Paul Greaney QC specialises in serious crime, regulatory crime, public inquiries and inquests and professional discipline.
He is recommended in five practice areas in Chambers & Partners 2022: crime (star individual), financial crime, health and safety, professional discipline and inquests and public inquiries.
Scope of Practice
- Serious crime, principally financial crime, homicide (including corporate manslaughter and manslaughter by gross negligence), terrorism and organised crime, including crime with an international aspect. Often advises at the investigation stage. Most work is conducted on a privately funded basis, although does continue to act on a publicly funded basis in some cases.
- Regulatory crime, with an emphasis on health and safety enforcement, data protection, trading standards issues, environmental health, food standards and prosecutions arising out of planning disputes. Often advises at the investigation stage.
- Public Inquiries (instructed as Counsel to the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry and acting on behalf of a core participant at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry).
- Inquests, particularly those involving allegations about the conduct of the police and/or medical practitioners and those involving health and safety issues (eg. acted as leading counsel to the Police Federation at the Hillsborough inquests and on behalf of the owners of one of the tallest buildings in the UK at an inquest into a death said to be linked to the design of that structure and behalf of the family of Pte. Sean Benton at the Deepcut Inquest).
- Disciplinary proceedings, including proceedings before professional sporting bodies, (eg. acted in the Football Association proceedings in the Suarez/Evra racist abuse case and the Anelka “quenelle” case), police misconduct proceedings and proceedings before the General Medical Council.
- Warrants and production orders. Regularly instructed on behalf of companies and prominent individuals in challenges, eg. acted on behalf of a media organisation on many occasions on applications for production orders by the Metropolitan Police arising out of the phone hacking investigation.
- Public law, particularly claims relating to the criminal justice system, police law and coronial law, but extending but other areas of the law.
- Police law.
- Licensing.
Homicide & Serious Crime
Paul has prosecuted and defended in many homicide cases. He has a particular interest in cases involving complex psychiatric issues (diminished responsibility, loss of control and fitness to plead) and scientific issues (including issues relating to the reliability of LCN DNA results and the relevance of stochastic effects to DNA findings).
A small selection of recent serious crime cases of significance (all of which attracted substantial media attention) include:
Notable Cases
- ICO v X [2019]
Defence of an international company on charges brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
- R v E [2019]
Defence of a university student charged with serious sexual offences.
- R v Jackson [2019]
Defence of police officer charged with serious offences of violence.
- R v Cleary [2019]
Prosecution of teenage bomb maker.
- R v Fellows and Boyle [2018 – 2019]
Prosecution of the contract killers of Paul Massey and John Kinsella.
- R v Bettison [2017 – 2018]
Defence of Sir Norman Bettison on charges of misconduct in public office.
- R v X [2017-18]
Defence of a politician on a charge of misconduct in public office.
- R v Corbett & Others [2017]
Prosecution of four persons for the torture and murder of a vulnerable man; the “Dark Ages Torture” murder case.
- R v Colin Gregg [2017]
Prosecution of a member of the Greggs the Bakers family for historical sexual abuse.
- R v Boots [2017]
Prosecution of a police inspector and others for corruption.
- R v Syeedy [2016]
Prosecution of the murderer of a local Imam; “ISIS inspired”.
- R v X [2015]
Prosecution of a schoolboy for plotting an ISIS attack on an Anzac Day parade in Melbourne.
- R v Amaro [2015]
Defence of a nurse charged with manslaughter by gross negligence arising out of the death of a child in hospital.
- R v William Cornick [2014]
Prosecution of the schoolboy who stabbed his Spanish teacher to death in class.
- R v Rosser [2014]
Prosecution of a psychopath for the sadistic murder of a child.
- R. v Hanley [2013]
Defence of a man charged with the execution of an alleged police informer.
- R. v Hutton [2013]
Prosecution of a mother who starved her child to death and then kept the child’s mummified body in her bedroom for almost two years.
- R. v McFadden and others [2013]
Prosecution of one of the largest police corruption cases ever.
Fraud
Has appeared in many serious and complex fraud cases and is currently acting on behalf of the former director of a major international company in corruption proceedings in Greece.
Has appeared in many cases concerning complex money laundering issues, always involving significant sums.
Has appeared on behalf of members of the legal profession charged with serious criminal offences, including the managing partner of a well-known firm of solicitors on a charge of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and a barrister on a charge of wounding with intent.
Notable Cases
- R v WI [2014]
Defence of a prominent Yorkshire businessman on a charge of conspiracy to defraud.
- R v H & G [2012]
Prosecution of two solicitors for a £1,000,000 fraud on the client account of the commercial property firm of which they were the senior partners.
- R v B [2011]
Defence of a solicitor charged with a fraud on the client account of the firm of which she was principal.
- R v K.D [2010]
Defence of the first defendant in a trial arising out of an alleged massive procurement fraud on contractors within the railway industry.
