"He has a lovely manner in front of a coroner and a jury. He's very persuasive and brings logical arguments" Chambers UK 2024
‘He is a potent combination of very bright and very hardworking. His judgement is spot on.' Legal 500 2025
"Thomas's absolutely lovely demeanour and ability to deal with both criminal and regulatory law is a really important skill and differentiates him from his peers." Chambers UK 2024
"He is a class act - he's in control of these cases, all over the documents and manages clients in a reassuring manner." Chambers UK 2024
"He has an exceptional manner in court" Legal 500 2024
Overview
A strong junior specialising in complex crime, professional discipline, inquests, and inquiries.
Corporate & Financial Crime
Thomas masters complex detail easily and is meticulous in his preparation. A junior barrister with a wealth of experience across the field of corporate and financial crime and regulation.
Crime
An accomplished junior criminal advocate appearing for both the prosecution and the defence as led and sole counsel in cases involving the full range of criminal offences. He has particular expertise where crime meets with regulatory or public law such as inquests or public inquiries.
Regulatory
Thomas has built an enviable practice in professional discipline with a particular strength in healthcare regulatory work and experience in heavyweight police disciplinary matters. He is now amongst the most experienced juniors of his call in this area.
Public Law
From a foundation of high-profile inquests representing the families of deceased servicemen in Afghanistan and the family of PC Palmer at the Westminster Bridge Inquest, he is now also regularly instructed in cases involving police and healthcare professionals. He acts for both families and interested persons.
Other Experience
Thomas served for four years in the British Army between 2005-09 when, following training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he was commissioned as an officer into the Parachute Regiment. He served as a platoon commander on Operation Herrick 8 in Helmand province, Afghanistan. At Sandhurst he was awarded the Sheikh Al Sabah Prize for overall best performance in Defence and International Affairs.
Reviews
Legal 500 2025: Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law - Tier 3, Inquests & Public Inquiries Tier 5
Chambers UK 2024: Professional Discipline - Band 5; Inquests & Public Inquiries - Band 3
Legal 500 2024: Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law - Tier 4, Inquests & Public Inquiries Tier 5
‘He is a potent combination of very bright and very hardworking. His judgement is spot on.' Legal 500 Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law (2025)
‘He has an exceptional manner in court.’ Legal 500 Inquests and Inquiries (2024)
'He has a lovely manner in front of a coroner and a jury. He's very persuasive and brings logical arguments. There were various other interested parties all involved in proceedings which he had to deal with in turn, and he was able to deal with all these complex issues.' Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2024)
'Thomas's absolutely lovely demeanour and ability to deal with both criminal and regulatory law is a really important skill and differentiates him from his peers.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2024)
'He is a class act - he's in control of these cases, all over the documents and manages clients in a reassuring manner.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2024)
'A serious advocate who anticipates points well.' Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2023)
'He gets excellent results.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2023)
'An effective advocate who is well liked by panels.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2022)
'He managed to get the coroner to look at things more widely than expected and really instilled a lot of confidence in the family.' Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2022)
'A strong, confident advocate with sound judgement and is completely committed to the client. He has very good interpersonal skills and is able to act in serious regulatory cases where criminal investigation or an inquest might also arise.' Legal 500 Professional Discipline and Regulatory (2022)
'He provides pragmatic advice with minimal fuss: an effective advocate, well-liked by panels and a very able junior who understands the needs of his clients.' Legal 500: Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law (2021)
Professional Memberships
- CPS Advocate Panel - Grade 4
- Association of Military Court Advocates
- Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
- Criminal Bar Association
- Young Fraud Lawyers Association (committee member)
Education
- 2012 – Inner Temple Sweet & Maxwell Pupillage Award
- Bar Professional Training Course – Outstanding
- Graduate Diploma in Law – Distinction
- 2006 – prize for best performance in Defence and International Affairs
- Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
- BA (Hons) History, St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford – Class 2:I
Recent Cases
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The Lampard Inquiry begins today with opening statements from the Chair of the Inquiry, Baroness Kate Lampard CBE followed by Lead Counsel to the Inquiry, Nick Griffin KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers. The afternoon session will see opening statements m...
