Mountford Chambers delivers a nationwide and international service to clients, who are assured quality advice, advocacy and representation at all levels.
Mountford Chambers delivers a nationwide and international service to clients, who are assured quality advice, advocacy and representation at all levels.
One of the brightest at the Criminal Bar, Edward Henry KC has established a formidable reputation for defending with intelligence, creativity, and unwavering dedication. Known for his brilliant legal arguments and exceptional advocacy, he is the advocate you want in your corner.
Edward Henry has dedicated his career to defence work. He is consistently sought after to represent clients facing the most serious and high-profile criminal charges at every stage of the legal process. He is frequently instructed to adopt a case at appeal to provide the greatest opportunity of success for the client. He has a proven track record in developing procedural arguments (Abuse of Process, Disclosure and PII) which have repeatedly stopped major prosecutions. His client care is faultless, and his advocacy sets him apart, he is a tremendous criminal practitioner.
Edward is a leading specialist in defence whose practice encompasses all forms of serious crime. He has been instructed to act in over 40 murder trials, cases of terrorism (IRA, Tamil Tiger and Al Qaeda), serious sexual assault, serious drugs, money laundering, immigration fraud, people trafficking and firearms. His capacity to think outside of the box means he often argues novel and successful points of law. He has, against the odds, succeeded in staying historic sexual abuse allegations, and has successfully overturned convictions as fresh counsel on appeal, as demonstrated in the case of Malkinson.
Edward played a decisive and leading role in dismantling the prosecution’s case in the widely reported “Cirencester Four” Royal Agricultural University gang rape trial in which the defendants were acquitted.
In the matter of R v Cregan & others, his disclosure submissions were instrumental in forcing the Prosecution to offer no evidence against his client and those charged with assisting Dale Cregan, the quadruple murderer, whilst he was on the run.
Edward is widely regarded for his expertise in matters involving experts and disclosure. His cross examination of a lip-reading expert, following extensive analysis of her evidence in previous cases, led to her being abandoned in other cases and he was invited to speak on Newsnight about the case.
Edward has shared his insights on criminal law and human rights through broadcasts for the BBC, including appearances on The Moral Maze, Five Live, and News 24. He has also been interviewed on Newsnight and by ITN. In 2013, he joined his former client, Koo Stark, on Daybreak to campaign against the legal aid “reforms”. Edward is currently instructed to defend a high-profile celebrity in relation to historic Operation Yew Tree allegations.
A courtroom favourite, Edward Henry does not disappoint, he is known for his clever tactics and for being at his absolute best, on his feet.
R v H [2019]
Edward Henry KC successfully defended an individual in his appeal against his conviction for rape. The application was made out-of-time as trial counsel had negatively advised. Edward found six grounds of appeal, four of which were upheld.
Edward Henry KC defends 18-year-old acquitted of murder at the Old Bailey
Edward represented CM who was acquitted of murder and manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court.
CM and AF, both 18, were charged with murder, together with a 15-year-old youth, following the death of Mark Fontaine. Mr Fontaine died following a stabbing in Chelsea, on the 30th May 2018.
Edward and Tom were instructed by Andrew Moxon of FMW Law.
R v MacLeod [2019]
Edward Henry KC defended an alleged major league drug-dealer, charged with murder following an alleged punishment stabbing of a rival dealer in Brighton. The prosecution case was apparently overwhelming but a determined defence resulted in a hung jury after over 40 hours of deliberations.
R v G [2019]
Edward Henry KC defended an individual charged with murder, and an associated GBH. The client had deep-rooted mental health problems which developed as a result of a destructive drug addiction. A defence of diminished responsibility was advanced involving complex neuro-psychiatric and neuro-biological evidence.
Edward Henry KC appears for the defence in Watford samurai sword murder.
The case concerns the killing of Luke O’Connell in North Watford on 31st August 2019, who was stabbed to death with a samurai sword.
Watford Observer
R v F [2015] Croydon Crown Court
Successful defence of man accused of a campaign of gunpoint rape.
R v P [2015] Chelmsford Crown Court
Successful defence of an accountant charged with sexual assault.
R v B [2015] Kingston Crown Court
Successful defence of a fruit and vegetable trader charged with two counts of large scale cannabis smuggling.
Earl of Cardigan [2014] Chippenham Magistrates Court
Edward Henry represented David Brudenell-Bruce, Earl of Cardigan in criminal proceedings.
R v Koo Stark [2013]
Edward Henry represented Ms Koo Stark, the internationally renowned photographer and the former girlfriend of the Duke of York, charged with a serious art theft.
Able to master the most complex of cases and with incredibly astute strategic judgment, Edward Henry KC continues to be amongst the best in the field of corporate crime; his instruction makes a difference.