Regulatory
Has been involved in many serious and complicated regulatory prosecutions, including cases involving multiple fatalities and complex issues of law and cases involving potential reputational damage. That has involved defending individuals, companies and organisations facing allegations, and prosecuting such cases. Currently acting on behalf of a property developer in proceedings before the Court of Appeal and advising the owner of a business under investigation for corporate manslaughter.
Notable Cases
- R. v X [2018]
Defence of a major company facing data protection charges.
- R. v X [2017]
Defence of the Managing Director of a company facing serious trading standards offences.
- R v Sherwood Rise Limited [2015]
Defence of the operator of a care home on a charge of corporate manslaughter and health and safety offences; instructed by Kamrans.
- R v X [2013]
Defence of a prominent figure charged with offences relating to alterations to a listed building; instructed by Gordons.
- R v C Ltd [2013]
Defence of a major company in connection with one of the largest prosecutions ever mounted by the Environment Agency; instructed by Ward Hadaway.
- R v National Trust [2012]
Defence of the National Trust in a case regarded as being of national importance to the organisation; complex issues relating to enforcement responsibility; instructed by Berrymans.
- R v UK Coal Plc, JA & TD [2011]
Defence of the manager of a coal mine on a prosecution arising out of a mining fatality; instructed by Irwin Mitchell.
- R v WEFCO (Gainsborough) Limited [2011]
Defence of a company charged in respect of a serious crushing accident; instructed by Everyman Legal.
- R v Craegmore Healthcare Limited [2010]
Prosecution of a company operating care homes in respect of the death of a patient caused by restraint.
- R v Matrix Direct Recycle Limited & CT [2010]
Defence of the operations director of a company on charges arising out of mercury poisoning of company employees; instructed by Ward Hadaway.
- R v Next Distribution Limited [2009]
Defence of national company on serious health and safety charges; instructed by DLA Piper.
- R v MacDonald [2009]
Defence of prominent distributor of pesticides by DEFRA; instructed by Hill Dickinson.
- R v H.T.M
Prosecution arising out of a double fatality; Crown Court at Middlesbrough; led to the leading case on a number of aspects of health and safety legislation.
- R v Pola
Defence of a businessman said to be responsible for building work causing an accident which severely disabled a worker; led to a Court of Appeal ruling on the ambit of the term “employment” in the 1974 Act; instructed by Kamrans
- R v Richmond Homes Limited
Defence of a company and its managing director; asbestos case; instructed by Lupton Fawcett.
- R v Strimech Engineering Limited
Prosecution of a company in respect of a fatal accident.
Disciplinary Proceedings
Paul represented the Football Association in the proceedings brought against Luis Suarez, the Liverpool player in respect of his racial abuse of Patrice Evra, the Manchester United player [2011], in the proceedings brought against Everton FC in respect of the tapping up of Jamaal Lascelles [2013] and in the proceedings brought against Nicolas Anelka in respect of his use of the quenelle gesture [2014] and Benoit Assou-Ekotto for tweeting his support for Anelka’s gesture [2014]. He has more than 20 years’ experience in representing police officers in misconduct proceedings and has also conducted proceedings in the GMC and SRA.
Inquests
Paul has acted on behalf of companies and company directors, police officers, doctors and other interested persons at inquests involving deaths in police custody and in hospital or in connection with medical treatment and in other circumstances. He has appeared in inquests and inquiries concerning mass fatality events, eg. the Hillsborough Inquests, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry.
Relevant Experience
- Currently acting as leading counsel (CTI) to the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry.
- Led the team (comprising other barristers, including a second QC, solicitors, paralegals and researchers) representing the Police Federation at the Hillsborough Inquests.
- Acting on behalf of the owners of a prominent, city centre commercial development at the inquest into a death said to have been connected with a wind tunnel effect created by the building.
- Acting on behalf of many custody sergeants in relation to deaths in custody, eg the Christopher Alder Inquest (at one time the longest single death inquest in history).
- Acting on behalf of a police officer involved in the death of a football fan during football violence, the Coles Inquest.
- Also appears on behalf of interested persons at inquests involving complicated health and safety issues.
- Long experience of acting on behalf of individuals, companies and organisations at such hearings.
Public Law
Particularly claims relating to the criminal justice system, police law and coronial law.
Notable Cases
- R (W) v Leeds Crown Court [2012] 1 Cr.App.R 13)
Challenges to the jurisdiction of the Crown Court.
- Hillsborough Disaster Proceedings & R (Dawson) v Hull Coroner
Challenges to inquest verdicts.
- R (M) v DPP
Challenges to decisions of the D.P.P not to prosecute.
- R (Boot) v PCA
Challenges to the ECHR compatibility of the predecessor body to the IPCC.
