Russell is a criminal defence specialist with experience defending in a range of cases including serious violence, fraud, and drug supply. He is particularly interested in public order, protest, and terrorism.
He has also represented clients in the parole board and prison adjudications as well as before the mental health tribunal.
Russell is currently instructed in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
Criminal Defence
Overview
Russell is a criminal defence specialist with a particular interest in cases involving protest, public order, and terrorism.
Notable Cases
Past notable cases can be viewed below. Click here to see a list of recent notable cases.
R v TK [2017] Snaresbrook crown court
Acquittal of a prominent Ethiopian opposition activist of seven counts of possession of material likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism and a count of attending a place used for terrorist training. Led by Hossein Zahir.
R v JE [2017] Southwark crown court
Represented one of a group charged with fraud arising from a multi-million pound land banking ‘boiler room’ fraud. The case received national press and television coverage:
R v RH & others [2017] Kingston crown court
Represented one of a gang who committed a series of burglaries in the south east attracting media attention owing to one of the homes belonging to a professional footballer.
R v MC & others [2016] Snaresbrook crown court
Seven-week trial of a number of people prosecuted for affray following an eviction of a squat in East London. Hung jury. Crown did not seek retrial.
R v TP [2016] Blackfriars crown court
Acquittal of man charged with possession of a bladed article following the police attendance a domestic disturbance.
R v AS [2015] Luton crown court
Trial of defendant charged with robbery and car jacking.
R v GL [2015] Blackfriars crown court
Trial of vulnerable client under section charged with robbery with a knife.
R v SA [2015] Snaresbrook crown court
Client acquitted of dangerous driving.
R v MA [2015] Inner London crown court Importation of heroin
R v SK [2014] Oxford crown court
Secured a suspended sentence for two counts of making a false statutory declaration for defendant convicted following trial.
R v TC & anor [2014] Hove trial centre
Acquittal after a four-day trial for a woman charged with obstructing a drugs search following a police raid on her home.
R v AH [2014] Bristol crown court
Acquittal after a five-day trial for a young defendant of Somali origin after being accused of a racially motivated assault.
Protest cases
R v JG & others [2015] Willesden magistrates’ court
Represented a group of activists tried following direct action protests against the evictions of residents of the Sweets Way estate in Barnet, north London.
R v KM & others [2013] Cardiff magistrates’ court
Represented a group of Tamil protesters tried for public order offences following a protest at an international cricket match between Sri Lanka and India.
Contact Russell
Civil Liberties and Human Rights
Overview
Russell is experienced in defending clients exercising their right to protest. He also appears before the parole board and is interested in cases where crime, humans rights and public law meet.
Notable Cases
R v SE, PS, PT [2019] City of London magistrates' court
Represented three people charged with failing to comply with a section 14 condition placed on an assembly. The case concerned the Extinction Rebellion protests in central London in April this year and was reported in the Guardian. Russell is instructed on a number of other cases concerning the same protests.
R v JG & others [2015] Willesden magistrates' court
Represented a group of activists tried following direct action protests against the evictions of residents of the Sweets Way Estate in Barnet, north London.
R v KM & others [2013] Cardiff magistrates' court
Represented a group of Tamil protesters tried for public order offences following a protest at an international cricket match between Sri Lanka and India. The case received local media coverage