• 'He has a very effective and relaxed jury style. Tactically, he is one of the best silks around.'  Chambers UK 2023
  • 'A universally well-regarded silk who can take control of the court easily.' Chambers UK 2022
  • 'Excellent with clients, dependable and thorough in his preparation.' Legal 500 2018
  • "He is a real leading criminal silk and can understand complicated business matters in a fusion point between criminal and commercial work." Chambers UK 2024

 

Philip Evans KC

Called to the Bar:1995

Silk:2016

  • A Silk sought out for his astute judgement and responsive client care; he is recognised for the commitment and confidence he brings to a case.

    Corporate & Financial Crime

    Philip is regularly instructed for Companies and Individuals, whether facing Investigation by a Prosecuting entity or seeking general advice on matters such as fraud (civil and criminal), potential criminal liability arising from corporate activities and confiscation. His work in this field frequently extends to foreign jurisdictions; he was recently instructed by two corporates and four individual defendants in a market abuse trial taking place in India.

    Philip was instructed to defend a bribery and corruption trial against the SFO in 2018 and has recently appeared in a three-month bribery trial at Southwark Crown Court.  He has particular expertise in gambling law and the regulations surrounding anti money laundering and terrorist financing.  

    Crime

    Philip has significant expertise in serious and complex crime. He has appeared for both the Defence and the Prosecution in some of the highest profile criminal matters and across the full spectrum of offences often involving multiple parties and jurisdictions and matters requiring sensitivity. He has particular expertise in cases involving homicide and serious and historical sexual offending – he is authorized to sit as a Crown Court Judge in cases involving serious sexual offences.  He is a team player, fantastically responsive to the case, the client and the needs of both. always delivering what is required in court.

    Regulatory 

    Philip Evans KC uses the experience he has gleaned from a career in General Crime and Professional Regulation to provide specialist advice to companies and professionals facing investigation and to regulators and prosecuting authorities who may be considering bringing charges. He does so across a vast array of disciplines, alleged misconduct, criminal offences and in all forms and tiers of tribunal.

    Philip has unique expertise in the regulation of gambling and advises in relation to all aspects of the Gambling Act. He brings experience at the interface of crime and gambling advising those as they navigate such allegations. Over recent years he has increasingly been instructed to act for large remote gambling providers who have faced regulatory review by the gambling commission.  He has also appeared for those operators in contentious regulatory proceedings. 

    Gambling Licensing and Disputes

    Philip has extensive experience in the field of gambling regulation and the law surrounding it. He has acted in a number of betting integrity cases and has an excellent understanding of betting and how the betting industry operates.

    Philip is instructed by the UK Gambling Commission during investigations and appears both before their regulatory panel and the First Tier Tribunal.  He regularly provides advice to all parties with regards to areas which include: anti-money laundering compliance; anti-terrorist funding; social responsibility obligations; appropriate measures to be taken by operators during investigation; and he reviews and advises on the best approach for operators facing such proceedings. He appears before the regulatory panel of the UKGC in regulatory proceedings on behalf of licence holders.  He has experience advising operators who are not involved in regulatory review, but who seek advice as part of their approach to regulatory best practice, appropriate policy development, and compliance with matters such as AML; safer gambling and social responsibility obligations with a view.

    Reviews

    Chambers UK 2024: Crime – Band 1, Financial Crime - Band 4

    Legal 500 2024: Crime – Tier 3; Sports – Tier 3

    ‘Philip is a bright, competitive and analytical barrister, equally at home prosecuting or defending. He is tactically very astute, seeing the bigger picture in complicated and multi-handed cases, and his advocacy is calm and persuasive and his cross-examination forensic. He is a silk out of the top drawer.' Legal 500 Crime (2024)

    "Philip is an advocate's advocate who is able to pull together disparate strands of evidence into a story that makes sense. He's the author of some very compelling advocacy." Chambers UK Crime (2024)

    "He is a real leading criminal silk and can understand complicated business matters in a fusion point between criminal and commercial work." Chambers UK Financial Crime (2024)

    Chambers UK 2023: Crime – Band 1

    Legal 500 2023: Crime – Tier 3; Sports – Tier 3

    'He has a very effective and relaxed jury style. Tactically, he is one of the best silks around.' Chambers UK 2023

    'Great sense of fairness and excellent people handling skills.’  Legal 500 Sport (2023)

