At New Park Court Chambers, we do things a little differently. With 70 junior barristers and 16 King’s Counsel, our reach and influence stretches far beyond the bounds of our Circuit.
As a Tier 1 Set based in Leeds and Newcastle we are home to a number of high profile and nationally and internationally reputable Counsel.
Iain Simkin KC was called to the bar in 1995 and specialises in Regulatory law and Serious Crime.
His practice focuses on Health and Safety, Environmental cases, Inquests, Professional Discipline and Serious Crime.
He is known as a robust advocate, and is highly praised for his modern and flexible approach.
Iain Simkin is a highly accomplished criminal barrister with a wealth of experience spanning the full spectrum of serious and complex criminal litigation
He is regularly instructed to act for both the prosecution and defence in high-profile, multi-defendant trials, including cases involving allegations of murder, gross negligence manslaughter, and conspiracy to commit serious offences.
His practice encompasses large-scale financial crime, such as multi-million-pound fraud and money laundering investigations, as well as major drug trafficking operations involving extensive surveillance and evidence. Iain is known for his meticulous case preparation, strategic thinking, and persuasive advocacy, making him a sought-after choice for cases requiring exceptional legal insight and courtroom skill.
He was the lead prosecutor in the case against Reynhard Sinaga, who has been found guilty of raping or sexually assaulting men in Manchester, following four trials spanning the course of 18 months. Sinaga was found guilty of 136 counts of rape, eight counts of attempted rape, 14 counts of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration, against a total of 48 victims, and has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 30 years.
Prosecuted a man who “brutally” murdered a woman and then enlisted the help of his sisters to help cover it up. Defendant received a life order and was ordered to serve a minimum of 17 years and 6 months in Prison.
Lead prosecutor in the case against Reynhard Sinaga, who has been found guilty of raping or sexually assaulting men in Manchester, following four trials spanning the course of 18 months.
Sinaga was found guilty of 136 counts of rape, eight counts of attempted rape, 14 counts of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration, against a total of 48 victims, and has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 30 years.
Investigated for manslaughter, issues of causation which hinged upon the report from a neuropathologist.
Series of armed robberies with complicated sequence of events chart.
Defendant raped his girlfriend’s 2 year old daughter. Pleaded guilty substantial sentence. Film for BBC
Rival drugs gang murder where victim was killed following a clash in the street concerning a drugs “turf war”
Paranoid schizophrenic charged with murdering his sister over her refusal to fund his drug habit. Ten boxes of medical records required analysing after the defendant was identified following a BBC Crimewatch appeal.
Domestic violence case where defendant murdered her partner following his alleged mistreatment. Issues concerned complex scientific evidence used to determine the identity of the killer.
Iain is recognised as a leading consumer law and trading standards barrister. He is instructed by Local Authorities, as well as businesses and individuals. This ranges from breaches of Food Hygiene Regulations to Fraud, and covers all manner of investigations into businesses and traders.
With a strong track record in health and safety law, Iain has advised and represented clients across a wide range of regulatory and criminal proceedings arising from workplace incidents.
His experience includes acting for both the prosecution and defence in cases involving serious breaches of duties, fatal accidents, and complex investigations led by the Health and Safety Executive. Iain is well-versed in navigating the intricacies of corporate liability, risk management, and compliance frameworks, and regularly appear in the Crown Court and Coroner’s Court.
His strategic approach and deep understanding of regulatory enforcement make them a trusted advocate for businesses, directors, and individuals facing health and safety allegations.
Iain is a category A prosecutor with a wide range of defending and prosecuting in regulatory cases. This has included representing a variety of clients for a variety of food hygiene matters.
Water maintenance worker on large scale cleaning project for Northern Water suffered catastrophic injuries as a consequence of a projectile shooting out of the end of a water pipe. Complex matters – materiality of risk.
Fatal accident involving an experienced roofer who fell to his death through fragile roof. Involved matters of construction design and management regulations.
Involves a very large organisation client with an operative suffering life changing injuries
Large project to re-clad outside of a shopping centre which led to emission of asbestos dust.
Fall from height which involved work at height regulations and health & safety general matters.
National food delivery company having accepted liability for an injury to an employee successfully appealed the sentence at higher court.
Junior alone against KC HSE prosecution resulted in a lengthy sentencing hearing and the defendant appealed. The contested parts of the appeal were successfully defended.
Large commercial client charged with serious breaches of the HSWA 1974 following a fatal accident to one of its employees. The risk to reputational damage was severe. A 2 year police/HSE investigation was discontinued at the Crown Court on the first day of trial following a series of wide-ranging representations.
Successfully secured the withdrawal of 5 offences relating to the escape of highly toxic chemicals from client’s site in North Wales. Allegations that 22 injured and significant potential for environmental harm all withdrawn
A major house builder was charged with 15 offences relating to the unlawful carriage and disposal of carcinogenic waste. Successfully persuaded the prosecution to withdraw 12 offences leaving 3 technical offences only relating to paperwork (transfer notes)
Following a “Panorama” investigation, the client was prosecuted by the EA for offences involving the illegal exportation of electronic waste to West Africa
The defendant was charged with the wholesale supply of poisonous (potentially fatal) products into the supply chain, contrary to Regulation 20 of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. In the event a child drank a prohibited product which resulted in life changing injuries.