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Paul Harwood was sentenced today at the Crown Court at Harrow (sitting at Hendon Magistrates’ Court) for arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.The sentence was in respect of a serious fire started on the night of Christmas Eve 2023 ...
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Inquest into the death of Thomas Orchard. Susannah Stevens led Thomas Coke-Smyth representing four Devon and Cornwall police Response Officers who were involved in the arrest and detention of Thomas Orchard, prior to his death. Mr Orchard died in hospital...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth prosecutes for FCA in case of two brothers convicted for taking £650k from failed investment firm.On 23rd May 2023, two brothers were convicted at Southwark Crown Court. Peter Currie, 59, was convicted by unanimous verdicts of two counts...
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Selva Ramasamy QC and Thomas Coke-Smyth succeed in abuse of process submission in the Crown Court.Selva Ramasamy QC (leading Thomas Coke-Smyth) defended a leading health professional facing allegations of perverting the course of justice and ill treatment...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the GP's surgery responsible for providing care and prescriptions in the lead up to Sam Gould's suicide. Counsel was instructed by Surjit Dubb of Hempsons on behalf of the MDDUS.
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Dozens of former subpostmasters appealed against their convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting, they claim was due to computing errors. Zoe Johnson QC represented the Post Office at the hearing having been engaged to review and consider decision...
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A couple who directed Britain's biggest chemsex drugs ring have been jailed for 26 years.Suellen Miguez, 36, and her husband Diego Arruda-Reis, 35, fuelled the 'Deliveroo-style' trade with an elaborate network of moped riders and Whatsapp groups. Brazilia...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth was instructed to represent the doctor who first arrived at the scene of a car crash that involved Ms Campbell.The focus of the inquest is on the actions of the driver and the adequacy of the provision of emergency medical care. Tom succ...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth has been instructed to represent a leading Speech and Language Therapist in criminal and disciplinary proceedings.It is alleged that Z fabricated communication with six patients who were unable to communicate as presented by her and that...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented NHS Digital at the inquest into the death of Ms Turay-Thomas.Ms Turay-Thomas had died as a result of anaphylaxis caused by an allergic reaction following the consumption of a hazelnut. Having called NHS 111 rather than NHS 99...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth has been instructed by Fieldfisher to represent the mother of James Manning at the inquest into the two year old’s death.James Manning was at Butlins Bognor Regis in June 2018 when he choked on a sausage resulting in an ambulance b...
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Susannah Stevens and Thomas Coke-Smyth represented three police officers accused of inappropriate conduct in the treatment of Thomas Orchard who died following a restraint with an emergency restraint belt in Exeter custody in 2012. Counsel successfully ar...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the GMC in a complex and lengthy case against an experienced GP alleged to have prescribed opiates to a vulnerable patient over a number of months and to have then dishonestly deleted records of this. 32 separate allegations ...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the widow and new partner of Cpl Hatfield who had died in an explosion in a Challenger 2 tank during a live firing exercise on a range in Wales.Tom successfully questioned and challenged senior army officers who suggested tha...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the General Chiropractic Council in a case against a chiropractor in respect of failures arising from a serious clinical incited during which the patient had to be removed from the practice by ambulance following an adverse r...
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Susannah and Tom represented the parents and siblings of PC Keith Palmer, the police officer killed in the Westminster terrorist attack on 22 March 2017.
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the General Chiropractic Council (‘GCC’) in a case against a chiropractor for failing to inform the GCC of a criminal conviction.The dishonesty allegations were made out and the chiropractor suspended. The finding...
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Defended in a case involving possession of indecent images (Harrow Crown Court).
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Tom Coke-Smyth was instructed by Grant Evatt and Gary Tierney of Hilary Meredith solicitors, to represent the family of Flt Lt Alan Scott at the Inquest in relation to the Puma Helicopter crash in Kabul, Afghanistan on 11th October 2015.Flt Lt Scott was t...