Edward Henry is known for his enormous intellect and sharp judgment. He can digest vast amounts of complex material and to efficiently communicate accessible advice and arguments, whether addressing a client or jury.
He is frequently instructed in the most complex and high-profile cases within the field of corporate and financial crime, from investigation stage through to the highest level of appeal. He is highly respected for his mastery of complex legal issues such as expert evidence and has a proven track record in developing procedural arguments (Abuse of Process, Disclosure and PII) which have repeatedly stopped major prosecutions.
His client care is exceptional, and his advocacy is revered; he is the full package and absolutely what a client should expect from a senior barrister at the top of their game.
Edward Henry has a formidable track record in this field and is frequently instructed in the most difficult and high-profile cases at all stages of proceedings, from their inception to final appeals.
In recent years, his work has included defending in the largest money-laundering allegation in British criminal history. Edward successfully defended one of eight individuals accused of involvement in an alleged £266 million money laundering enterprise, drafting compelling written submissions that persuaded the Crown Prosecution Service to withdraw a tax fraud prosecution against a prominent client, successfully defending a former CEO of The Money Portal facing a £60 million pension fraud allegation brought by the SFO, and representing the first appellant in the Supreme Court in a groundbreaking test case for trademark owners regarding the criminalisation of ‘grey goods’ under s.92 of the Trademarks Act 1994.
His current corporate crime defence instructions include: an alleged £12.5 million fraud involving a Russian oligarch, the representation of the CEO of a renowned charity facing fraud and large-scale theft allegations and representing a senior executive in the Serious Fraud Office’s investigation into bribery and corruption at Rolls Royce. Edward also provides regular counsel on the Proceeds of Crime Act and the necessity of Suspicious Activity Reports.
Edward is a regular contributor to various publications, writing on a wide range of topics within the field, including tax evasion offences; Deferred Prosecution Agreements; piercing the corporate veil; the Bribery Act.
Despite being recognised for his impressive intellect, Edward maintains a very easy and approachable client manner; he puts people at east with his likeability as much as with his obvious skills and juries just love him.
R v X & Y
This case concerned multi-million pound fraud allegations involving company directors, and inter-related FTT tax tribunal proceedings, which is set against the background of an alleged bullion smelting fraud. Edward Henry KC is instructed by Ian Lewis of JMW Solicitors.
R x X
This case concerned multiple NCA investigations into a hijacked hotel project in Mauritius, and the nearly successful sale of a £10m house in Chelsea from under the nose of its lawful owners together with other copy-cat frauds.
R v A [2020]
Edward Henry KC successfully challenged the Appropriate Authority (“AA”) of a major Constabulary, which lost two successive rulings in hard fought proceedings before a Legally Qualified Chair (‘LQC”). In consequence, the AA dropped career ending accusations against Edward’s client.
R v M (on appeal to UKSC as MCT v R) St Albans Crown Court, Court of Appeal Criminal Division, Supreme Court
Landmark intellectual property prosecution that will decide whether the trade in “grey goods” is caught by S.92 Trademarks Act 1994.
R v Crickmore Southwark Crown Court
Represented a solicitor and Coroner of Gloucester charged with £2m theft from the practice client account.
R v M (2017 – Ongoing) Southwark Crown Court
Police officer charged with the alleged protracted and systematic theft of cash seizures under POCA.
R v P [2017] Southwark Crown Court
Large scale fraud allegation against CEO of a renowned charity.
R v A Southwark Crown Court [2017]
£12.5m fraud allegation against the head of Russian oligarch’s private office.
R v M (on appeal to UKSC as MCT v R) [2017]
Landmark intellectual property prosecution that will decide whether the trade in “grey goods” is caught by s.92 Trademarks Act 1994.
Dr O [2015]
Successful defence of GP accused of falsifying records and failing to treat patient in latter stages of
palliative care.
Edward Henry KC is a rare breed of barrister who combines phenomenal criminal advocacy skills with a formidable and forensic intellect, resulting in a practice that has gone from strength to strength.
Edward Henry has experience of a vast spectrum of industries, their regulation and the tribunals that adjudicate on them. He exclusively defends professionals who require his keen understanding of the nuances of their profession and the skilled execution of their case that he delivers, whether in advice or in hearing. He has an incredible success record and often manages to stop a case with his procedural arguments.
Edward Henry has considerable regulatory experience, defending police officers, solicitors, accountants, and medical professionals in the criminal courts, tribunals and beyond into related hearings in other legal areas, including coroner’s inquests.
His unwavering commitment, exceptional client care, and consistent results have made him a trusted choice for both unions and private clients alike.