    'Smooth and unflappable. Superb jury advocate. Excellent lawyer’. Legal 500 Crime (2023)

    'A universally well-regarded silk who can take control of the court easily.' Chambers UK Crime (2022)

    'Philip is an extremely talented barrister. His court skill is matched only by his written work, both of which are outstanding. He has an excellent work ethic, fantastic communication and an exceptional eye for detail.' Legal 500 Crime (2022)

    'An extremely able lawyer who has a wonderful court manner - juries just love him. He wins people over with his talent, persuasive arguments and charm. An impressive advocate and a hard worker.' Chambers UK Crime (2021)

    'A great advocate, charming, unflappable and very able. A measured yet strong cross-examiner.' Legal 500 Crime (2021)

    'Incredibly bright and his cross-examinations are fantastic.' Legal 500 Sport (2021)

    ‘Very diligent, intelligent and good at client management.’ Chambers UK Crime (2020)

    ‘He is able to win the trust and confidence of any client extremely quickly.’ Legal 500 Crime (2020)

    ‘Incredibly bright and his cross-examinations are fantastic.’ Legal 500 Sport (2020)

    ‘Excellent with clients, dependable and thorough in his preparation.’ Legal 500 Crime (2018)

    ‘Very good, especially in horse racing matters.’ Legal 500 Sport (2018)

    ‘Instructed in international corruption cases.’ Legal 500 Business and Regulatory Crime (2017)

    ‘He will always stand his ground.’ Legal 500 Crime (2017)

    ‘He has significant style, robustness and confidence about his advice and advocacy.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2017)

    ‘Blunt when he needs to be; he will always stand his ground.’ Legal 500 Sport (2017)

    ‘He is a talented barrister ... someone that you feel is on top of things. ... He is superbly responsive.’ Chambers UK Crime (2016)

    ‘He is excellent with clients and has great tactical judgement.’ Legal 500 Crime (2016)

    ‘Sought after for his experience in high-profile and serious trials.’ Legal 500 Crime (2015)

    ‘He is easy to work with and authoritative in court.’ Legal 500 Sports (2015)

    Professional Memberships

    • Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
    • British Association for Sport and Law
    • Criminal Bar Association
    • Philip undertakes work on behalf of the Bar Pro Bono Unit and regularly advises Cardiff University Pro-Bono Department 

    Education

    • LLB (Hons) (University of Wales)
    • MA (Southampton)

       

    Recent Cases

    News

    • Philip Evans KC re-appointed as a member of the Football Association Judicial Panel

      We are delighted to announce that Philip Evans KC has been re-appointed as a member of the The Football Association Judicial Panel as Specialist Panel Member.The FA Judicial Panel is made up of several individuals selected to hear cases or appeals in conn...

      ...
    • Philip Evans QC chaired initial RFU disciplinary panel into alleged Barbarian Covid-19 breaches

      Philip Evans QC chaired the RFU’s directions hearing into thirteen Barbarian players who were charged with coronavirus protocol breaches. The Barbarian game against England was cancelled as a result of the breaches.Players faced charges including al...

      ...
    • Man jailed for manslaughter for death occurring 15 years after initial assault

       On 9 November 2020, John Doak was imprisoned for three years for killing his own son. The case, unusually, arose from an incident in 2001, wherein Mr Doak’s 3 month old baby son Jack had suffered the ‘triad’ of subdural haemorrhages, en...

      ...
    • Philip Evans QC nominated for Lifetime Achievement in Bar Pro Bono Awards 2020

      Philip Evans QC has been nominated for the Sydney Elland Goldsmith Award for a Lifetime Achievement in Pro Bono,  The  nomination is part of the Bar Pro Bono Awards 2020, sponsored by LexisNexis.Since 1997 the Bar Pro Bono Awards have been given every yea...

      ...
    • Philip Evans QC appointed Recorder

      QEB Hollis Whiteman is delighted to announce that Philip Evans QC has been appointed as a Recorder on the South Eastern Circuit, Crime Division with effect from 16 September 2019. 

      ...
    • Final Hatton Garden suspect guilty of conspiracy to burgle; Philip Evans QC and Arabella MacDonald prosecuting

      Michael Seed, nick-named 'Basil', played a central role in the £14m raid.