- R (Dawson) v Hull Coroner & R (French) v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire [2011]
Challenges based on bias by decision makers.
- R (Evans) v GMC [2010]
Challenges to decisions of the GMC, representing the GMC.
- Police Regulations
Acted in two major claims relating to the interpretation of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008.
Licensing
Paul has acted on behalf of those applying for licences and also for Police Forces. Has also undertaken firearms licence appeals.
International
Has conducted cases in Fiji, including in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Fiji as a temporary member of the Bar of Fiji.
Currently acting on behalf of the former director of a major international company in corruption proceedings in Greece. Admitted to the Bar of Athens for that purpose.
Appellate Level / Administrative Court
Notable Cases
- R v Ikram [2018] 2 Cr.App.R.6
Misconduct in public office; terminating rulings.
- R. (on the application of Gray) v Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police [2018] 1 WLR 1609:
Abuse of process; cause of action estoppel; disciplinary proceedings; res judicata.
- R v Maling [2017] 1 Cr.App.R.(S.) 14
Manslaughter; aggravating factors.
- R v Bell [2016] 1 WLR 1
Approach to sentence in historic homicide cases; article 7 ECHR.
- R v Cornick [2015] 1 Cr.App.R.(S) 69
Appropriate approach to sentence for horrific murder committed by a child.
- Attorney-General v HM Coroner [2012] EWHC 2783 [2013] ACD 22
Acting on behalf of the Police Federation on the AG’s application to quash the Hillsborough inquests.
- R (on the application of Montgomery) v Police Appeals Tribunal and the Commissioner [2012] EWHC 936 (Admin)
Important case on the operation of the police misconduct regime.
- Attorney-General's Reference No 107 of 2011 [2012] EWCA Crim 459
Sentences of imprisonment for public protection.
- R (on the application of W) v Leeds Crown Court [2012] 1 Cr.App.R 13
Power of the Crown Court to remit a child for trial in the Youth Court.
- R v Valentine [2012] 1 Cr.App.R.(S) 42
Sentence for money launderers.
- R (on the application of French) v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police [2011] EWHC 546 (Admin)
Challenge to decisions made in police misconduct proceedings.
- R (on the application of Kay) v Chief Constable of Northumbria Police (no 2) [2010] ICR 974, [2010] EWHC 31 (Admin)
Whether the Chief Constable could be compelled to reinstate the Claimant following a declaration in earlier proceedings that he had acted unlawfully and in breach of his duty in dispensing with her services as a probationary constable.
- R v Morley [2009] Times LR July 6
Minimum term on conviction for murder; post-mortem cannibalism.
- R v Pola [2009] Crim LR 603
Meaning of “employer” in health and safety legislation; [2010] 1 Cr.App.R (S).6: compensation orders.
- R v Rahman and others [2008] 3 W.L.R. 264
House of Lords; leading case on joint enterprise in homicide; also appeared in Court of Appeal (R v Rahman [2007] 2 Cr App R 16) and at first instance.
- R v Hickinbottom [2007] Inquest LR 1
Manslaughter by gross negligence.
- R v Brady and Paton [2007] 1 Cr. App. R. (S) 117
Minimum term on conviction for murder.
- R v H.T.M Ltd [2007] 2 All ER 665:
Leading case on the reasonable practicability “defence” in the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and on the effect of regulation 21 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
- R (on the Application of Ashton) v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire [2005] Po.LR 313.
- Attorney-General’s Reference No 95 of 2004 [2004] EWCA Crim 3028
Whether public service is a mitigating factor where an offence is committed in private; relevance of complainant’s conduct in sentencing for domestic violence.
- Southwick v State [2004] FJSC 3
Human rights compatibility of the Criminal Procedure Code of Fiji – Supreme Court of Fiji.
Directory quotes
"Without a shadow of a doubt he is the best advocate I've worked alongside. He can deal with any witness you put in front of him and get the best evidence from them." "He is a strong performer in high-profile national cases." [Inquests and Inquiries]
Chambers and Partners 2022
"He is super experienced. He makes cross-examination look easy - it looks as if he's doing it in his sleep." [Crime].."An excellent reputation in the regulatory field." [Professional Discipline].."He's hard-working, very thorough and a very good advocate. He's also excellent with clients." [Financial Crime].."An outstanding silk." [Health and Safety]
Chambers and Partners 2022
"One of the best criminal silks in the business. He speaks with authority. His advocacy is a master-class to watch - it always gets results. A class operator...leader of the pack; incredibly bright, an excellent strategist and very personable."
Legal 500 2022
"Paul Greaney QC brings great insight into the fundamental issues of the case and is able to communicate the complexities in a highly effective and straightforward way. He also displays superb advocacy skills during legal arguments." "He is a class act, massively hard-working and hugely prepared."
