Stephen Brassington

Stephen Brassington is rightly regarded as one of the leading juniors in the field of Professional Discipline. He is described by 2013's Chambers UK guide, which ranks him as a Band 1 junior, as "a class operator"�, who is "forthright and doesn't take any nonsense"�.  He advises and acts primarily in cases arising from the healthcare, sports and legal industries.  

For several years prior to this, he was instructed to defend in cases across the full spectrum of criminal offences. He has advised and represented clients facing allegations of murder, manslaughter (including gross negligence) and other non-fatal offences of violence, sexual offences, substantial drugs supply and importation, counterfeit pharmaceuticals and others. He also has extensive experience of cases of fraud, money laundering and other financial wrongdoing. Notable cases included defending in a conspiracy to kidnap Victoria Beckham, and in a £multi-million conspiracy to defraud Microsoft.

PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE

Stephen has, for the last ten years, practised almost exclusively in Professional Discipline and Regulation, representing professionals from a wide variety of industry sectors in cases brought by their regulatory bodies, and in related proceedings in the criminal, civil and Coronial courts, and other tribunals.

For a number of years, Stephen was regularly instructed by the General Medical Council to present complex and lengthy cases before its disciplinary committees, and in the High Court, when it was said of him that he "has knowledge, drafting and presentational skills that are second to none at this level" (Chambers UK, 2009).

He now defends almost exclusively, and is in great demand by the principal indemnity providers who instruct him both directly and through their panel firms to represent professionals before their regulatory bodies (GMC, GDC, NMC and others), in Coroners' Inquests, and associated proceedings (PCT, CESR/Specialist Register applications, Performers List Appeals, etc).  He appears both at first instance and advises on statutory appeals and Judical Review applications to the High Court. He is "praised for his high standard of client care is firm without being unduly aggressive and does the job brilliantly with great humour and charm"� (Chambers UK, 2011).

Stephen also undertakes significant cases associated with sports regulation. He was instructed by the Football Association as junior counsel in the prosecution of John Terry and also appeared in the appeal of physiotherapist Stephen Brennan in the Harlequins Rugby Football Club "Bloodgate"� case. He is described as "a natural advocate, who will go the extra mile to provide a good service to his client" (Chambers UK, 2010).

He is also in particular demand to defend healthcare and other professionals involved in proceedings the criminal courts, particularly where there are concurrent or associated regulatory proceedings.  Current cases include the defence of a consultant paediatrician accused of assaulting a patient's sibling during a consultation.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Stephen also defends corporate and individual clients who face proceedings brought by the Health & Safety Executive for fatal and other accidents in the workplace, and also advises in related proceedings in Coroners' Courts.  He is currently advising a global construction and development company on their involvement in an inquest into a death said to have arisen as a result of an alleged failure of a hospital paging system.

Stephen is also authorised to accept instructions from professionals directly.  More information can be found by following this link.

EDUCATION

BSc (Hons), London - Zoology

PUBLICATIONS

Stephen regularly delivers seminars and lectures to our clients on Professional Discipline and other Regulatory topics.  He contributes to the 2 Hare Court Professional Discipline Group Newsletter.

His work has also featured in an article in the BMJ.

PERSONAL

Scuba diving, Travel, Wine

Notable Cases

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