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Alexandra Felix led Tom Coke-Smyth, prosecuting a gang who smuggled asylum seekers into the UK by using their relatives and fake passports.
News
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The Lampard Inquiry begins today with opening statements from the Chair of the Inquiry, Baroness Kate Lampard CBE followed by Lead Counsel to the Inquiry, Nick Griffin KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers. The afternoon session will see opening statements m...
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This is the first of a series of podcasts by QEB Hollis Whiteman looking at the topic of a public inquiry into Covid -19 from a variety of perspectives.We start with the medical profession. In this podcast we will discuss the pandemic-related issues that ...
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Dozens of former subpostmasters appealed against their convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting, they claim was due to computing errors. Zoe Johnson QC represented the Post Office at the hearing having been engaged to review and consider decision...
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A couple who directed Britain's biggest chemsex drugs ring have been jailed for 26 years.Suellen Miguez, 36, and her husband Diego Arruda-Reis, 35, fuelled the 'Deliveroo-style' trade with an elaborate network of moped riders and Whatsapp groups. Brazilia...
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The alleged conspiracy involved Airbnb properties, moped couriers, and WhatsApp.
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Three members of Chambers involved with annual Inner Temple training session at Cumberland Lodge.
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The FT published a lengthy article examining the effects of cuts in legal aid.
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Susannah and Thomas are representing the sisters of PC Keith Palmer.
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Cpls Hatfield and Neilson died after an explosion in their tank at the Castlemartin firing ranges in Pembrokeshire, in June 2017.
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Selva Ramasamy and Tom Coke-Smyth spoke on the topic of disciplinary proceedings at the Army Legal Service's Annual Professional Training conference. The conference was attended by the officers of the ALS and the heads of the military legal organisations ...
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Tom Coke-Smyth represents the family of Lance Corporal James Brynin at the inquest into his death in Afghanistan in a 'friendly fire' incident. The matter was adjourned following the family's application that the case be referred back to the Service Prose...
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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...
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Tom & Polly today lead a half day seminar ‘Foundations for Successful Case Management; building a strong case’ for members of the London Boroughs Legal Alliance (LBLA). The LBLA is a collaborative partnership of London local authority legal...
Articles
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The government has now committed to a full statutory public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the first of a series of podcasts by QEB Hollis Whiteman looking at the topic of a public inquiry into Covid -19 from a variety of perspectives.We sta...
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Deaths from COVID-19 are likely to give rise to the requirement to hold inquests in a wide variety of cases. This will likely pose a substantial challenge to coroners in both the timing and scope of these inquests, particularly where deaths are also linke...
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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
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On April 17, 2015, the CPS announced that following the Court of Appeal’s judgment in R. v. ABC, EFG, IJK; R. v. Sabey [2015] EWCA Crim 539 (Sabey)
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View Article
Corporate and Financial Crime
A junior barrister with a wealth of experience in numerous capacities across the field of corporate and financial crime and regulation.
Overview
He masters complex detail easily and is meticulous in his preparation. A junior barrister with a wealth of experience across the field of corporate and financial crime and regulation.
Experience
Experience in defending and prosecuting on behalf of the FCA. He has a wide experience of corporate and financial crime including advising both the FCA and private banks in respect of Anti Money Laundering procedures and the risk of financial crime. He has also acted as an appointment investigator for the FCA.
Notable Cases
FCA v Bank (2015)
International financial-regulatory remediation project across assorted countries, including secrecy jurisdictions, on behalf of a prominent international bank.Recent Cases
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Thomas Coke-Smyth prosecutes for FCA in case of two brothers convicted for taking £650k from failed investment firm.On 23rd May 2023, two brothers were convicted at Southwark Crown Court. Peter Currie, 59, was convicted by unanimous verdicts of two counts...
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Dozens of former subpostmasters appealed against their convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting, they claim was due to computing errors. Zoe Johnson QC represented the Post Office at the hearing having been engaged to review and consider decision...
