Daniel Higgins

Introduction

Daniel is a criminal barrister with a formidable reputation, whether he's defending or prosecuting serious offences.

Daniel’s analytical approach to cases, along with his approachable manner, together instil confidence in his clients. He has an engaging courtroom style – and his handling of witnesses, particularly experts or those with vulnerabilities, is exceptional.

When defending, Daniel appears in the most serious of cases, instructed in his own right in allegations of attempted murder, rape and other serious sexual offences (often committed against children), large scale drugs conspiracies and financial crimes. He is also led in allegations of murder and other serious offences.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERTISE

Daniel is a Grade 3 level prosecutor on the CPS Advocates Panel. He is regularly instructed by the Special Casework Unit, and prosecutes multi-handed cases concerning financial crime, wide-ranging and complex drugs conspiracies, serious violence and sexual offences.

Daniel often appears in cases concerning allegations of serious and complex fraud, money laundering and other financial crimes. The evidence in these cases is often voluminous, but he is able to focus on issues and present evidence and arguments clearly and concisely.

Read more about background and experience

Before coming to the Bar, Daniel worked for a large financial organisation, developing guidelines for investment funds and operating compliance programmes. This gives him an insight into how such organisations work.

Daniel undertakes appeal work, often when instructed by people who have been represented by others at first instance. In the Court of Appeal, his success has resulted in convictions being quashed, and sentences reduced.

Although Daniel is most often engaged in serious and complex cases in the Crown Court, he understands the importance of every allegation to the client – and that has brought him considerable success in allegations of road traffic offences. These allegations are often a client’s only experience of the court system, so it is vital that they have someone who understands their needs and can present their case in the best way.

Notable cases

R v C, 2018

Led junior in high profile six week trial involving the double attempted murder of wife, and endangerment of children, by means of (a) tampering with the domestic gas supply, and (b) tampering with the wife’s parachute. Daniel had to undertake detailed and extensive cross examination of experts in gas fittings and tool-marks. Winchester Crown Court

News story here

R v H, 2017

Successfully defended in trial involving allegations that the Defendant had carried out serious sexual offences against the younger sister of his (ex) partner. Daniel had to deal with extensive evidence against the defendant, which came from various witnesses of fact as well as electronic evidence, and he was praised by the Judge for his sensitive handling of the case. St Albans Crown Court

R v A, 2017

Two week prosecution of defendant accused of an offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, on the basis that a police officer’s leg was broken when it was alleged that the defendant was resisting arrest. Complex legal argument was engaged relating to issues which included the legality of arrest, causation, and recklessness. St Albans Crown Court.

R v M and O, 2017

Prosecuted, as junior alone, two defendants accused of attempted murder of a victim who was seeking to assist with the removal of one of the defendant’s possessions from a flat. He was struck over the head with a bottle and stabbed a number of times. St Albans Crown Court.

News story here

Read more Notable cases

R v B, 2017

Inner London Crown Court.

News story here.

R v W & others, 2015 and 2016

Daniel, as led junior, was instructed by Special Casework Unit to prosecute large scale and complex multi-handed Class A drugs conspiracies.

Harrow Crown Court.

R v G, 2016

Successful prosecution of a serving police officer sexually assaulting a female colleague whilst on duty.

Southwark Crown Court.

News story here.

R v M & Others, 2016

Represented an alleged conspirator in a multi-handed £2.5 million international investment fraud. Following a four-week trial, DM was acquitted of the main allegation.

Southwark Crown Court.

News story here.

R v C & Others, 2016

Junior to Abbas Lakha QC represented the defendant, who, along with others, was accused of conspiring to commit breaches of immigration law following an investigation by BBC Panorama. This involved over 800 foreign students, where visas to remain in the UK to study were fraudulently applied for. This was done through the obtaining of falsified educational qualifications and bank documents, and, in particular, through the use of fake or proxy sitters who would take English speaking exams on behalf of the students.

Southwark Crown Court.

News story here.