      ...
    • Philip Evans QC discusses his work with the Cardiff Innocence Project

      Philip helped the Project to quash the wrongful conviction of a man who served three and half years in prison.

      ...
    • Philip Evans QC and Tim Naylor work with Cardiff University Innocence Project to overturn wrongful conviction

      The Court of Appeal handed down its judgment quashing Gareth Jones' conviction.

      ...
    • QEB Hollis Whiteman and Mourant Financial Services & Regulatory Forum

      Joint event hosted on 2nd October at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Jersey.

      ...
    • Philip Evans QC and Philip Stott prosecute Hatton Garden burglars

      John Kenneth Collins, Terence Perkins, Daniel Jones and Brian Reader were ordered to pay sums varying from £6.5 to 8 million.

      ...
    • Philip Evans QC is ranked as a Leader in his Field in Chambers UK Bar Directory 2018

      Details of the rankings and commentaries will be published in November 2017 in the Chambers UK Bar Directory 2018.

      ...
    • Philip Evans QC has been appointed as the Rugby Football Union's second independent Head of Rugby Judiciary.

      Philip will take over the role from Sir James Dingemans who stepped down at the end of this season.Philip has been a member of the RFU's independent judiciary since 2009, sitting as chairman on panels both at first instance and at appeal level. He has giv...

      ...
    • Philip Evans QC and Philip Stott prosecute Mayfair jewellery burglary featuring Hatton Garden offenders

      The trial is of Terence Perkins, accused of the burglary of a Bond Street jewellers called Chatila in 2010.

      ...
    • Philip Evans takes Silk

      QEB Hollis Whiteman member Philip Evans today had the rank of Queen’s Counsel formally bestowed upon him by Lord Chancellor, Michael Gove QC, in the traditional ceremony at Westminster Hall. Philip’s promotion brings the number of Silks at QEB...

      ...
    • Three found guilty in Hatton Garden jewellery trial

      Three of the four defendants being tried at Woolwich Crown Court for the Hatton Garden jewellery raid were today found guilty. QEB Hollis Whiteman members Philip Evans and Philip Stott represented the prosecution and Nicholas Corsellis acted for the fi...

      ...
    • Philip Evans appointed Queen's Counsel

      QEB Hollis Whiteman is delighted to announce that Philip Evans has been appointed Queen's Counsel in the new silk appointments announced on 8th January 2016. Philip will formally be appointed as silk on Monday 22nd February 2016.

      ...
    • QEB Hollis Whiteman members in Hatton Garden trial

      Philip Evans appears as leading counsel for the prosecution, assisted by Philip Stott and Nick Corsellis appears as leading counsel for the first and main defendant. 

      ...
    • Philip Evans appointed to EPCR Disciplinary Panel

      QEB Hollis Whiteman barrister Philip Evans has been appointed as a member of the European Professional Club Rugby Disciplinary Panel for the 201516 competition. Philip has been on the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Disciplinary Panel for a number of years ...

      ...
    • Phil Evans and Tom Coke-Smyth represent families of servicemen at 'friendly fire' inquest

      QEB Hollis Whiteman barristers Phil Evans and Tom Coke-Smyth (a former parachute regiment officer) represent the families of Capt Tom Sawyer and Cpl Danny Winter at the inquest into their deaths while serving in Afghanistan in 2009.   The servicemen are a...

      ...
    • British Horseracing Authority announces date for McGrath corruption hearing - Phil Evans and Tim Naylor to represent BHA

      The BHA have announced that the hearing of charges of breaching betting rules against jockey Richie McGrath, former trainer Kate Walton and five others has been provisionally fixed for 11 November. Phil Evans and Tim Naylor of QEB Hollis Whiteman, who ...

      ...

    Articles

    • A practical guide to Gambling Commission enforcement action

      Philip Evans QC & Kyan Pucks along with Nick Nocton & Adam Epstein from Mish Con De Reya co author a practical guide to Gambling Commission enforcement action for EGR Compliance. The article can be accessed in PDF form Read more

    • Eye-Witness and CCTV Evidence in Conflict

      High-quality CCTV and smart phone footage which captures alleged criminal activity is now a regular part of many criminal trials. Philip Evans QC and Kerry Broome consider in what circumstances eye-witnesses can be shown CCTV footage in advance of t

    • The Gambling Commission: Constructive Engagement

      For gambling companies, the Covid-19 crisis has further intensified political and regulatory scrutiny of their activities and increased the possibility of interactions with the GB regulator. Adam Epstein of Mishcon de Reya, together with Philip Evans QC a...