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A junior with experience of a wide range of criminal offences, Tom Coke-Smyth is as impressive in his preparation as he is in court.
Overview
An accomplished junior criminal advocate appearing for both the prosecution and the defence as led and sole counsel in cases involving the full range of criminal offences. He has particular expertise where crime meets with regulatory or public law such as inquests or public inquiries.
Experience
Appointed at Level 3 of the CPS Specialist Panels in: Serious Crime, Fraud and Counterterrorism. Recent defence experience includes defending whilst led by Queen's Counsel in criminal proceedings against a leading healthcare professional where the case was stayed as an abuse of process. He regularly prosecutes and defends in cases involving complex and sophisticated organised criminal groups.
Notable Cases
R v H (2019-2021)
Junior led by Silk in misconduct and criminal proceedings against a leading Speech and Language Therapist accused of perverting the course of justice by falsifying communication from patients alleged to lack capacity where the case was stayed as an abuse of process.R v Miguez and others (2019 - ongoing)
Junior led by Silk in case of conspiracy to supply drugs. Management of disclosure and questions of PII in multi-defendant investigation across 3 trials in order to safeguard ongoing investigations.R v Patterson and Pollard (2018-2019)
Disclosure counsel in case of misconduct in public office against two police officers as a result of failing to investigate historical sexual allegations. Application of AG’s guidelines on digital disclosure to large volume of electronic material in time critical review of disclosure spanning a number of interlinked police misconduct investigations.R v Janulevicius & Others (2015)
Successful prosecution for conspiracy to defraud by false representation by motorcycle ringing.R v D (2014)
Defence in confiscation where successfully argued against prosecution case that defendant had an equitable interest in the family home.R v G (2014)
Junior defence counsel in multi-million-pound conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.R v Goodman and others (2014)
Assisted in the defence of Clive Goodman, former editor of News of the World, in the phone hacking trial.Harrow Borough Council v Undre (2013)
Successful prosecution under the Welfare of Farmed Animal Animals (England) Regulations 2007.R v AH (2012)
Represented a teenager accused of being part of a gang and being party to a conspiracy to commit violent disorder. Admission of bad character evidence of gang membership was successfully opposed and AH was acquitted following a submission of no case to answer.Recent Cases
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Paul Harwood was sentenced today at the Crown Court at Harrow (sitting at Hendon Magistrates’ Court) for arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.The sentence was in respect of a serious fire started on the night of Christmas Eve 2023 ...
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Selva Ramasamy QC and Thomas Coke-Smyth succeed in abuse of process submission in the Crown Court.Selva Ramasamy QC (leading Thomas Coke-Smyth) defended a leading health professional facing allegations of perverting the course of justice and ill treatment...
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Dozens of former subpostmasters appealed against their convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting, they claim was due to computing errors. Zoe Johnson QC represented the Post Office at the hearing having been engaged to review and consider decision...
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A couple who directed Britain's biggest chemsex drugs ring have been jailed for 26 years.Suellen Miguez, 36, and her husband Diego Arruda-Reis, 35, fuelled the 'Deliveroo-style' trade with an elaborate network of moped riders and Whatsapp groups. Brazilia...
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The alleged conspiracy involved Airbnb properties, moped couriers, and WhatsApp.
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Defended in a case involving possession of indecent images (Harrow Crown Court).
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Alexandra Felix led Tom Coke-Smyth, prosecuting a gang who smuggled asylum seekers into the UK by using their relatives and fake passports.
News
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A couple who directed Britain's biggest chemsex drugs ring have been jailed for 26 years.Suellen Miguez, 36, and her husband Diego Arruda-Reis, 35, fuelled the 'Deliveroo-style' trade with an elaborate network of moped riders and Whatsapp groups. Brazilia...
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The alleged conspiracy involved Airbnb properties, moped couriers, and WhatsApp.