Edward’s record before the NMC is exemplary; two of his last three cases have been stayed on abuse of process, the final case was demolished at half time when Edward demonstrated that the NMC’s witnesses had been colluding on Facebook. He was instructed by the Medical Defence Union. Edward has recently successfully refuted dishonesty charges for an accountant before the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA v P) and diverted another accountant from the disciplinary process by his advice.
Edward is most frequently before the Medical Protection Tribunal Service, representing Doctor’s at the most critical time of their career, often with outstanding success.
He also has experience of Student Disciplinary Hearings, the General Dental Council and of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Edward’s expertise across the criminal, financial and regulatory forums place him exceptionally well to deal with any allegation a professional may face, whether brought by their regulator or another prosecuting authority; he is accomplished across all disciplines.
GMC v Dr Z [2017]
Edward Henry recently defended Dr Z before the MPTS on charges of dishonesty and alleged clinical incompetence.
Dr Z at the outset of the proceedings admitted dishonesty to an isolated charge and two instances where his clinical competence might have been sub-optimal. At Stage 1 all of the remaining allegations of dishonesty and deficient clinical performance were found not proved. At Stage 2 only the admitted dishonesty was deemed to be misconduct, but the Tribunal accepted Edward’s submission that Dr Z was not currently impaired. The GMC then submitted that even though no impairment was found the Tribunal should impose a warning. The Tribunal upheld Edward’s submissions that given the exceptional circumstances of this case no warning was necessary. Edward was instructed by Carl Johnson of Stephensons.
Mr P (ACCA) [2017]
Edward Henry successfully refuted accusations of dishonesty re misappropriation of client money before ACCA.
GMC v Dr EB (MPTS and EWHC) [2017]
Edward Henry represented a consultant on numerous charges of dishonesty arising from his CV and response to the investigative process before he obtained legal representation.
GMC v Dr M [2016]
Succeeded in discharging conditions imposed at earlier IOT hearing.
GMC v Dr Q [2016]
Successful defence of consultant on charges of sexual assault and misconduct; short suspension in respect of other (non-sexual) matters.
Dr K (2015)
Successfully opposed conditions upon registration in relation to a consultant psychiatrist.
Metropolitan Police v X
Edward Henry KC saw off a cash forfeiture application for £111,000 in the case of Mrs X .
The Metropolitan Police brought the case on the basis that Mrs X had close links to an organised crime group, was laundering drug money, and had provided false explanations for cash seizures in two previous criminal proceedings. Mrs X maintained that these were her life savings, which she had withdrawn from the banks as a result of mental illness.
Edward successfully submitted that Mrs X should only forfeit monies derived from her admitted benefit fraud, which Mrs X had confessed to on oath. Accordingly, over £86,000 was ordered to be returned to her.
Edward was instructed by Simon Jowett of Tank Jowett.
Edward is a key figure in the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, one of the most high-profile and sensitive public inquiries in recent history, addressing significant and protracted miscarriages of justice within the British legal system.
In his role, Edward is dedicated to uncovering the truth behind the reputational and financial devastation of the innocent men and women he represents. A crucial component of his commitment is ensuring that the core participants he advocates for receive both the truth and proper compensation. You can review some of Edward’s submissions on compensation here.
Edward’s approach combines strategic thinking with tactical astuteness to navigate unforeseen challenges. He possesses sensitive and empathetic client-handling skills and is deeply committed to those he represents.
Dip Law
BA (Hons) (Cantab)
Fine Cell Work – Trustee and Deputy Chair
Release – Trustee
Judicial Appointments Commission Advocacy Group – co-opted from 2011-2015 as Bar Representative
Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
Bar Pro Bono Group
Criminal Bar Association Representative on Bar Council 2009-2014
Financial Services Lawyers Association
Justice
Proceeds of Crime Lawyers’ Association
Public Access Bar Association
South Eastern Circuit Executive 2006-2009
Spoke at LawNet Risk Management Seminar 2019.
Mr Henry spoke on “Criminal liability in Law firms: Money Laundering and the Criminal Finance Act – things that Law firms need to demonstrate.”
Edward Henry QC addressed the Law Officers’ Department in Saint Helier.
Edward Henry QC addressed the Law Officer’s Department in Saint Helier, Jersey on 12th June 2019 on medicinal cannabis investments and their status under the prevalent Anti-Money Laundering and Confiscation regimes.
Supreme Court rules sale of ‘grey-market’ good a criminal offence.
Edward Henry, led by Henry Blaxland QC and instructed by the Stokoe Partnership, appeared for the first appellant in this landmark test case for trademark owners. (R v M, C, T (2017)). The appellants were alleged to have imported and sold trademarked goods which had been legitimately manufactured outside the EU. Such alleged importation and sales were made without the trademark owners’ permission and this was unanimously ruled by the Court to be a criminal offence.