    • Gambling Commission Report: Far More Than an End of Year Report Card

      The Gambling Commission's enforcement report makes for essential reading for industry lawyers and compliance officers at gambling operators alike.

    • All change for Commercial Gambling?

      Philip Evans QC and Tom Orpin-Massey wrote for the New Law Journal on the UK Gambling Commission’s revised suite of enforcement documents.

    • UKGC's new enforcement suite: a quiet revolution?

      Philip Evans QC and Tom Orpin-Massey wrote for the iGaming Business magazine on the UK Gambling Commission’s revised enforcement policy documents. 

    • War & Peace

      Philip Evans QC and Tom Coke-Smyth consider the application of the rule of law to the military in an article in the New Law Journal

      View Article

       

  • Corporate and Financial Crime

    A Silk with a career built on Complex and Serious Crime, Philip Evans KC brings his ability to manage vast and intricate evidence and his reputation for robust and commanding advocacy to the Corporate & Financial Crime forum with great effect.

    Overview 

    Philip is regularly instructed for Companies and Individuals, whether facing Investigation by a Prosecuting entity or seeking general advice on matters such as fraud (civil and criminal), potential criminal liability arising from corporate activities and confiscation. His work in this field frequently extends to foreign jurisdictions; he was recently instructed by two corporates and four individual defendants in a market abuse trial taking place in India.

    Philip was instructed to defend a bribery and corruption trial against the SFO in 2018 and has recently appeared in a three-month bribery trial at Southwark Crown Court.  He has particular expertise in gambling law and the regulations surrounding anti money laundering and terrorist financing.  

    Experience

    Philip’s experience of complex serious financial crime covers a vast spectrum of offences and has involved him appearing at the highest level for both the defence and the prosecution, both in the UK and other jurisdictions.

    He has recent experience of complex market abuse and corruption cases; he was instructed by Lawyers in India and by a US Firm in London to act for all defendants, both corporate (two Companies) and individual (four including Ravikant Ruia), in one of the largest trials to have taken place in India.

    He acted for the defence, culminating in a trial and re-trial against the SFO over a four-year period. 

    As an expert in confiscation Philip has also been instructed by private individuals who are victims (for example: Lord Rothschild) to protect their interests throughout proceedings.

    Philip has prosecuted a number of serious fraud & money laundering matters for the CPS on the basis of his pre-silk status on both the CPS Fraud Panel and Organised Crime Panel;  he recently led for the prosecution on a case concerning the laundering of more than £60m through China and Afghanistan using a fraudulent accounting system, for the purposes of terrorism and is currently instructed in a Cryptocurrency money laundering matter. 

    Philip has extensive trial and advisory experience in matters concerning health and safety investigations and has appeared in several cases involving significant health and safety related fatalities. He has used the expertise gained to advise and act for individuals and companies on a wide spectrum of related matters.

    He has appeared at trial on numerous occasions both as a junior and as leading Counsel in complex Health and Safety cases where homicide is alleged, alongside other general health and safety offences. The cases he has been involved in have all presented extremely difficult factual scenarios and presented complex legal issues in the field of Health and Safety.

    Philip appeared in a three-month health and safety trial at the Central Criminal Court. The subject matter of the trial was the prosecution of a company and an individual following the death of a young woman from carbon monoxide poisoning in her flat that the defendants had been involved in building. The poisoning arose as a result of breached flue from the gas boiler. The case involved a complex industry dispute and civil proceedings as to the design and effectiveness of the flue. There was wide-ranging examination of the gas industry and new developments within it, the case involved a total of 25 experts from all areas, including health and safety, building regulations, carbon monoxide poisoning, gas industry practice, the properties of polypropylene and the construction industry.

    Philip’s experience of corporate and financial crime and regulation extends to the forum of gambling and its regulation. Philip has niche experience in the defence and prosecution of regulation and enforcement within the industry.

    Philip’s portfolio in this field is vast and varied; it places him extremely well to deal with a huge range of Corporate & Financial Crime-related scenarios and to defend and prosecute the Offences that arise from them.

