Nigel Wraith
| Called: | 2004 (Deputy Head of Chambers) |
| Qualifications: | LLB (Hons) |
Contact and Clerk
Email:
nigelwraith@colletonchambers.co.uk
Clerks:
Crime: Josh Warren
joshuawarren@colletonchambers.co.uk
Family: Gareth Latchem
garethlatchem@colletonchambers.co.uk
Profile
Nigel is Deputy Head of Chambers.
Crime
Nigel has an extensive knowledge of all stages of a criminal case. His previous experience as a solicitor in Plymouth has given him a thorough knowledge of issues that arise at the police station, and he spent many years providing advice and representation at the Magistrates’ Court.
Whilst his practice now involves conducting the most serious cases at the Crown Court, Nigel still regularly uses his skills as an advocate at the Magistrates’ Court prosecuting and defending alleged regulatory breaches in the areas of Health and Safety, Trading Standards, Environmental and Animal Welfare.
He is also able to provide a first-rate service for the motorist in need of avoiding a driving ban.
Nigel has developed a substantial practice as a barrister. He has a good rapport with clients and quickly identifies the important issues. He has succeeded in many difficult cases involving a wide range of offences, from serious violence and sexual attacks to drug trafficking and fraud. He has a good record of success at the Court of Appeal.
He appears at coroners’ inquests, including jury inquests. He also appears before disciplinary tribunals.
Nigel is a registered pupil supervisor and is authorised to prosecute on the RASSO list. He is a Grade 3 CPS prosecutor.
Notable Cases
R v DW
Defended allegation of conspiracy to import cocaine.
DW was the only defendant to be acquitted by the jury.
Co-defendants received prison sentences of 15-18 years each.
R v RZ
Prosecuted prison officer bringing heroin into prison.
Convicted by jury. Sentenced to 9 years’ imprisonment.
R v SQ
Defended man accused of deliberately driving into a crowd, before emerging from his car to punch and stamp on a man who subsequently required life-saving treatment.
SQ acquitted by the jury of all counts.
R v GD
Prosecuted a man initially charged with a single rape of his partner.
As a result of Nigel’s advice, he was subsequently tried for repeated rapes of both that partner and a previous wife.
Convicted of all counts by the jury. 15 years’ imprisonment.
EA v ND
Defended in the largest prosecution brought by the Environment Agency. At the conclusion of an 8-week trial, ND was acquitted on all counts.
Family
Nigel accepts instructions in both private law and public law children matters. He has represented parties in private children law matters at all stages of proceedings from the first to final hearings. In public law matters Nigel has acted for children (through their legal guardian) and parents, intervenors and local authorities in various stages of care proceedings but particularly fact findings, where his experience of criminal advocacy can be of particular use.
Call
2004 Middle Temple (previously admitted as a solicitor in 1996)
Academic
LLB (Hons) – Exeter University
Distinction (LPC) – Chester Law School
Professional Memberships
CPS Panel – Level 3 (and RASSO panel).
Criminal Bar Association.
Western Circuit.
Interests
Swimming, kayaking, cycling, tennis, walking.
BSB Register
The Bar Standards Board Barristers’ register (BSB register) shows the barristers who hold a current practising certificate and whether a barrister has any disciplinary findings. A link to the BSB register is here.