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.
Jason Pitter KC (1994, silk 2014) has been a member of Chambers since completing his pupillage in 1996.
His practice has developed with him being highly regarded or recommended in a number of practice areas and appearing in high profile cases in those areas, in particular:
• Serious and complex crime: complex and homicide, organised crime, fraud, complex road traffic and sexual offences
• Professional misconduct: police misconduct, medical prationers and sports misconduct
• Regulatory Crime, Enforcement and Compliance: Health and Saefty, CQC, Ofsted
• Inquest and Inquiries
• Engaged in providing training and organisational advice to companies, public bodies (including police forces) and other organisations.
Routinely recommended in professionals directories and publications.
Shortlisted as Criminal Silk of the Year 2025 in Chambers and Partners.
Defending and prosecuting in major and complex criminal investigations many of which generate significant public interest or are linked to proceedings in other areas of practice (eg misconduct in a public office, mistreatment of patients and detainees), serious sexual offences and serious offences of dishonesty and complex road traffic collisions.
Successful appeal against conviction for man who had been wrongly convicted 38 years murder. The case involved advances in DNA technology and development of the law and science in relation to bite marks. The case received world wide press coverage as the appellant was understood to be the long living victim of a miscarriage of justice in Britain.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce809e3gd1xo
Prosecution of “body parts” murder, in which the convicted defendant had killed and then dismembered his landlord and deposited his remains across Greater Manchester. That included removal of the deceased’s face. The killing was widely publicised when a section of the body was discovered leading to an investigation that tracked back the defendant.
Prosecuted the case dubbed “Good Samaritan” murder in the media. The deceased was rendering assistance to the Defendants sister centred around whether he had used his car as a weapon killing one man and seriously injuring three others including his own sister and mother who were at the scene. Complex driving related issues and cultural issues relating the family dispute.
BBC: Man found guilt of “Good Samaritan” murder
The Independent: “Bride’s brother convicted of murdering Good Samaritan with his car before stabbing groom”
The Times: Good Samiritan killed by driver after wedding feud
Prosecution of pension liberation. Factually and legally complex issues in relation pension and tax rules that prohibited the early movement of pension funds with the trial lasting 9 months with in excess of 30 potential victims. Legal issues included the application of R v Brown (jury anonymity).
Prosecution of teenage boys (13 and 14) in relation to gang related stabbing. The case involved a high number of child and vulnerable witnesses.
Successfully defended in gang related murder prosecution for principal defendant. Issues of joint enterprise. Exclusion and management of gang related evidence.
Prosecution for murder of mother and partner in relation to her 9 year old son. His death followed 9 months of torture, and he ultimately died from infection and blood poisoning and caused by a chronic injury rather than an acute attack. Complex medical issues in relation to cause of death and joint enterprise.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-62120909
https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2022-07-22/mother-and-partner-guilty-of-torture-murder-of-son
Appeared for the Crown in the successful prosecution of Michael Hillier and Rachel Fulstow for the carefully orchestrated murder of Liam Smith, father of two. The case received widespread national publicity during the six-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court Manchester. Both defendants received a minimum of 30 years sentence by HHJ Greene who referred to the offence as a brutal and cold- blooded murder.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/minshull-street-crown-court-manchester-york-sheffield-greater-manchester-b2373 396.html
Liam Smith: Former lovers jailed for murder of Tinder date – BBC News
Represented the Defendant in the “cold case” killing of a child Nikki Allen in Sunderland in the 1980s. A previous person had been tried and acquitted. The case received national publicity then because of the grotesque nature of the killing in which the deceased had been stabbed 37 times. The case was revived when new scientific evidence linked the killing to the Defendant.
Prosecution of man convicted of the murder of his niece, in relation to a family fallout. The case had issues surrounding so called “Honour Killings”. Following the case advised CPS at high level in relation to related issues and has spoken in relation to such cases.
Successful representation of senior police officer charged with sending malicious communications, including whilst at work. The case was reported in relation important legal principles in relation to the time limits for starting a prosecution. (Director of Public Prosecutions v Cook [2023] 1 Cr App R 15)
Prosecuted in relation to murder of a youth in the Hull. Complex scientific evidence in relation to soil analysis and DNA evidence. The case was the subject of two documentaries because of the nature of the complex scientific evidence, impact on the local community and the relationship between the deceased and the accused. The appeal dealt with important issues in relation to when it is appropriate for a Judge to depart from the case advanced by the Prosecution.