Chambers and Partners 2021 (Crime)
"The best advocate I've seen on his feet: all others in the room tend to pale in comparison even if they are very good. He is also very good on the detail, and has a lovely way with clients and a particular bearing in court which commands a huge amount of respect."
Chambers and Partners 2021 (Inquests and Public Inquiries)
"A QC with considerable gravitas and exceptional technical capabilities; he is without doubt one of the leading advocates." "His written work is always first class, as are his advocacy skills. He is very personable, down to earth and a pleasure to work with
Chambers and Partners 2021 (Financial Crime)
‘A superb choice for dealing with complex high-profile inquests and inquiries. His extensive knowledge of both criminal law and coronial law, together with his tenacity make him extremely popular with both solicitors and lay clients.’ [Inquest and Inquiries]
Legal 500 2021
‘Exceptionally intelligent, his technical ability and advocacy are second-to-none' [Crime]...'is a team player and will listen and act upon opposing views. He takes a holistic approach in his advice and always takes into the consideration the wider picture, including the commercial and reputational impact of decisions.’ [Business, Crime and Regulatory]
Legal 500 2021
"Highly capable with inherent gravitas. He is, without doubt, one of the leading advocates in the country..He's a superb tactician and technically excellent."[Crime].."He's a superb advocate - he's got a lightness of touch and can make complex issues seem very straightforward..Paul is first class. He has a succinctness of words and will use one sentence where the rest will need three..He's an example of a criminal jury advocate who's transferred seamlessly and impressively to the inquiry field." [Inquests and Inquiries].."Comes highly recommended and his technical ability isn't in any doubt." [Professional Discipline].."An extremely accomplished, hard-working and effective barrister. He has the complete set of skills."[Financial Crime]
Chambers & Partners 2020
"One of the best in the business."[Crime].."Other barristers pale in comparison."[Inquests and Inquiries].."Has the complete respect and confidence of the Court at every level of jurisdiction."[Regulatory, Health and Safety and Licensing]
Legal 500 2020
"A powerful silk; judges love him [Inquests & Public Inquiries] ... superb cross-examination and advocacy skills [Inquests and Public Inquiries] ... He has an outstanding reputation and is a very insightful advocate – very measured and very persuasive [Crime] ... A QC who has considerable gravitas and exceptional technical capabilities [Financial Crime]"
Chambers & Partners/Legal 500 (2019)
"A brilliant and measured advocate who gets outstanding results...a top class operator [Crime]...a fantastic advocate [Inquests and Public Inquiries]...A top class operator and a commanding advocate. He's a leader in his field. He's a class act [Regulation and Professional Discipline]." Chambers & Partners/Legal 500 (2018)
Chambers & Partners/Legal 500 (2018)
"...market sources consider him one of the best silks in the country. He is routinely instructed in high-profile homicide and organised crime cases, and offers broader expertise in the areas of financial crime and sports law...Absolutely a leader in his field, a top-class advocate. He is extremely bright, excellent with clients and cerebral in his approach."
Chambers & Partners/Legal 500 (2017)
"He is the complete article, from preparation to client handling. His advocacy skills are second to none...Head and shoulders above everyone else in a courtroom, he doesn't waste a syllable and in cross-examination he gets admissions which no one else can...Measured, calm and focused."
Chambers & Partners/Legal 500 (2016)
"He's the best; if you can get him you're lucky" and "he commands respect in the courtroom."
Chambers & Partners/Legal 500 (2015)
"...the complete package"..."a prime example of a modern silk through his combination of first-class advocacy and advice with a commercial and client-oriented approach" and as "communicating with great ease at every level."
Chambers & Partners/Legal 500 (2014)
"(Has) immaculate advocacy skills."
Chambers & Partners/Legal 500 (2013)
"(Has) the rare ability to control the courtroom no matter who the tribunal" and "very industrious in the pursuit of the client's interests."
Chambers & Partners/Legal 500 (2012)
Practice Areas
Appointments & Memberships
- 2020 Silk of the Year, Regional Bar (Legal 500)
- 2016 Bencher - Inner Temple
- 2016 Recorder - Class 2
- 2012 Head of Criminal Team, New Park Court Chambers
- 2012 Director of Advocacy Training, North Eastern Circuit
- 2010 Queen's Counsel
- 2009 Criminal Junior of the Year (Chambers & Partners)
- 2002 Attorney General's Panel of Advocates (Crime)
- 1995 Tenant at New Park Court Chambers
- 1993 Call
Publications & Speaking
Recent talks include:
- Advocacy in the Court of Appeal (with Pitchford L.J)
- Changes to the Coronial System
- Jury advocacy
Related News
- Paul Greaney QC discusses how to prepare for a Public Inquiry.
- Paul Greaney QC and Nicholas de la Poer QC prepare for closing stage of the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry
- Paul Greaney QC leads the rankings for top tier set New Park Court in Chambers and Partners 2022.
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