Articles
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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
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On April 17, 2015, the CPS announced that following the Court of Appeal’s judgment in R. v. ABC, EFG, IJK; R. v. Sabey [2015] EWCA Crim 539 (Sabey)
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View Article
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Regulatory
Tom Coke-Smyth has experience of professional regulation beyond his years. He is frequently sought out by the most prominent regulators to try their cases.
Overview
Thomas has built an enviable practice in professional discipline with a particular strength in healthcare regulatory work and experience in heavyweight police disciplinary matters. He is now amongst the most experienced juniors of his call in this area.
Experience
He is a sought-after junior who has established a reputation for thoroughness, attention to detail and an ability to present complex cases on behalf of regulators against experienced Queen's Counsel and junior counsel rated as leaders in this field.
He has a proven track record of cross examining in respect of, and managing, complex medical evidence.
Notable Cases
GMC v Zia (MPTS 2022-ongoing)
Representing the GMC in proceedings against a consultant surgeon in respect of failures to diagnose breast cancer, dangerous surgical procedures and failure to examine/treat a patient who later died of sepsis.Bedfordshire Police Gross Misconduct Proceedings v APS Short & Others (2020)
Led junior counsel for 6 police officers accused of gross misconduct arising from the death in custody of Leon Briggs. Proceedings were terminated as a result of successful legal representations to the Appropriate Authority and IOPC in respect of disclosure failures and abuse of process. Proceedings followed a lengthy IOPC criminal investigation. Inquest proceedings awaited.GMC v Dr Andelic (MPTS 2018-2019)
Representing the GMC in proceedings against doctor accused of inappropriate and dishonest prescribing of opiates resulting from criminal investigation.GMCv Leaper (2016)
Represented the GMC against a doctor convicted of fraudulently evading parking tickets by the use of forged letters.GDC v S (2015)
Represented the GDC in proceedings against a dentist accused of failing to diagnose a malignant ulcer.NMC v B (2014)
Represented the Nursing and Midwifery Council against a registrant charged with multiple counts of medical administration errors and dishonest concealment of these.Mid Staffordshire Public Inquiry (2013)
Seconded to the Department of Health for a number of months as a junior member of the Inquiry team to assist in the preparation of the report arising from the Public Inquiry into the failure to regulate the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.Reviews
Chambers UK 2024: Professional Discipline - Band 5
Legal 500 2024: Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law - Tier 4
Chambers UK 2023: Professional Discipline - Band 5
Chambers UK 2022: Professional Discipline - Band 5
Legal 500 2022: Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law - Tier 4
'He gets excellent results.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2023)
'An effective advocate who is well liked by panels.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2022)
'A strong, confident advocate with sound judgement and is completely committed to the client. He has very good interpersonal skills and is able to act in serious regulatory cases where criminal investigation or an inquest might also arise.' Legal 500 Professional Discipline and Regulatory (2022)
'He provides pragmatic advice with minimal fuss: an effective advocate, well-liked by panels and a very able junior who understand the needs of his clients.' Legal 500 Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law
Recent Cases
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The Lampard Inquiry begins today with opening statements from the Chair of the Inquiry, Baroness Kate Lampard CBE followed by Lead Counsel to the Inquiry, Nick Griffin KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers. The afternoon session will see opening statements m...
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Inquest into the death of Thomas Orchard. Susannah Stevens led Thomas Coke-Smyth representing four Devon and Cornwall police Response Officers who were involved in the arrest and detention of Thomas Orchard, prior to his death. Mr Orchard died in hospital...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth has been instructed to represent a leading Speech and Language Therapist in criminal and disciplinary proceedings.It is alleged that Z fabricated communication with six patients who were unable to communicate as presented by her and that...
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Susannah Stevens and Thomas Coke-Smyth represented three police officers accused of inappropriate conduct in the treatment of Thomas Orchard who died following a restraint with an emergency restraint belt in Exeter custody in 2012. Counsel successfully ar...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the GMC in a complex and lengthy case against an experienced GP alleged to have prescribed opiates to a vulnerable patient over a number of months and to have then dishonestly deleted records of this. 32 separate allegations ...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the General Chiropractic Council in a case against a chiropractor in respect of failures arising from a serious clinical incited during which the patient had to be removed from the practice by ambulance following an adverse r...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the General Chiropractic Council (‘GCC’) in a case against a chiropractor for failing to inform the GCC of a criminal conviction.The dishonesty allegations were made out and the chiropractor suspended. The finding...