Edward Henry acts for Company Director in appeal against disqualification.
Acted for a company director in his appeal against a two year disqualification order imposed for contravention of The Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007. The appeal was successful and was quashed by the Court of Appeal.
Articles
The Equaliser: challenging cash forfeiture under POCA
Levelling the Balance of Probabilities in cash forfeiture
Cheating the public revenue (R v Lunn)
Should a series of tax cheats be charged as a single count or as a series of individual counts?
Examining deferred prosecution agreements – SFO and Rolls-Royce
Edward Henry argues that a widespread move towards entering into deferred prosecution agreements could result in a shift away from trials and open justice.
Edward Henry considers the High Court guidance on Wasted Cost Applications for Lexis Nexis
Edward Henry is interviewed by Lexis Nexis for their Lexis PSL Corporate Crime series on the implication of the decision in R v Cornish for wasted costs applications.
Edward Henry comments on NAO report on the criminal justice system.
Responding to the National Audit Office’s (NAO) report on efficiency in the criminal justice system, Edward Henry warns that the administration of justice—particularly criminal justice—is not a business and can never be run on narrow cost-centred imperatives.
Piercing the Corporate Veil.
Edward Henry examines the Court of Appeal’s decision in Boyle Transport (Northern Ireland) Ltd v R; Boyle and another v R that the judge made an error during confiscation proceedings in piercing the corporate veil and appointing an enforcement receiver.
2024
Chambers & Partners
Crime: “He is very engaged and knowledgeable, and also highly sympathetic to his clients.”
Ranked: Band 2
Legal 500
Crime
Ranked: Tier 4
Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law: ‘Edward is an incredible advocate, who can explain the most complex of subject areas in such a way that the significance and importance of the points are not lost.‘
Ranked: Tier 4
2023
Chambers & Partners
Crime: “Passionate and prepared to go the extra mile to find winning arguments for his client.”
Ranked: Band 3
Legal 500
Crime: ‘Unparalleled attention to details and fights every single point. He’s the person you want in your corner when your back is to the wall.’
Ranked: Tier 4
2022
Chambers & Partners
Crime: “He has a brain the size of a planet and really cares about his clients.”
Ranked: Band 3
Legal 500
Crime: “Edward is a brilliant lawyer. An advocate’s advocate, fierce intellect, and hugely aware tactically. He’s a lateral thinker when there is a problem without a resolution and passionate about the lay client. Juries love this counsel, because they are a character of a type they don’t make any more, enthralling the court.”
Ranked: Tier 4
2021
Chambers & Partners
Crime: “Judges find his style attractive as he can drill down to the essence of a case. Solicitors like him as he has a wonderful way of managing people’s expectations.”
Ranked: Band 4
Legal 500
Crime: “A great personality and can be fiercely combative on paper and in oral submissions. Good way with clients including some of the most difficult characters. He has an incredible eloquence. Memory and insight.”
Ranked: Tier 4
2020
Chambers & Partners
Crime: “He has a very commanding court presence and comes across like someone at the very top of his game.” “He has a brain the size of a planet.” “A compassionate and skillful QC who goes the extra mile for his clients.”
Legal 500
Crime: “He really excels in front of a jury.”
2018
Chambers & Partners
Crime: “Edward commands the respect of judges and his peers, and it is a real pleasure to listen to him in court.” “At his finest when he is on his feet. He has eloquence to his submissions, and he conveys his argument concisely and in an attractive manner.”
Legal 500
Crime: “A game changer with a fantastic grasp of experts – if you get arrested, choose him.”
Fraud:Crime: “Extremely bright, and not afraid to use it – and utterly charming too.”
2017
Chambers & Partners
Crime: “He runs a silk’s practice as a junior. He is extremely knowledgeable…He has good legal skills and is convincing in court.”
Financial Crime: “A terrific junior with a ‘phenomenal’ track record who specialises in all areas of general crime. He is particularly known for his expertise in serious organized crime, and is highly respected for his mastery of complex legal issues, including expert evidence and abuse of process. He regularly receives plaudits from market sources for his client-handling skills.”
Legal 500
Financial Crime: “When instructed, he really makes a difference to a case.”
2016
Legal 500
Financial Crime: “He deploys his huge intellect with great skill.”
In the second episode of the Cross Examination Podcast, Tom Cross speaks with Edward Henry KC and Shannett Thompson about…
We are delighted to announce that Edward Henry KC has been shortlisted at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2023 for…
The Court of Appeal today ruled that Andrew Malkinson’s 2004 conviction was unsafe because Greater Manchester Police (GMP) withheld key…
