AREAS OF PRACTICE
Criminal law.

Douglas specialises in serious crime in particular murders, rapes, conspiracy, drug importation and also complex professional and commercial fraud cases and white collar crime. These cases require considerable skill in preparation and presentation in the Crown Court.

Although his practice is mainly centred around both the London area and the North Eastern circuit he is available to act around the country.

Douglas was Parliamentary under Secretary of State for the Home Office (1986-1989) responsible for prisons, life sentence tariffs, the police, firearms, police appeals, special hospitals and licensing laws.

Cases of Note

R-v- Hobin (2009) – defendant charged with manslaughter; the defence being lack of intent and self defence: an acquittal

R-v-Tarasenko (2008) – Trial followed by a re-trial:- murder by stabbing; issues including lack of intent and consequences of drink.

R-v-Morris (2009) – defendant charged with murder: involving death by shooting with a cross bow and the total dismemberment of the body of the victim and subsequent disposal around the country. Pleaded not guilty by reason of diminished responsibility.

R-v Day (2003) – defendant with others charged with the murder of the deceased who was believed to be a child molester and was alleged he was murdered by arson; substantial issues as to the admissibility of evidence and as to the propriety of the trial itself: acquittal

R-v-Iktalat (2009) – A trial lasting more that 70 days the defendant with others charged with money laundering conspiracy of over £90 million via currency exchange bureaux allegedly the product of drugs

R-v-Ali (2008) – the defendant along with others was charged with 3 counts of “evading the prohibition “on the unauthorised use of a trade mark in relation to goods order S92(1)(b) of the Trade Marks Act 1994: Acquitted

R-v-Azam (2007) – trial of a police officer for misconduct in his office: allegation that he disclosed the confidential information held on Police computers to criminals: Acquitted

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / APPOINTMENTS

Criminal Bar Association
Privy council 1992
Member of the North Eastern Circuit
MP 1979