    Notable Cases

    R - v - Pike (Dale) & another (2017) Advised the prosecution and was instructed to prosecute proceedings for the manslaughter by gross negligence of Gareth Pugh and related Health and Safety offences.  Pike employed Pugh to retrieve golf balls from a lake at a golf course near Newport, South Wales. Pugh was not a trained diver and the safety measures employed were inadequate as a result of which Gareth Pugh drowned in the lake.

    Operation Grenada (2020) Prosecuted 2 individuals and a company for gross negligence manslaughter and related Health and Safety Offences in a case involving the death of a workman on Eastbourne Pier whilst the pier was being repaired following a fire. The deceased fell through the pier and died as a result of the fall.

    India v Loop Ltd/Essar Ltd 2G Mobile Phone Market Abuse Trial (2014)
    2G Mobile Phone Market Abuse Trial.

    R v Anwar & Alam (2014)
    Led for the Crown in a Case involving two Afghan males who laundered more than £60m using a fraudulent accounting system through China and Afghanistan for Terrorism. One Defendant absconded and was tried in absence, convicted and received 10 years. This was a legally complex and paper-heavy Case with nearly 30,000 pages of evidence. He was also instructed in the complex Confiscation Proceedings involving many millions.

    Reviews

    Chambers UK 2024: Financial Crime - Band 4

    'A universally well-regarded silk wo can take control of the court easily' Chambers UK (2022)

    'An extremely able lawyer who has a wonderful court manner - juries love him. He wins people over with his talent, persuasive arguments and charm. An impressive advocate and a hrd worker.' Chambers UK (2021)

    'A great advocate, charming, unflappable and very able. A measured yet strong cross-examiner.' Legal 500 (2021)

    ‘Instructed in international corruption cases.’ Legal 500 Business and Regulatory Crime (2017)

    ‘He has significant style, robustness and confidence about his advice and advocacy.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2017)

    'He is a talented barrister ... someone that you feel is on top of things. ... He is superbly responsive.' Chambers UK (2016)

    'He is excellent with clients and has great tactical judgement.' Legal 500 (2016)

    'He is easy to work with and authoritative in court.' Legal 500 (2015)

    'Sought after for his experience in high-profile and serious trials.' Legal 500 (2015)

    Recent Cases

    • Alstom is a multi-national conglomerate with its headquarters in Paris. It is engaged in the transport and power markets. This case involved a multi-phase prosecution of the corporate and individuals in relation to bribery allegations occurring in multipl...

    • Philip Evans QC led Tim Naylor in the prosecution of Dale Pike for the manslaughter by gross negligence of Gareth Pugh.

    News

  • A Silk with a proven track record in some of the most serious and high-profile criminal cases, his excellent rapport with clients and confident and stylish advocacy make him a popular choice for market leaders.

    Overview

    Philip has significant expertise in serious and complex crime. He has appeared for both the Defence and the Prosecution in some of the highest profile criminal matters and across the full spectrum of offences often involving multiple parties and jurisdictions and matters requiring sensitivity. He has particular expertise in cases involving homicide and serious and historical sexual offending – he is authorized to sit as a Crown Court Judge in cases involving serious sexual offences.  He is a team player, fantastically responsive to the case, the client and the needs of both. always delivering what is required in court.

    Experience 

    Philip’s career has its roots in serious crime. He has enjoyed an enviable practice as junior and leader, defence and prosecution counsel, in cases that are both of great significance and that have generated wide media interest.

    Philip’s experience includes: leading in the successful prosecution of the Hatton Garden safe deposit heist; leading in the prosecution of a major Metropolitan Police operation involving multiple defendants accused of laundering money from organised crime; prosecuting Ali Dizaei (the Metropolitan Police Commander convicted of perverting the course of justice); and most recently leading in the successful prosecution of a £60m money laundering case concerning the funding of terrorism.

    He has regularly been instructed to appear in cases involving serious violence and homicide: he is currently instructed in several, varied homicide cases being tried and waiting to be tried. He defended the serial killer, Levi Bellfield; he recently successfully defended a man charged with attempting to murder his grandfather (R v Sibley); successfully defended the owner of a children’s activity camp against charges of child cruelty; and successfully prosecuted the gunman who triggered the London riots (R v Hutchinson-Foster).

    Philip has been instructed in a number of serious sexual allegations. These have included allegations of rape and allegations of historic sexual misconduct; he has vast experience in defending in all levels and types of sexual offences.

