Michael Skelley

Michael Skelley has established a reputation as an accomplished jury advocate. He specialises in a broad spectrum of criminal defence work. Michael brings commitment to all of his cases, distilling the evidence and developing the right tactical approach. His aim is always to bring a case to life for the jury, identifying features which are most likely to lead to an acquittal. He believes in building a rapport with his client, and a bond of professional trust with his instructing solicitors. He offers an established track record of hard work, perceptive analysis and thoughtful advocacy.

Over recent years Michael has acted as a leading junior and junior alone in a range of cases, and in particular:

Michael has also appeared before the Courts Martial, representing service personnel charged with fraud, sexual assault and violence.

Michael has recently been instructed as junior defence counsel in respect of an SFO prosecution of an alleged multi-million pound investment fraud, due for trial in 2011.

Recent Cases:
Georgiou ("K Koke") (2011): Michael Skelley was asked to represent Kevin Georgiou – better known as Stonebridge rapper K Koke - at his trial in respect of an allegation of Attempted Murder. Mr Georgiou is a performing artist who is well known in the UK underground music scene. Two months after he was signed by Jay-Z’s record label Roc Nation in January 2011, he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a shooting at Harlesden Underground Station. The victim had been shot in the back with a sawn-off shotgun. Mr Georgiou categorically denied any involvement from the outset. Michael Skelley appeared as sole junior counsel for Mr Georgiou at the trial in October 2011, when the Trial Judge ruled that there was no case to answer at the close of the Prosecution case. Mr Georgiou was acquitted on all counts.

 

Grove (2011): Michael Skelley was instructed as junior defence counsel in the team that successfully defended Robin Grove. Mr Grove was charged with a series of conspiracy to defraud and false accounting allegations, arising from a five year investigation into Vintage Hallmark by the SFO. The allegations related to an investment programme in Scotch Whisky and other alcohol products, which was said by the SFO to have been a Ponzi scheme. The SFO alleged that a ‘boiler room’ was set up in the UK which targeted wealthy North American clients by telephone sales. The scheme brought in nearly £30 million worth of investments, which was projected to have become £100 million. Robin Grove was one of the three original partners of the business, and became a Director of Vintage Hallmark PLC. He denied knowledge of and involvement in the fraudulent scheme. After a ten week trial, he was acquitted by the jury of one count of False Accounting. The Jury was unable to reach a verdict in respect of the other counts. The SFO decided not to seek a re-trial, and Mr Grove was acquitted on all counts at the end of August 2011.

 

Baker (2010) Michael successfully defended a London rap musician charged with kidnap, arising from allegations over a disputed drug debt. The case involved alleged demands for a ransom, police surveillance, and mobile telephone evidence. His client was acquitted by the jury after a two week trial.

Darlow (2010) Michael represented one of 3 family members facing historic allegations of systematic rape and child abuse during the 1970’s, who was acquitted after a two week trial.

Plews (2009) Acted as junior counsel representing a woman charged with the murder of her violent partner by stabbing him in the heart. Michael advised on the preparation of psychiatric reports in relation to provocation and diminished responsibility. The outcome was a conviction for manslaughter and a sentence of 3 years imprisonment.

Fines (2009) Represented a university student charged with two offences of section 18 wounding with intent. The client had used a hunting knife against two men, virtually disembowelling one of them. The Defendant maintained that the two men were robbing him and that he was acting in self defence. He was acquitted by the jury after a 2 week trial.

Clarke (2009) This Defendant faced an allegation of Conspiracy to Defraud. He was one of six men alleged to have been involved in making serial false insurance claims in respect of a valuable speedboat, and faking a burglary of his own home. He was one of two defendants who fought the case to trial and was acquitted by the jury.

Fairhurst (2009) This client faced DWP fraud allegations alleged to exceed £50,000. She was married to the first Defendant who had set up a business as a contractor which he maintained left him entitled to benefits. She was acquitted after a 2 week trial.

Chance (2009) Represented a property developer, who entered guilty pleas to possession of cocaine with intent to supply. The Crown sought to establish criminal benefit of £1.5 million and requested a confiscation order in the sum of £750,000 based on his property portfolio. Michael steered the proceedings through to the fully contested hearing, which resulted in a Confiscation Order of £53,000.

Baker (2008) The Defendant was a farmer charged with manslaughter following the detachment of a wheel from his agricultural trailer, killing an 86 year old pedestrian. There were difficult issues of expert evidence in relation to the state of the vehicle, and detailed issues arising from farming practice and regulation. The case went to trial and Mr Baker was acquitted by the jury.

Oyebanjo (2008) Allegation of money laundering of £1.5 million on behalf of a corrupt Nigerian state governor.

Barham (2007) Represented a Company Director facing an allegation of section 18 causing GBH with intent. He had bitten off part of the finger of a former employee during an altercation in a public house, and maintained that he was acting in self defence. He was acquitted by the jury at trial.

Knight (2007) Multiple allegations of serious sexual abuse by a father on his young children. There were concurrent High Court Care proceedings and substantial disclosure issues. The case was ultimately stayed at trial following a successful abuse of process application.

Chukanova (2006) Allegations of controlling prostitution at a number of West End brothels and people trafficking from Eastern Europe.

1985 - 1988 Trinity College Oxford, Degree in Jurisprudence, BA (Hons) 2:1.
1989 - 1990,  Employed by OC Sandler & Associates, Management Consultants, carrying out Mergers and Acquisition work, with emphasis on corporate and sector profiling.
1991, Called to the Bar by Inner Temple
1992 - 2009, Tenant at 4 King's Bench Walk, Temple 1991, Called to the Bar

Inner Temple
Criminal Bar Association