News
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This is the first of a series of podcasts by QEB Hollis Whiteman looking at the topic of a public inquiry into Covid -19 from a variety of perspectives.We start with the medical profession. In this podcast we will discuss the pandemic-related issues that ...
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Selva Ramasamy and Tom Coke-Smyth spoke on the topic of disciplinary proceedings at the Army Legal Service's Annual Professional Training conference. The conference was attended by the officers of the ALS and the heads of the military legal organisations ...
Articles
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The government has now committed to a full statutory public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the first of a series of podcasts by QEB Hollis Whiteman looking at the topic of a public inquiry into Covid -19 from a variety of perspectives.We sta...
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Inquests, Inquiries and Public Law
Drawing on his work in other fields and his experience as a former army officer, Tom Coke-Smyth has developed an impressive practice in inquiries and inquests; he impresses with his knowledge, empathy and sincere and driven approach.
Overview
From a foundation of high-profile inquests representing the families of deceased servicemen in Afghanistan and the family of PC Palmer at the Westminster Bridge Inquest, he is now also regularly instructed in cases involving police and healthcare professionals. He acts for both families and interested persons.
Experience
He has a wide range of experience in Article 2 inquests where there is a focus on examining systemic and operational failings on the part of the state. He brings considerable experience frm his professional discipline practice where he frequently cross examines medical professionals and expert witnesses. He has appeared in high profile and complex inquests involving the military and often acts as sole junior counsel against those represented by Queen's Counsel. He also acts in cases involving allegations of police misconduct and deaths in custody.
Notable Cases
Yousek Makki (2021)
Led counsel representing Adam Chowdhary in the inquest into the death of Yousef Makki who died as a result of a stabbing. This followed the acquittal of Chowdhary in a criminal trial for perverting the course of justice.Samantha Gould (2021)
Representing the GP's surgery responsible for providing care and prescriptions in the lead up to Sam Gould's suicide in the Article 2 inquest examining systemic failings on the part of the police, her school and health services responsible for her care.Ferne Campbell (2020-2021)
Representing Helicopter Emergency Medical service consultant responsible for roadside care of Ferne Campbell who died as a result of a road traffic collision.James Manning (2020-2021)
Representing the mother of James Manning, a toddler who died following choking at Butlins following delays to ambulance arrival and in treating an underlying condition of enlarged tonsils and history of choking.Shante Turay-Thomas (2019-2020)
Representing NHS Digital in Article 2 inquest concerning the choking to death of a teenager as a result of anaphylaxis and delays in ambulance concerning the operation of NHS 111.Inquest into the Westminster terrorist attack (2018)
Susannah Stevens and Tom Coke-Smyth represented the parents and siblings of PC Keith Palmer.Inquest into the deaths of Corporal Hatfield & Corporal Neilson (2018)
Represented Cpl Hatfield’s fiancée, Jill McBride and Abi Hatfield, his separated wife, following his death in an explosion in a Challenger 2 tank at the Castlemartin firing ranges in Pembrokeshire, in June 2017.LCpl Brynin (2017)
Representing the family of LCpl Brynin in the Article 2 inquest into his death as a result of shot fired by a British soldier. Successful argument of adjournment for consideration of unlawful killing based upon legal argument over honest belief in self-defence.Reviews
Chambers UK 2024: Inquests & Public Inquiries - Band 3
Legal 500 2024: Inquests & Public Inquiries Tier 5
Chambers UK 2023: Inquests & Public Inquiries - Band 3
Chambers UK 2022: Inquests & Public Inquiries - Band 3
'A serious advocate who anticipates points well.' Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2023)
'He managed to get the coroner to look at things more widely than expected and really instilled a lot of confidence in the family.' Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2022)
Recent Cases
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The Lampard Inquiry begins today with opening statements from the Chair of the Inquiry, Baroness Kate Lampard CBE followed by Lead Counsel to the Inquiry, Nick Griffin KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers. The afternoon session will see opening statements m...
