2023) nine month trial representing a financial adviser accused of involvement in a "Ponzi" type financial services scheme; R v Malochleb et al (Southwark Crown Court, main trial January-March 2022 , May-June 2022, September 2022, ongoing trials in 2023) prosecution of large scale cigarette importation using evidence from outside the jurisdiction: R v Moore et al (June 2021 - October 2021 main trial, and several sub trials into 2022 ) ten-handed conspiracy to possess firearms and large scale supply of drugs - complications arising from Covid19 restrictions during and affecting the running of the trial: R v Rothero et al (October 2019) successful prosecution in a multi-handed trial - defendants charged with robbery of exclusive homes and commercial premises using firearms and knives.

Recent instructions; - R V Carpenter et al Cube Night Club footballer murder (Jan-Feb 2024); R v Nguyen et al (Bristol Crown Court October- November 2023) instructed by Wessex CCU to prosecute multi- million pound organised crime importation of drugs; R v Clarke (October 2023) prosecution of a fourth defendant charged in the R v Edwards (June- August 2022) see above case following advice by counsel. R v Naysmith (September 2023) prosecution of murder of defendant’s associate involving significant mental health matters.

Called to the Cayman Island Bar to successfully represent defendants accused of gang-related murders in two separate trials. Particular expertise in cell site, CCTV and technical evidence. Presented training in the prosecution of digital evidence to prosecutors and law enforcement officers across the Eastern Caribbean (July 2020). Direct access accredited.

Career

Called 1988; QC 2011; KC 2022; Cayman Islands Bar 2013; Chair of the International Committee of the Criminal Bar Association 2013 - 2017; Recorder Northern Circuit 2015; A member of the Serious Fraud Office’s KC trial panel (April 2013 - April 2017). Leader of the Midland Circuit October 2017 – Sept 2021. (Elected to run an extra year’s term as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.) Bencher of Gray’s Inn 2017- current.

Professional Memberships

Gray’s Inn, Midlands Circuit, Criminal Bar Association

Publications

DPP guidelines for the Prosecution of Organised and Gang Crime; Lecturer in the Cayman Islands at an International Financial Crime and Regulatory Compliance Seminar.