David Sapiecha

David Sapiecha

DOB: 26/03/1965

Qualifications: LLB (HONS)

Called: 1990

Email: davidsapiecha@colletonchambers.co.uk

Crime

David prosecutes and defends in all areas of crime. His practice covers serious and complex cases. As well as frauds and murders, he has appeared in numerous cases involving rape and child abuse.

Inquests

He has appeared in Coroners' inquests, some lasting several weeks. They have included police shootings, with anonymity arguments, and deaths occurring in police and prison custody.

Regulatory Prosecutions

David is frequently asked to advise upon and appear in regulatory prosecutions. These have included:

  • Trading Standards Offences,
  • Health and Safety,
  • Street Works,
  • Animal Welfare,
  • Food Safety Act,
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency Prosecutions,
  • Benefit Fraud,
  • Environment Agency Prosecutions.

Administrative Law

Firearms licensing appeals, advice on disclosure and legal professional privilege, as well as judicial reviews, are all areas where David has worked.

Lectures

David prepares and presents courses to interested organisations. The recipients of such letters include:

  • Devon and Cornwall Constabulary
  • Local Authorities
  • South West Regional Development Agency

Notable Cases

Devon County Council v DB Cars Ltd [2001] EWHC Admin 521 (2002) Crim LR 71 - Appeal by way of case stated which defined 'supply' for the purposes of S75 Road Traffic Act 1988, and is cited in the current edition of Wilkinson's Road Traffic Laws.

R v Truro Magistrate's Court Ex Parte Diana Mary Stephens [2001] EWHC Admin 558, 1 WLR 144. - A Judicial Review which decided that a third party may lodge security for bail and need not be notified of the forfeiture of the same.

D v DPP Times 7th Aug 1998 LTL 21/7/98 CofA - identification procedures and PACE.

Edward Kamara v R [1988] EWCA Crim 742 - Successfully appealed against conviction on the basis of inconsistent verdicts in a blackmail and firearms case.

Personal

David is married with two children. His interests include playing and watching cricket. He is also a qualified diver (PADI).