“Killer in my Village” Sky Crime (2021)
“Killer at the Crime Scene, Channel 5
Successful infanticide prosecution in to the murder to death of a two-year-old boy at the hands of his stepfather and his mother. The case involved complex medical issues in relation to historic bone injuries and issues as to causation and joint enterprise.
Representation of the only police officer to be acquitted in alleged corruption case where the allegation centred on the fabrication of evidence at the direction of a senior officer.
Successful prosecution of the first care home to be charged and convicted of corporate manslaughter in relation to the death of an elderly resident. A director and manager were also dealt with for gross negligence manslaughter and health and safety failings. The case was the first of such cases to be dealt with under new Health and safety offences, corporate manslaughter guidelines. The company was fined £300,000. The director was sentenced to 3 years 2 months.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-35499865
Instructed on a largely private basis in relation to complex road traffic accidents and disasters, especially those involving homicide and complex scientific issues (motion camouflage, vehicle conspicuity, driver visual acuity) and cases where unexplained vehicle acceleration is an issue.
Engaged in lecturing bodies specialising in this area of work and, more broadly, advising on the tactical approach in cases in this area.
Represented retired professional who had collided with an ongoing vehicle during an alleged overtaking manoeuvre. Following representations and presentation of expert evidence in relation to the role of epilepsy and automatism in, the case was not proceeded with.
(as above) using vehicle as a weapon
Represented a retired doctor who had parked his vehicle on a “smart motorway”. His vehicle was collided into killing his grandson. Following representations in relation to the doctors health and whether deterioration of his cognitive ability was behind his action the case against him was not proceeded with. The case proceeded to an inquest which culminated in criticism in relation to the use of smart motorways.
Prosecuted the passengers of a stolen lorry, which killed a pensioner. The case received widespread publicity when the defendants were convicted and sentenced to a total of 48 years imprisonment.
Represented a senior and eminent University principle who faced an allegation of homicide following a road traffic accident. The issues involved vehicle recognition and complex speed analysis especially in relation to the driving of the deceased. The Defendant was acquitted.
Secured acquittal in road traffic fatality by an employee of the fire service whilst on duty. The case centred on issues surrounding driver acuity and vehicle conspicuity.
Fatality following a road traffic accident involving farming equipment on the highway. Factually complex and technical accident involving the structure of the machinery. Successful presentation of legal argument in relation to autre fois and sequential.
Tragic road fatality where the deceased was struck by two vehicles. Successful defence based on the effects of momentary sun blindness, driver acuity.
Advised prosecution in relation to alleged sexual offences said to be committed by the Manchester Utd and England footballer. The case received widespread publicity.
Represented a police officer for offences of misconduct in a public officer where it was alleged that he had sexual relations with vulnerable victims of sexual abuse. The case involved cross examination of vulnerable witnesses.
Prosecution of Defendant with a numbers of extreme sexual interests. The case involved a complainant who was initially consenting but then sought to withdraw her consent part way through sexually activity.
Lead counsel for a scientist acquitted of having abused his daughters many years before. The case also involved careful and sensitive examination of one of the daughters who was said to have suffered from “non terrors” and other relevant mental health issues.
Defended in six-week trial for defendant in historic multi-complainant case. It was alleged that the Defendant was a pimp and had been sexually abusing the victims for gain as well as for sexual gratification in the 1980s and 1990s.
Represented a former priest who was alleged to have sexually abused a number of pupils at a Catholic boarding school in 1980s.
The prosecution of and representation of professional persons at misconduct hearings. This includes cases of the highest profile and sensitivity before the police misconduct panels. Also instructed to represent high profile professional sportspersons before their regulatory body.
Represented high profile British Gymnastic Coach in relation to allegations arising from alleged oppressive coaching techniques.
Represented High Ranking Police Inspector in Misconduct and criminal proceedings Allegedly malicious/offensive communications sent by former high ranking police officer.
Linked misconduct, criminal and administrative court proceedings, which included right to privacy arguments. Acquitted at the criminal trial.
Instructed to represent officer in relation to allegation of fabricating evidence and assault of a resident at a care home. Misconduct and criminal proceedings. Criminal proceedings dropped during prosecution case following cross examination.
Represented a former professional ice skater who faced proceedings before the National Safeguarding Panel, relating to allegations of historic sexual offences. The case against the professional was dismissed in its entirety at the hearing.
Represented the main officer in charge of handling the historic investigations of “grooming gangs” in Rotherham during the 1990’s and early 2000’s (now forming part of the “grooming gang” Inquiry). He was cleared following a hearing lasting several weeks.
Appeared for the officer in case which clarified the parameters for the use of expert evidence in use of force cases.
