Nicolas Tatlow
CPS Grade: 4
Direct Access
Accredited by the Bar Council and in suitable cases he is happy to accept instructions direct from members of the public. Please see the Direct Access section of this website for further information.
Areas Of Specialism
Drugs & Gang-Related Offences, Murder & Manslaughter, Road Traffic, Sexual Offences
Career overview
In 1987 moved to the Newcastle under Lyme office of Young & Co., became a partner and head of the criminal department. Acted as duty solicitor and was a member of the Duty Solicitor Committee. In addition to general criminal practice, also undertook regulatory work for a number of corporate and institutional clients. In particular, was regularly instructed as agent by the Health and Safety Executive in serious cases, usually those involving fatalities or issues of substantial public interest. Instructed as agent by the Department of Trade and Industry in personal and corporate insolvency cases. 1995, was awarded Higher Rights of Audience in criminal cases, one of the first solicitors to complete the new qualification process. Transferred to the Bar in 1996 and joined no. 4 Fountain Court.
Practice Summary
A grade 4 CPS prosecutor who is instructed to prosecute and defend in a wide variety of criminal matters including homicide and offences of violence with significant experience in sensitive cases. Also a member of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASSO) Panel.
Details of practice
Instructs in the following criminal matters: homicide, offences of violence, drug offences, all forms of dishonesty, allegations of rape and other sexual offences against adults & children. Has significant experience of dealing with sensitive cases of various kinds: for example, prosecution of serving police officers, defendants vulnerable by reason of youth or mental health issues.
Has experience of dealing with applications for firearm certificates, and for hackney carriage and private hire taxi operator’s licences.
Whilst employed at CPS and as a defence solicitor, gained substantial experience of road traffic matters dealt with at the Magistrates’ Court, particularly tachograph cases, drink-driving, ‘special reasons’ arguments, and early return of licence applications. Since transferring to the Bar, has been involved (both prosecuting and defending) in numerous cases of dangerous driving, including cases where death has resulted.
Murder and manslaughter
Recent instructions have included:
- Junior for the Crown, and for the defence, in several (separate) murder trials.
- Successfully secured an exceptional nine year reduction to the usual mandatory minimum prison term of 30 years in the case of Trevor, who had pleaded to murder, vaginal rape and anal rape. Trevor strangled, raped and stabbed Megan Newton, an old school acquaintance, after a night out with class mates in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre on 29th April 2019. He was heavily intoxicated with drink and a large amount of the Class B drug Ketamine.
Road Traffic
Recent instructions have included:
- Represented and prosecuted various defendants in cases of death by dangerous driving.
- Prosecuted an on-duty police officer for dangerous driving in the course of a pursuit.
Drugs & Gang-Related Offences
Recent instructions have included:
- Instructed to prosecute large heroin retailing case.
- Instructed to prosecute case of Class A drug supply, involving the death of a drug user.
- Instructed to prosecute case involving large-scale car ringing, 14 defendants.
- Represented a defendant charged in connection with the distribution of 5kg of heroin.
Sexual Offences
Recent instructions have included:
- Represented a defendant charged with rape of a number of prostitutes.
- Represented the main defendant in a multi-defendant case, numerous allegations of familial sexual offences.
- Represented a defendant charged with serious sexual offences against his niece and daughter over many years.
Financial crime:
Recent instructions have included:
- Represented a defendant who had been cashier in a large national company, alleged fraud; case included evidence from forensic accountants.