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Inquest into the death of Thomas Orchard. Susannah Stevens led Thomas Coke-Smyth representing four Devon and Cornwall police Response Officers who were involved in the arrest and detention of Thomas Orchard, prior to his death. Mr Orchard died in hospital...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the GP's surgery responsible for providing care and prescriptions in the lead up to Sam Gould's suicide. Counsel was instructed by Surjit Dubb of Hempsons on behalf of the MDDUS.
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Dozens of former subpostmasters appealed against their convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting, they claim was due to computing errors. Zoe Johnson QC represented the Post Office at the hearing having been engaged to review and consider decision...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth was instructed to represent the doctor who first arrived at the scene of a car crash that involved Ms Campbell.The focus of the inquest is on the actions of the driver and the adequacy of the provision of emergency medical care. Tom succ...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented NHS Digital at the inquest into the death of Ms Turay-Thomas.Ms Turay-Thomas had died as a result of anaphylaxis caused by an allergic reaction following the consumption of a hazelnut. Having called NHS 111 rather than NHS 99...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth has been instructed by Fieldfisher to represent the mother of James Manning at the inquest into the two year old’s death.James Manning was at Butlins Bognor Regis in June 2018 when he choked on a sausage resulting in an ambulance b...
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Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the widow and new partner of Cpl Hatfield who had died in an explosion in a Challenger 2 tank during a live firing exercise on a range in Wales.Tom successfully questioned and challenged senior army officers who suggested tha...
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Susannah and Tom represented the parents and siblings of PC Keith Palmer, the police officer killed in the Westminster terrorist attack on 22 March 2017.
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Tom Coke-Smyth was instructed by Grant Evatt and Gary Tierney of Hilary Meredith solicitors, to represent the family of Flt Lt Alan Scott at the Inquest in relation to the Puma Helicopter crash in Kabul, Afghanistan on 11th October 2015.Flt Lt Scott was t...
News
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The Lampard Inquiry begins today with opening statements from the Chair of the Inquiry, Baroness Kate Lampard CBE followed by Lead Counsel to the Inquiry, Nick Griffin KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers. The afternoon session will see opening statements m...
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This is the first of a series of podcasts by QEB Hollis Whiteman looking at the topic of a public inquiry into Covid -19 from a variety of perspectives.We start with the medical profession. In this podcast we will discuss the pandemic-related issues that ...
-
Deaths from COVID-19 are likely to give rise to the requirement to hold inquests in a wide variety of cases. This will likely pose a substantial challenge to coroners in both the timing and scope of these inquests, particularly where deaths are also linke...
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Three members of Chambers involved with annual Inner Temple training session at Cumberland Lodge.
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Susannah and Tom represented the parents and siblings of PC Keith Palmer, the police officer killed in the Westminster terrorist attack on 22 March 2017.
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The FT published a lengthy article examining the effects of cuts in legal aid.
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Susannah and Thomas are representing the sisters of PC Keith Palmer.
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Cpls Hatfield and Neilson died after an explosion in their tank at the Castlemartin firing ranges in Pembrokeshire, in June 2017.
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Tom Coke-Smyth represents the family of Lance Corporal James Brynin at the inquest into his death in Afghanistan in a 'friendly fire' incident. The matter was adjourned following the family's application that the case be referred back to the Service Prose...
Articles
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The government has now committed to a full statutory public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the first of a series of podcasts by QEB Hollis Whiteman looking at the topic of a public inquiry into Covid -19 from a variety of perspectives.We sta...
-
Deaths from COVID-19 are likely to give rise to the requirement to hold inquests in a wide variety of cases. This will likely pose a substantial challenge to coroners in both the timing and scope of these inquests, particularly where deaths are also linke...
-
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
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