Piers Norsworthy
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Core Practice Area: Crime
Call: 2001
Inn: Lincoln’s Inn
Education: The University of Exeter
Appointments: The Western Circuit Representative for Devon and Cornwall
Memberships: Criminal Bar Association, The Western Circuit.
Having practised for over ten years, Piers has built up a strong client base and is regularly instructed in all aspects of criminal law. With the majority being defence work he has undertaken cases involving, amongst other areas, murder, death by dangerous driving, firearms, sexual offences, human trafficking, serious violence, all aspects of drugs possession and supply and fraud.
Whilst the majority of Piers’ work concerns criminal law, he has particular interest in certain areas of law and has undertaken work in other disciplines.
Road Traffic Offences
Piers possesses and LGV C+E licence (aka HGV Class One) permitting him to drive articulated lorries. Piers understands that for many drivers being charged with such serious offences can have a profound impact upon them and their families and is conscious that for many this is the first time that they will have been involved with the Criminal Law.
Tribunals
Piers has also undertaken work before Sporting Disciplinary Tribunals and the Care Standards Tribunal (list 99).
Judicial Review
As matters relating to trial on indictment cannot be the subject of Judicial Review such applications are rare for most criminal practitioners. However, Piers has appeared in the High Court making an application in order to correct an error of the Crown Court and the Prison Service.
Notable or reported cases
Notable Cases
Regina v. M [2005] Defence of man charged with being involved in a prison mutiny.
Regina v. L & T [2007] Prosecution of two men charged with the murder of a man by drowning.
Regina v. M [2009] Defence of a man charged with murder by stabbing. Provocation was argued in order to commute the offence to one of manslaughter.
Regina v. R [2010] Defence of a young man charged with arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. The main issue concerned the impact of prescribed drugs upon his state of mind.
Regina v. D [2011] Defence of a man charged with conspiracy to supply class ‘A’ drugs. The prosecution case was that the conspiracy was as multi million pound operation.
Regina v. C [2011] Defence of a man charged with causing death by dangerous driving, whilst in his lorry. The impact of his diabetes as a potential defence was a significant consideration.
Regina v. H [2011] Defence of a man charged with murder.
Reported Cases
Regina v. Marron [2006] Appeal against conviction on the grounds of the appearance of bullying during the jury’s deliberations.
Regina v. Purdy [2007] Appeal against conviction on the grounds of an error in the Learned Judge’s summing up to the jury.
Regina (on the Application of Webb) v. Swindon Crown Court and Secretary of State for Justice [2011] Judicial Review in order to correct an error of both Swindon Crown Court and the Prison Service regarding the length of time the Applicant should be recalled to prison.
Other Interests
The Countryside, Rugby and Politics.