Successful representation of the officer in relation to proceedings seeking to overturn PAT’s decision that findings of original panel were incorrect in making findings affecting his honesty and integrity and ultimately dismissing him. The case was remitted for sanction due to the original panels failure to follow the correct procedure (final written warning given).
Re DSupt Swift:
West Yorkshire police cleared in relation to misconduct proceedings in which it was alleged he had failed to properly investigate a child’s complex death. The case had linked family proceedings and inquest.
Appeared for one of two covert officers (anonymity preserved) cleared against who it was alleged were carrying out unauthorised surveillance of a woman (Janet Alder) and her lawyer whose brother had died in police custody, and the case was subject to criminal proceedings.
Highly experienced in prosecuting and defending in relation to regulatory breaches, in particular cases that have resulted in death or serious injury.
Advising individuals, corporate bodies and prosecuting authorities in relation to regulatory compliance (in particular HSE, CQC, Ofsted). Including advising the Health and Safety Executive, CQC and Ofsted at procedural and operational level.
Instructed in relation to the alleged failings of police officers in the Rotherham Child Sexual Exploitation investigation.
Operational and high level advisory work to the CQC, including in 2024 in relation to case that generated Martha’s Rule arising from the tragic death of the 13 year old Martha Mills (enabling families to seek an urgent review of the medical opinion) and the events surrounding the Nottingham killings carried out by Valdo Colacane.
One of the first prosecutions in relation to a care home operating without a licence. Legal issues as to the defence of necessity in light of the fact that the local authority had placed clients there.
Represented the company and the main director in relation to a fall from of one of the contractors. The company was a steel fabricated, and the circumstances involved a fall through the roof. The involvement in the case including pre-charge advice and management.
Acted for Care Quality Commission in the prosecution of the health trust in relation to two offences of failing to provide safe care and treatment, resulting in patients being exposed to a significant risk of avoidable harm.
Instructed to represent one of the largest care home operators in the country. Successful resolution of enforcement actions and linked appeal in relation to conditions imposed by the CQC under s31 Health and Social Care Act 2008. [Instructed by DAC Beechcroft]
Defended manufacturer children’s beds in relation to death of infant whilst sleeping in bed. Charged with gross negligence manslaughter based on failure to adhere to relevant regulations. Case resolved by way of plea to health and safety failings following legal argument in relation to foreseeability in respect of serious risk of death
Instructed on behalf of the HSE. Largest successful prosecution and financial penalty for historic hand and arm vibration affecting a large number (by exposure and injury) of employees. The case involved complex issues in relation to employee movement, analysis of scientific evidence affecting causation and breach of duty. There was legal argument in relation abuse of process, delay and promise not to prosecute.
Defended manufacturer children’s beds in relation to death of infant whilst sleeping in bed. Charged with gross negligence manslaughter based on failure to adhere to relevant regulations. Case resolved by way of plea to health and safety failings following legal argument in relation to foreseeability in respect of serious risk of death.
Fatality following a road traffic accident involving farming equipment on the highway. Dealt with under s3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Factual complex and technical accident involving the structure of the machinery. Successful presentation of legal argument in relation to autre fois and sequential prosecution
Case arising out of the death of a resident at a care home for lack of care. Jason prosecuted the case which was the first care home to be convicted of corporate manslaughter in relation to the standard of care of its residents. The case had a history of CQC involvement in which inspectors had not identified the failings. Knowledge of CQC regulation was central to the management and outcome of the case as was the inter-relationship with criminal and health safety legislation. [Instructed by Crown Prosecution Service, central case work]
Appeared and instructed in a number of high profile inquests where there has been an underlying breach of duty leading to death or professional misconduct.
Instructed to act for one of the “Prevent” officers (counter terrorist officer with GMP) who was involved in assessing Axel Rudakabana who was responsible for the attack. The officer had been the subject of criticism in earlier reporting.
Instructed to act for the rank-and-file officers who were involved in the investigation in relation to Andrew Makinson who had been wrongly convicted and spent 17 years in prison. The actions of the officers relates to the investigation and the management of material produced during it.
Represented one of the lead officers in misconduct and at the inquest in relation to the death of a man in custody. Complex issues arose as to the medical cause of death.
Appeared for the family in relation to the death of man who was killed on a “smart motorway” which did not have a hard shoulder. The case was widely reported given the criticisms made by the coroner of the use of smart motorways.
New Park Court Chambers is pleased to be awarded Band status across…
Discover moreJason Pitter KC and Ben Campbell appeared for the prosecution in the…
Discover more
