Benn Maguire

A reputation for being a formidable advocate, Benn Maguire is meticulous in his preparation and commanding on his feet, juries just love him.

Overview 

Benn Maguire has a continuing reputation as a formidable advocate.  Whilst he undertakes both prosecution and defence work, he is particularly noted for his very successful defence work, both public and private. He is a favourite with the best criminal law firms and, as a highly respected leading junior, Benn regularly leads in all areas of criminal work including homicide, money-laundering, drugs importation (including one of the largest cases in history), historic child abuse and confiscation matters (under the Proceeds of the Crime Act). His tenacious and tactical approach to his appellate work has secured a number of unexpected reversals of fortune for clients.

Experience 

Benn’s involvement in the Victoria Station murder, the murder of Sally-Anne Bowman and R v Uzoma-Ubani & others (a multi-million pound fraud) established his robust reputation as an impressive criminal advocate. He was also instructed in the News of the World ‘hacking’ case and successfully defended a member of the Household Cavalry charged with homicide, a merchant banker acquitted of assault charges, a company director found not guilty of perjury and represented an alleged drug supplier following his successful appeal to the Court of Appeal. Benn's practice has seen a proliferation of media-sensitive cases, for instance securing the acquittal of a headmaster at a prestigious private school, accused of sexual assault.  He has experience of a broad spectrum of criminal matters, including homicide, grave sexual offences and drugs offences.

Benn adopts a cradle-to-grave approach.  He advises from the earliest stages, ensuring that individuals are not charged with allegations following police investigation.  He continues representation to the final stages, applying his tenacious and tactical approach to his appellate work and securing a number of unexpected reversals of fortune.

His advice and representation are sought by top-tier law firms with an international presence, terrestrial TV channels, production companies and high net worth individuals. 

He advises newspapers in relation to the potential criminal implications of the activities of journalists and their articles. For example, he provided advice in relation to the reporting of Madeline McCann and Mark Saunders (barrister shooting).

Benn has lectured commercial firms and their clients on the Bribery Act and has advised on allegations of bribery in contracts worth more than US$100m to the Iraqi government. Benn has also advised UK pension funds on allegations of corruption.

He has represented individuals in confiscation applications under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Drug Trafficking Act and Criminal Justice Act.

He has advised individuals on the merits of pursuing private prosecutions against a wide variety of people including politicians and celebrities.

He advises and represents individuals appealing against wrongful conviction, having been represented at trial by other advocates.

There is an embargo on the use of documents used in family proceedings in criminal courts without leave of the Family Court. Benn has successfully applied for permission to use relevant documents on numerous occasions.

Benn’s expertise is broad and his experience vast.  His approach is determined and his court presence, commanding.  He is the go-to senior junior for serious crime.

Notable Cases

R v Goodman (2014)
Represented the journalist Clive Goodman in the News of the World phone hacking and corruption case.

R v McCormick (2013)
Benn Maguire represented James McCormick accused of fraud, a director of a company selling fake bomb detectors.He was also instructed in ongoing appeal and confiscation proceedings. 

R v Uzoma-Ubani & Others (2012)
Prosecuted a multi-million pound fraud that allegedly targeted 'sensitive' targets around the world. The Defendants were convicted.

R v DA (2012)
TV personality and actress acquitted of fraudulently applying for a parking permit following a private prosecution pursued by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

R v Christie (2011)
Olympic Gold Medal winner acquitted of Dangerous Driving having driven on the on-coming carriageway and colliding with a taxi carrying newlyweds from their wedding reception.

R v Akra & Or's (2011)
The Victoria Station murder.

R v T (2011)
Chief Operating Officer of the Telecom company owned by Peter Jones (Dragon's Den) acquitted of sexual assault on two employees.

R v Gooda (2009)
Trooper with the 'Blues & Royals' acquitted of unlawfully killing a male at a bar.

R v Dixie (2008)
Instructed to represent Mark Dixie at his trial for the murder of Sally Anne Bowman at the Central Criminal Court. 

Reviews

Chambers UK 2022: Crime – Band 2

'A brilliantly innovative barrister who has real presence in court.' Chambers UK Crime (2022)

'A brilliant jury advocate who has a commanding presence in court.' Chambers UK Crime (2021)

‘He pitches the case at the correct tone throughout, striking a reasoned balance between fierce prosecuting and a fair attribution of the roles played by different defendants.’ Chambers UK Crime (2020)

'Has a great eye for detail and fantastic strategic vision.' Chambers UK Crime (2019)

'He is able to get the real nuts and bolts of a case very quickly and commands the respect of judges and juries.' Chambers UK (2018)

'Benn's a tremendous advocate. He's one of those barristers in court that everyone seems to spin around.' Chambers UK (2017)'

'A ‘strong junior’ who specialises in defending those accused of serious crime, including cases of homicide, historic sex abuse and firearms offences. Highly regarded by his peers, he is also known for his work on appellate matters.' Chambers UK (2017)

'He has enormous charm in court – juries adore him.' Legal 500 (2017)

'He is very able practitioner who is head and shoulders above a standard junior of his call.' Chambers UK (2016)

'He takes a steely approach to his cases.' Legal 500, 2015

​'The 'fearless and charismatic' Benn Maguire 'always gives 100% of himself to ensure the best result for a client.' His 'burgeoning practice' covers defence and prosecution work and he boasts an impressive appellate practice to boot.'  Chambers UK (2013)

'Statesman-like on his feet.' Legal 500 (2013)