Anthony Berry KC
Introduction
A heavy criminal practice with a predominance of defence work. In recent years he has concentrated on murder and fraud although he has undertaken cases involving serious sexual crime, drug importations and conspiracies as well as election fraud. He is experienced in conducting high profile cases.
Background and expertise
Since taking silk in 1994, he has established a heavyweight criminal practice, mainly in London. He appeared for one of the hijackers in the Stansted hijacking case (Old Bailey) as well as the two-year trial known as the Jubilee Line Extension Fraud (Old Bailey).
He appeared in the High Court of Malawi, instructed by the DPP, to prosecute the Vice President for Conspiracy to Murder the President as well as Treason by planning to overthrow the Government by murdering members of the Cabinet.
Anthony is also a tenant at 7 Harrington Street Chambers (Liverpool)
Notable cases
Representing one of three defendants charged with murder and arson following drugs feud. The victim was doused in petrol and set alight. Trial lasted 10 weeks. Preston Crown Court.
News report here.
Conducted the re-trial between January and April 2021 of the alleged murder of robbery victim who fought back. Victim, who was a rapper from Manchester, was shot at close range. Liverpool Crown Court.
Represented one of five defendants charged with murder. Defendants travelled from Southampton to Wakefield to retrieve property from deceased. Leeds Crown Court.
News report here.
Defended man for strangling his partner and then stabbing her twenty times in heart and neck. Wolverhampton Crown Court.
News report here
Client acquitted of Murder of a boy at a Brixton youth club. Convicted of Manslaughter as alternative. Central Criminal Court.
News report here
Defended youth for murder of a drug dealer who had been lured to his girlfriend’s home. St. Albans Crown Court.
News report here
Defended a head gamekeeper of a shooting estate in North Wales who was tried for manslaughter by reason of gross negligence. A semi automatic shotgun that was carried in his vehicle went off, killing another gamekeeper seated in the rear. The jury were unable to agree on the first trial. Caernarfon Crown Court.
News report here
Defended a young man charged with murder. He was said to be a member of a Manchester gang which hunted down members of a Moss Side gang and attacked them with knives. Serious injuries were sustained and one young man was killed. LM ran the defence of alibi. Manchester Crown Court
Client faced charge of Conspiracy to cause GBH along with several others said to be members of a travellers’ community. A drugs deal with another such group went badly wrong which, late at night, led to an invasion of the second group’s camp where there were many women and children. It was claimed that L and his associates arrived brandishing and firing shotguns. One young man was shot at point blank range. Northampton Crown Court.
News report here
A dispute between Liverpool drugs gangs in relation to a substantial importation led to the victim being beaten, extensively tortured over several hours and then murdered. His mutilated body was found in a burnt out car in the city. Convicted of assisting an offender, the client was acquitted of murder and manslaughter. Liverpool Crown Court.
M acquitted of murder after a two week trial following the stabbing of a man on the streets of Manchester. Manchester Crown Court.
Murder of an NHS worker during the Covid lockdown. Central Criminal Court.
Read more Notable cases
OTHER ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS
Golf, tennis, real tennis, Harlequins FC and Surrey CC
Professional commentary and attribution
"A superb advocate, who is mesmerising to listen to in court. His judgement in criminal cases is so finely tuned that he never ever puts a foot wrong." (Chambers UK, 2024)
"An impressive silk with vast experience."
"A delightful opponent who always builds up a good rapport with the jury." (Chambers UK, 2023)
"Anthony is a brilliant advocate who can, with charm, destroy the credibility of witnesses and win over juries with eloquent advocacy." (Legal 500, 2023)
"A classic old school advocate who knows his stuff backwards." (Chambers UK, 2022)
"A powerful advocate-he is everything juries expect a QC to be. Articulate and a real presence. Juries love him." (Legal 500, 2022)
"Great at getting on with juries, he knows how to build a rapport with them." (Chambers UK, 2021)
"A very impressive and eloquent trial advocate. His advocacy is first class and he has a wonderful manner with the jury. He is a very commanding presence in court and his ability to distil complex legal and factual issues rapidly, succinctly and persuasively is one of his very best attributes." (Legal 500, 2021)
"A superb defence silk at the top of his game" (Legal 500, 2020)
"He has a wealth of experience and is strategic, savvy and has a very pleasing manner in front of the jury." (Chambers UK, 2020)
"His ability enables him to make the job look easy.’"(Legal 500, 2018)
"He has a devastating technique in cross-examination and disarming charm."
(Legal 500, 2017)
"A veteran of murder cases." (Legal 500, 2016)
"Offers pragmatic legal advice and demonstrates prowess in defending individuals faced with serious criminal charges including murder."
Strengths:"A doyen of the Criminal Bar who is loved by solicitors and who is able to charm jurors with his easy style" ... "He works incredibly hard and is really effective in court."(Chambers UK, 2016)
"Regularly instructed in murder trials ... he is also experienced in fraud and corruption cases."
"He is a really polished performer. He has got many years of experience, and it shows. He gets to his feet and people sit up and listen."
"He is just brilliant at cross-examination and fantastic with clients."
(Chambers UK, 2015)
"Recommended for defending murder charges." (Legal 500 2015)
PROFILE: Anthony Berry KC
Year called
1976
Silk
1994
Specialisms
Crime
Confiscation / POCA
Corporate Offences
Financial Crime
Fraud, Bribery & Corruption
Serious Crime
Sexual offences
Disciplinary
Corporate Offences
International
International Terrorism
Inquests / public inquiries
Military
Military
Direct access
Yes
Contact
020 7489 2727
Education
Downside School
Lincoln College, Oxford
College of Law, London
Memberships
Criminal Bar Association
International Bar Association
European Criminal Bar Association
Fraud Lawyers Association
Association of Commonwealth Lawyers
Association of Military Court Advocates
Appointments
Member of the Panel of Advocates at the International Criminal Court
Head of Chambers from 1999 to 2016
Head of Head of Chambers Committee, England and Wales, 2005 -2012
Recorder of Crown Court, 1995-2005
Master of the Bench, Gray's Inn
Former member of the General Council of The Bar
Former Secretary, Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales
Recognition