Introduction
Neil Hinton has been a member of KBC since just after its formation. He was admitted as a solicitor in 1984, initially gaining experience of general practice in Kent before specialising in crime. He was a solicitor with a niche criminal firm in London where he had conduct of many serious cases, from white collar fraud to murder. During that time he became frustrated with the limits on his rights of audience as a solicitor. He therefore became one of the earliest ‘solicitor advocates’ in 1995 gaining his right to appear in all criminal courts through exemption - due to the depth and breadth of his advocacy experience. After a family move to the West Country it was a short step from there to transferring to the Bar where a career in common law has followed.
Criminal Law
Neil has extensive experience in all areas of crime, both prosecuting and defending, and including homicide, serious sexual offences, firearms offences and fraud both before the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal.
He defends at Courts Martial, where his service with the Honourable Artillery Company has assisted.
He has represented many clients involved in regulatory proceedings whether before the criminal courts or professional disciplinary tribunals.
Neil has a particular expertise in motoring offences ranging from Causing Death by Dangerous Driving down to the more minor charges, which may still have considerable effect on the client through loss of licence. He has successfully presented many technical drink drive defences and ‘exceptional hardship’ arguments often on a direct access basis.
Family Law
In recent years Neil’s family law work has expanded so that it now comprises the largest part of his practice. He has considerable experience in cases involving children – both private and public. He has a particular interest in representing parents who are contesting care proceedings.
In addition he is regularly instructed to advise and represent clients in anciliary relief cases.
Civil Law
Neil’s previous experience in general practice as a solicitor has stood him in good stead in his civil law practice. He regularly deals with civil disputes involving personal injury and contract law. His conveyancing knowledge also assists in land law disputes.
He has regularly appeared before Employment Tribunals in unfair dismissal and discrimination cases.
He is well versed in the many complexities of credit hire law and part of the KBC credit hire team dealing with fast track and multi track claims.
Reported Cases & Publications
AG Reference 2 of 2004 (Reverse burden of proof.)
R v Elson 2004 (Defence factually misrepresented in summing up.)
Direct Access
Neil has for several years been authorised to take advocacy work on a direct access basis members of the public in suitable cases. He is well regarded for his ability to represent such clients being both approachable and client focused.
Personal Interests
Neil has had a longstanding obsession with Land Rovers after buying a Land Rover older than him as his first car. Since then he has owned a succession of these magnificent vehicles – but never more than 5 at a time. Understandably he has also acquired considerable experience of repairing Land Rovers during this time.
Neil has always enjoyed outdoor pursuits which have ranged from rugby to shooting to parachuting to soldiering. He increasingly enjoys ‘sitting down’ activities, such as off road driving and wilderness expeditions in his canoe.
Terms of Instruction
Mr Hinton's terms of business are the Standard Contractual Terms for the Supply of Legal Services by Barristers to Authorised Persons 2012 or such other terms as have been agreed. A copy of the standard terms can be downloaded using the following link.