    Philip has specific expertise representing professionals as they face criminal charges arising from their workplace; his substantial cross-discipline experience in both criminal and regulatory law enables him to provide specialist advice to those facing Investigation in both arenas and across all areas from allegations of sexual offences, to investigations concerning financial crime and health and safety breaches.

    Philip has expertise in road traffic-related matters. He has acted privately for clients of some notoriety who have included the managing director of a multinational car manufacturer, the wife of the chairman of a high street bank, Premiership footballers and their families along with a world-famous theatre producer. These cases have involved alcohol-related matters, speeding, avoidance of disqualification under the 'totting up' provisions and speeding-related offences, as well as dangerous driving and death by dangerous driving.

    Philip has built on the foundations of his General Crime practice as a Junior to become a Silk known for his ability to deal with the most serious and complex of cases with robust confidence.

    Notable Cases

    R v Kara Alexander (2024)
    Prosecutes the defendant who is alleged to have killed her two children aged 5 & 2 (Trial 2024).

    R v Partidge & Ors (2023)
    Bribery case involving the 'Sheriff of Soho' and seven other defendants - three month trial at Southwark Crown Court. 

    R v Sculley (2023)
    Defended Sculley for Murder following an organised shooting in Birmingham. 

    R v Elliott (2023)
    Murder involving the stabbing and killing of one youth by another.

    R v Dunne (2013)
    Hoaxer jailed for claiming he had kidnapped EastEnders Actress.

    Ali Dizaei Appeal (2013)
    Successful as Ali Dizaei's appeal Against conviction rejected.

    R v Hutchinson-Foster (2013)
    The Gunman who triggered the London Riots.

    R v Oleksiak (2012)
    World renowned Artist acquitted of s.18 GBH.

    Reviews

    Chambers UK 2024: Crime – Band 1

    Legal 500 2024: Crime – Tier 3

    ‘Philip is a bright, competitive and analytical barrister, equally at home prosecuting or defending. He is tactically very astute, seeing the bigger picture in complicated and multi-handed cases, and his advocacy is calm and persuasive and his cross-examination forensic. He is a silk out of the top drawer.' Legal 500 Crime (2024)

    Chambers UK 2023: Crime – Band 1

    Legal 500 2023: Crime – Tier 3

    'He has a very effective and relaxed jury style. Tactically, he is one of the best silks around.' Chambers UK (2023)

    'Smooth and unflappable. Superb jury advocate. Excellent lawyer’. Legal 500 Crime (2023)

    'A universally well-regarded silk who can take control of the court easily.' Chambers UK Crime (2022)

    'Philip is an extremely talented barrister. His court skill is matched only by his written work, both of which are outstanding. He has an excellent work ethic, fantastic communication and an exceptional eye for detail.' Legal 500 Crime (2022)

    'An extremely able lawyer who has a wonderful court manner - juries just love him. He wins people over with his talent, persuasive arguments and charm. An impressive advocate and a hard worker.' Chambers UK Crime (2021)

    'A great advocate, charming, unflappable and very able. A measured yet strong cross-examiner.' Legal 500 Crime (2021)

    ‘Very diligent, intelligent and good at client management.’ Chambers UK Crime (2020)

    ‘He is able to win the trust and confidence of any client extremely quickly.’ Legal 500 Crime (2020)

    ‘Excellent with clients, dependable and thorough in his preparation.’ Legal 500 Crime (2018)

    ‘He will always stand his ground.’ Legal 500 Crime (2017)

    ‘He is a talented barrister ... someone that you feel is on top of things. ... He is superbly responsive.’ Chambers UK Crime (2016)

    ‘He is excellent with clients and has great tactical judgement.’ Legal 500 Crime (2016)

    ‘Sought after for his experience in high-profile and serious trials.’ Legal 500 Crime (2015)

    Recent Cases

    News

    Articles

    • Eye-Witness and CCTV Evidence in Conflict

      High-quality CCTV and smart phone footage which captures alleged criminal activity is now a regular part of many criminal trials. Philip Evans QC and Kerry Broome consider in what circumstances eye-witnesses can be shown CCTV footage in advance of t

    • War & Peace

      Philip Evans QC and Tom Coke-Smyth consider the application of the rule of law to the military in an article in the New Law Journal

      View Article

       

  • A rare Silk with a substantial cross-discipline experience in both criminal and regulatory Law, Philip Evans KC has the edge in the regulatory field.