Director of a waste management firm took defective material out of the waste system and reintroduced it into the retail chain with near fatal results. Following submissions, the prosecution discontinued the case.
Ongoing case into fraud, bribery and trading standards offences. The defendant is a supplier to a major building company and the allegations concern the provision of bribes to ensure contracts and the precise description of the services provided both to the end consumer and counterparties to the defendant’s work.
The defendant was a large-scale egg supplier who (it was alleged) was passing off battery farmed as free-range eggs. The defendant was acquitted.
Iain has a strong coronial practice and regularly appears in inquests on behalf of Interested Persons. He is extremely experienced in handling Inquests up to and including Judicial Review.
He is frequently instructed in cases involving ‘death in custody’ and has represented interested parties including prison transport companies, such as SERCO and GEOAmy.
He acts for local authorities in a wide variety of cases including deaths in care homes and he has also been instructed on behalf of families, private companies, healthcare trusts, doctors and other healthcare professionals who have become interested persons in inquests.
Representing Transport for Greater Manchester in a case which will review security arrangements around the general public travelling on the tram in Manchester.
Construction project in the jewellery quarter in Birmingham following the collapse of building.
Large industrial accident involving 4 deaths when Didcot Power Station collapsed.
Died in care home following a fall. Suffering from multiple comorbidities.
Drowned in a reservoir.
Inquest whereby an employee had been crushed to death by a large pane of glass which fell on top of him. Maersk were the owners of the dry dock where the cargo handlers unloaded the glass. The inquest lasted for 2 weeks and legal submissions successfully prevented gross negligence manslaughter being left to the Jury.
The deceased was a prisoner who had died by suspending himself. The CSRA, PER and ACCT documentation all had to be closely analysed along with the entirety of the deceased’s prison records. All the evidence needed to be interpreted for the jury and there was a great deal of medical information from both System 1 and GP’s notes.
The deceased died at 18 whilst in custody from a sub-arachnoid haemorrhage, the condition is extremely rare in such a young man. There was voluminous evidence from both neurologists and neurosurgeons all of which needed to be explored and the relevant issues presented to the Jury in a clear, concise and comprehensible way.
The deceased was crushed to death at Leeds Bus Station. Despite extensive written and oral submissions the deputy coroner ruled that this was an article 2 inquest. Despite very damming and misplaced recommendations from the assistant coroner, the HSE took no further action.
Renowned for his expertise across the range of regulatory cases; Iain is a first class advocate and lawyer who has been the first choice for many national and international companies. He has offered his specialised advice, proficiency in negotiation and excellent representation both before and after action has commenced.
Iain represents the General Medical Council in a wide range of fitness to practise proceedings, regularly advising and appearing in cases involving allegations against medical professionals.
His work includes complex disciplinary matters, often requiring detailed analysis of clinical standards and professional conduct. In addition to his work with the GMC, Iain has substantial experience defending individuals in fitness to practise hearings brought by other regulatory bodies, including those overseeing healthcare, legal, and financial professions.
His nuanced understanding of regulatory frameworks and his strategic approach make him a trusted advocate in safeguarding professional reputations.
Iain possesses a comprehensive understanding of transport law, encompassing both its regulatory framework and practical application across a wide range of cases. His practice frequently involves advising and representing clients in matters relating to commercial and private transport, including licensing issues, operator compliance, vehicle standards, and enforcement actions brought by regulatory bodies such as the DVSA and local authorities.
He is particularly adept at handling complex cases involving haulage and passenger transport operations, where legal intricacies often intersect with commercial realities. Whether dealing with tachograph offences, maintenance failures, or allegations of unsafe practices, he provides clear, strategic guidance tailored to the needs of operators, drivers, and transport managers alike.
Iain has considerable experience representing clients before the Traffic Commissioner in regulatory proceedings concerning the operation of commercial vehicles. His work spans public inquiries, driver conduct hearings, and appeals involving issues such as operator licensing and vehicle maintenance standards. Iain has acted for haulage companies, passenger transport operators, and individual drivers, providing strategic advice and robust advocacy to safeguard professional standing and business continuity.
With a detailed understanding of transport regulations and the expectations of the Traffic Commissioner, Iain is well-equipped to navigate complex cases and secure favourable outcomes for clients.
In road traffic law, Iain welcomes instructions in serious road traffic matters.
Iain brings a wealth of experience and a meticulous understanding of the legislation that governs this complex area. He is regularly instructed by a range of insurers s in the most serious cases, including those involving fatalities and life-threatening injuries, where the legal issues are often intricate.
His courtroom presence and strategic approach have earned him a reputation for handling these sensitive matters with both skill and compassion.
Iain has substantial experience in education law, advising and representing schools, academies, and local authorities on a wide range of regulatory and governance matters. He is particularly experienced in handling appeals against Ofsted decisions, including challenging inspection outcomes and navigating the complex procedural framework surrounding judicial reviews and internal complaints.
