Thomas Griffiths
CPS Grade: 2
Areas Of Specialism
Crime, Licensing, Civil
Career overview
Thomas was called to the Bar in 2016 after completion of the BPTC at the University of Law, Birmingham.
Prior to pupillage he was employed by DWF Solicitors as an ‘in house’ advocate, conducting a wide variety of civil hearings, from Application Hearings and Small Claims Trials to Costs and Case Management Conferences.
Practice Summary
Thomas practices in all areas of criminal defence and prosecution.
He also has experience with a wide variety of civil cases, specifically Credit Hire and Personal Injury arising out of road traffic collisions.
Further, he has experience in defending and prosecuting licensing matters (taxi and premises) at first instance and on appeal.
Details of practice
Crime:
He has also been instructed on behalf of West Midlands Police, West Mercia Police, National Probation Service, HMRC, UK Border Force, RSPCA and the Home Office alongside the CPS.
Thomas has received instructions in a wide variety of cases including dishonesty, drugs, sexual offences, violence, firearms and motoring offences.
He also assists the training of police officers from Northamptonshire Police in giving evidence at court.
Notable Cases:
- R v J (2024) – Secured a suspended sentenced for a client charged with Participating in the Activities of an Organised Crime Group (Co-Defendant’s received sentence of 3-11 years imprisonment).
- R v S (2023) – Secured a suspended sentence for an offence of Conspiracy to Defraud (multi million pounds). Lead offenders received sentences of 8 years imprisonment +.
- R v X (2021) – Prosecution relating to violence at Star City, Birmingham (reported by BBC).
- R v S (2021) – Successful defence at trial of a male charged with fraud valued at £300,000.
- R v R (2019) – Successful defence of a female, jointly charged with two others, alleged to have assaulted a 13-year-old girl, dismissed after a successful half time submission.
- R v X (2018) – Successful prosecution of a male accused of assault in a domestic setting. Witnesses involved the complainant’s 8-year-old daughter.
Defence instructions have also included complex sentencing matters and motoring cases involving special reasons and exceptional hardship arguments. Thomas has considerable experience in motoring matters and actively seeks instructions in this area.
Civil
Thomas has appeared on behalf of Claimants and Defendants in a wide range of hearings in the County Court and High Court, across all tracks. He has particular experience in Credit Hire matters and Personal Injury arising out of road traffic collisions. He also has experience in Civil Committal Hearings due to the crossover with his criminal practice.
Notable Cases :
- M v SA Ltd (2021) – Successful defence in an RTA Fast Track Trial where the Court awarded the defendant’s costs after trial.
- S v A (2021) – Represented a defendant in an RTA including allegations of fundamental dishonesty.
Licensing:
Thomas has considerable experience in licencing matters (taxi and premises) before the sub-committee and appeals in the Magistrates Court and Crown Court, nationwide. Instructions have been both from the Local Authority and the Licensee in all areas (grant, review and revocation).
Furthermore, he has experience regarding licences within Cumulative Impact Zones and has been successful in obtaining premises licences for businesses within such areas, despite significant opposition.
Podcasts
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videos
Further Information
Awards:
- Middle Temple Rose Scholarship – 2015
- University of Law Advocacy Scholarship – 2016
Memberships:
Criminal Bar Association
Midland Circuit