    Overview 

    Philip Evans KC uses the experience he has gleaned from a career in General Crime and Professional Regulation to provide specialist advice to companies and professionals facing investigation and to regulators and prosecuting authorities who may be considering bringing charges. He does so across a vast array of disciplines, alleged misconduct, criminal offences and in all forms and tiers of tribunal.

    Philip has unique expertise in the regulation of gambling and advises in relation to all aspects of the Gambling Act. He brings experience at the interface of crime and gambling advising those as they navigate such allegations. Over recent years he has increasingly been instructed to act for large remote gambling providers who have faced regulatory review by the gambling commission.  He has also appeared for those operators in contentious regulatory proceedings.

    Experience

    Gaming Law and Regulation

    Philip has extensive experience in the field of gambling regulation and the law surrounding it. He has also acted in a number of betting integrity cases and has an excellent understanding of betting and how the betting industry operates.

    In recent years he has been instructed to act for two large scale, remote gambling providers, who have faced regulatory proceedings from the Gambling Commission. Those proceedings have been far reaching but with a central focus on anti-money laundering breeches and social responsibility failings. Those proceedings have both involved a degree of contention and one a fully contested hearing before the Gambling Commission’s regulatory panel.

    For many years and in numerous cases, Philip has built a wealth of experience by advising and appearing for the UK Gambling Commission during investigations and appearing both before their regulatory panel and the First Tier Tribunal.  He now regularly acts for licensees, both Personal Management Licence holders (PMLs) and for operators both large and small who are facing investigation or regulatory proceedings in regard to their Operating Licence (OL). He regularly provides advice with regards to areas which include: anti-money laundering compliance; anti-terrorist funding; social responsibility obligations; appropriate measures to be taken by operators during investigation; and he reviews and advises on the best approach for operators facing such proceedings. He has appeared before the regulatory panel of the UKGC in regulatory proceedings on behalf of licence holders.

    Philip has experience advising operators who are not involved in regulatory review, but who seek advice as part of their approach to regulatory best practice, appropriate policy development, and compliance with matters such as AML; safer gambling and social responsibility obligations with a view to compliance and avoiding costly regulatory proceedings.

    He regularly provides advice both to operators and consumers who have disputes involving losses or other disputes which have occurred in the betting market.

    Philip has significant experience in cases of betting corruption and provides advice to organisations who are required to be vigilant and pro-active in such areas and who need advice developing and reviewing policy and procedures designed to tackle such problems. 

    Sport

    Philip has prominence in the field of sport regulation. He was appointed Head of Rugby Judiciary by the RFU in 2017, taking over the role from Lord Justice Dingemans.  He now continues to sit as a Chairman on Tribunals convened by the Rugby Football Union (both at first instance and at appellate level), the Six Nations Tournament and EPCR rugby; he has given judgments in several high-profile rugby matters. Philip regularly acts as Judicial Officer to various international rugby tournaments; he has found working in this role has provided him with extensive experience of regulatory and disciplinary law in a sporting context.

    Philip’s experience has been extended into other sports and associated fields in which he has a broad personal knowledge, in particular the regulation of cricket, horse racing and gambling where he is regularly instructed to advise, prosecute and defend.  He frequently acts for the BHA to prosecute before its regulatory panel in sports corruption and integrity matters and advises and appears at the Gambling Commission in regard to its gambling regulatory matters both at first instance and on appeal; he regularly prosecutes cases arising from illegal gambling, these have included the crown court proceedings in the Gambling Commission v Christopher Mosdall. In 2012 Philip advised the Gambling Commission on extremely complex areas of law in its Review of the operating licences issued to ibetX Limited and subsequent investigation and resolution by agreement.

    Philip has also advised Athletes on appeal to Olympic selection boards and numerous sports people in regard to disputes with their clubs and governing organisations. He has an interest and breadth of knowledge of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with the additional context of having played Rugby Union at National League level. His advocacy skills have also been extensively utilised in council chambers across the south of England, where he has acted in a number of licensing matters.

    Ranked in The Legal 500 for Sport since 2016, Philip is a uniquely experienced regulatory Silk with a practice that reflect this.

