James Buchanan is recognised as a leading criminal regulatory practitioner, specialising in health and safety, environmental law and inquests. He acts for corporates, directors and employees and is instructed regularly in prosecutions arising from fatal and other serious accidents.
James works across a number of industry sectors, including construction, transport, manufacturing, waste management, policing and healthcare. He has particular expertise in representing individuals charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
Shortlisted for Chambers UK 2023 – Health and Safety Junior of the Year.
EA v ETC Ltd (2024)
A food company charged following the discharge of trade effluent into a number of waterways, the pollution event causing a significant fish kill. For trial in 2024.
EA v EMA (2024)
An airport operator charged following the discharge of water contaminated with de-icing fluid from aircraft and runways into the River Trent. For trial in 2024.
HSE v STEL (2025)
Represented an engineering company acquitted of an offence under Regulation 4(3) of the Electricity at Work Regulations following a fatality involving contact between a MEWP and 11kV overhead power lines. The HSE alleged inadequate planning and flawed systems of work. The defence demonstrated that, in following BT Openreach’s proscribed procedures, the company had taken all reasonably practicable steps to avoid danger.
R v WH (2024)
Dairy farmer investigated for Gross Negligence Manslaughter following the death of a farm worker during the course of routine maintenance of farm machinery. No further action taken after service of Written Submissions and attendance at police interviews.
R v ET Ltd (2024)
Haulage company charged following catastrophic injuries sustained by a member of the public during an unloading operation. The HSE offered no evidence following the service of expert evidence accompanied by written submissions.
R v CR (2024)
The first known case of its kind arising from the death of participant in the adventure sport, coasteering. CR, the activity instructor, was investigated for gross negligence manslaughter and for breaches of HSWA. Following an inquest into the death, the prosecuting authority elected to take no further action against CR.
R v SA Ltd (2024)
Prosecution arising from a crane collapse, with the significant aggravating feature of a component part having fallen into a school playground. For trial in 2024.
R v SZ (2024)
Representing a HGV driver in connection with the death of a domestic customer during the course of an unloading operation
R v KC (2024)
Acted for a contractor on the Gatwick Airport development project, following the death of an employee during the course of a lifting operation.
R v FF (2024)
Representing an international fitness centre brand, following a fatality in a swimming pool.
Re. EE (2023)
Death of a toddler who fell to his death from the open window of a high-rise block of flats owned by Leeds City Council. Inquest concluded in December 2023, the senior coroner concluding that the actions of LCC did not cause or contribute to the tragic death.
R v SO & SW (2023)
Co-defended with Mark Balysz KC and secured the acquittal of a trainee paramedic charged with Gross Negligence Manslaughter following a 4-week trial in front of Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, the jury returned not guilty verdicts in less than an hour.
R v NJS & SA Limited (2022)
Successfully defended the director of a roofing company, who was acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter, following a four week trial at Brighton Crown Court.
R v NS (2021)
Instructed to represent a company director charged with Gross Negligence Manslaughter following the death of a sub-contractor who was working at height on a construction site. Trial listed in April 2022.
R v P Ltd (2021)
Instructed to act on behalf of a specialist roofing contractor (acting as the Principal Contractor) following the death of the employee of a sub-contractor.
HSE v DDL (2021)
Advising a haulage company following the death of an employee during the course of a complex lifting operation. Charged with s.2 HSWA.
Concerning the deaths of S and A (2020)
Instructed to represent a flying school following the deaths of a flying instructor and student during the course of a seemingly routine ‘VFR’ flight.
HSE v BD (2020)
A demolition company charged with section 2 HSWA offence following catastrophic crushing injuries sustained by an employee when working at height.
HSE v N (2020)
Representing the Principal Contractor charged with CDM 2015 offence following a near fatal accident during the course of a lifting operation on a construction site.
HSE v TD (2020)
Representing a mine operator charged with section 2 HSWA offence following an underground collapse causing serious crushing injuries to a number of employees.
Re. EP (2025)
Death of a vulnerable young woman following inhallation of a noxious substance. The Coroner’s investigation is focused upon the way in which multiple different agencies went about co-ordinating EP’s care, and the extent to which the care planning contributed to the death. James acts for Swansea City and County Council.
Re. AF (2025)
AF, an elderly dementia sufferer, died as a direct result of multiple injuries inflicted by a person or persons unknown whilst he was resident in a care home. James acts for Belsfiled Care Home.
Re. RP (2025)
RP was a vulnerable child of 15 years of age. She was well known to the authorities and was in the habit of going missing from home. RP died after she was electrocuted by the 750-volt third rail on the tracks near Weymouth train station. HMSC for Dorset has determined that there is reason to suspect that the acts or omissions of the police contributed to her death. A number of agencies are involved in the inquest including British Transport Police (BTP), Dorset Police, Network Rail and Dorest Council. James acts for BTP.
Re. OS (2024)
OS, a nine-month-old baby, choked on food served to him at a day nursery. The case involved complex evidence as to the medical cause of death. James acted for the registered manager of the nursery.
Re. SH (2024)
SH, 17, died on a railway in Croydon in September 2020. The inquest focused upon allegedly inadequate responses from a number of agencies, including the Metropolitan Police and BTP, that may have contributed to SH’s suicide. James acted for BTP.
Re. DL (2023)
DL, who suffered from mental health issues, was arrested after going onto the rail tracks at Herne Bay station and spent one night in a police cell. On release from custody he was provided with a travel warrant and went back to the station and stepped in front of a train. DL’s family were highly critical of both Kent Police and BTP, but the Coroner ruled that none of the alleged failings contributed to the death. James acted for BTP.
During the course of engineering works in the vicinity of high-voltage overhead power lines (OHPL),…
We are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for 2 awards in the…
After a 4-week trial in front of Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb the jury returned not guilty…