    Professional Regulation 

    Philip has experience of regulatory law and professional discipline across the spectrum of professions including: healthcare, social care, law and order, and sport.

    Healthcare

    He has successfully defended doctors facing allegations of sexual assault, has appeared before the General Social Care Council and advised in relation to a number of their appeals.

    Police Discipline

    Philip has extensive experience of appearing at Police Disciplinary Tribunals, the Police Appeals Tribunal and of representing officers in the crown court against criminal charges. He recently defended an officer charged with the new offence of corrupt or improper behaviour. The Allegation was that the defendant had paid a ‘CHIS’ (covert human intelligence source) to set up a drug deal and then arrested the recipient dishonestly.

    Notable Cases

    The Gambling Commission v Mosdall (2015) 
    Philip Evans QC represented the Gambling Commission in the Prosecution of Christopher Mosdall.

    Re: SM
    Acting for Sulley Muntari, the Inter Milan and Ghanaian International Footballer, in relation to various Allegations.

    X v UK Athletics Selection Panel (2012)
    In 2012 represented a British Athlete in relation to her appeal to the UK Athletics appeal panel. The athlete has been overlooked for selection to compete in the London Olympic Games. The appeal involved several legal points relating to both domestic regulations and the rules of the international governing body, the IAAF.

    R v Asif & Butt (2011)
    In 2011 defending Pakistani cricketer Mohammed Asif with regards to allegations of 'spot fixing' during the test match, against England at Lords in August 2010.  The trial followed on from News of the World ‘undercover’ investigations by the ‘fake sheik’.

    Reviews

    Legal 500 2024: Sports – Tier 3

    Legal 500 2023: Sports - Tier 3

    'Great sense of fairness and excellent people handling skills.’ Legal 500 Sport (2023)

    'Incredibly bright and his cross-examination are fantastic.' Legal 500 Sport (2021)

    ‘Incredibly bright and his cross-examinations are fantastic.’ Legal 500 Sport (2020)

    ‘Very good, especially in horse racing matters.’ Legal 500 Sport (2019)

    ‘Blunt when he needs to be; he will always stand his ground.’ Legal 500 Sport (2017)

    ‘He is easy to work with and authoritative in court.’ Legal 500 Sports (2015)

    Recent Cases

    News

    • Philip Evans KC re-appointed as a member of the Football Association Judicial Panel

      We are delighted to announce that Philip Evans KC has been re-appointed as a member of the The Football Association Judicial Panel as Specialist Panel Member.The FA Judicial Panel is made up of several individuals selected to hear cases or appeals in conn...

    • Philip Evans QC chaired initial RFU disciplinary panel into alleged Barbarian Covid-19 breaches

      Philip Evans QC chaired the RFU’s directions hearing into thirteen Barbarian players who were charged with coronavirus protocol breaches. The Barbarian game against England was cancelled as a result of the breaches.Players faced charges including al...

    • Philip Evans QC has been appointed as the Rugby Football Union's second independent Head of Rugby Judiciary.

      Philip will take over the role from Sir James Dingemans who stepped down at the end of this season.Philip has been a member of the RFU's independent judiciary since 2009, sitting as chairman on panels both at first instance and at appeal level. He has giv...

    Articles

    • A practical guide to Gambling Commission enforcement action

      Philip Evans QC & Kyan Pucks along with Nick Nocton & Adam Epstein from Mish Con De Reya co author a practical guide to Gambling Commission enforcement action for EGR Compliance. The article can be accessed in PDF form View article

    • The Gambling Commission: Constructive Engagement

      For gambling companies, the Covid-19 crisis has further intensified political and regulatory scrutiny of their activities and increased the possibility of interactions with the GB regulator. Adam Epstein of Mishcon de Reya, together with Philip Evans QC a...

    • Gambling Commission Report: Far More Than an End of Year Report Card

      The Gambling Commission's enforcement report makes for essential reading for industry lawyers and compliance officers at gambling operators alike.

    • All change for Commercial Gambling?

      Philip Evans QC and Tom Orpin-Massey wrote for the New Law Journal on the UK Gambling Commission’s revised suite of enforcement documents.

    • UKGC's new enforcement suite: a quiet revolution?

      Philip Evans QC and Tom Orpin-Massey wrote for the iGaming Business magazine on the UK Gambling Commission’s revised enforcement policy documents.