Barrister

Paul Spreadborough

Paul Spreadborough

Man in dark suit, white shirt, and polka dot tie.

Details

Year of Call:

2002

Practice Type

Criminal Defence

Direct Access

Not Qualified

Expertise Overview

Murder & Manslaughter

Serious & Organised Crime

Fraud & Financial Crime

Drugs & Drug Conspiracies

Serious Violence

Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery

Professional Profile


Called to the Bar in 2002, Paul is a highly experienced criminal defence barrister specialising exclusively in serious and complex crime. He practised for many years across courts throughout England and Wales, building a formidable reputation for defending clients facing the gravest allegations. In 2018, Paul relocated from London to the South West of England, where he continues to accept instructions nationwide while maintaining an exclusively defence-focused practice.


Paul is regularly instructed in cases involving murder, extreme violence, firearms, kidnap, modern slavery, high-value fraud and serious drug offences. He is particularly well regarded for his ability to manage exceptionally large and complex cases, often involving extensive disclosure, intrusive surveillance evidence and vulnerable witnesses. His preparation is meticulous and strategic, enabling him to identify decisive issues at an early stage and pursue them fearlessly through trial.


Professional and lay clients alike value Paul’s calm authority, interpersonal skills and unwavering commitment to the defence of his clients’ interests. He is known for his attention to detail, his ability to master voluminous evidence and his determination to advance robust and principled defences in cases where the consequences could not be more serious. Alongside his legal practice, Paul maintains a personal interest in marine wildlife conservation, reflecting a disciplined and analytical approach that informs his advocacy.

A simple, stylized illustration of a dark rose flower with layered petals.
A simple, stylized illustration of a dark rose flower with layered petals.

Expertise

Murder & Manslaughter
Paul has substantial experience defending clients accused of murder, attempted murder, kidnap and extreme violence, including allegations arising from organised crime and gang-related activity. He is frequently instructed in cases involving complex factual scenarios, joint enterprise allegations and forensic evidence, where the stakes are exceptionally high and the prosecution case is heavily contested. He is particularly adept at defending in cases where the Crown alleges coordinated violence or conspiracy, often supported by surveillance material, telecommunications evidence and witness testimony from vulnerable or intimidated witnesses. Paul’s ability to analyse evidential weaknesses, challenge prosecution narratives and maintain strategic focus throughout long trials has resulted in significant acquittals. Solicitors instruct Paul in serious violence cases for his composure under pressure, his effectiveness in cross-examining witnesses in sensitive circumstances and his determination to ensure that juries are presented with clear, defensible alternatives to the prosecution case.

Noticeable Cases - Murder & Manslaughter

R v CUU

Acquittal of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to possess illegal firearms following interception of firearms transaction linked to London street gang.

Expertise

Murder & Manslaughter
Paul has substantial experience defending clients accused of murder, attempted murder, kidnap and extreme violence, including allegations arising from organised crime and gang-related activity. He is frequently instructed in cases involving complex factual scenarios, joint enterprise allegations and forensic evidence, where the stakes are exceptionally high and the prosecution case is heavily contested. He is particularly adept at defending in cases where the Crown alleges coordinated violence or conspiracy, often supported by surveillance material, telecommunications evidence and witness testimony from vulnerable or intimidated witnesses. Paul’s ability to analyse evidential weaknesses, challenge prosecution narratives and maintain strategic focus throughout long trials has resulted in significant acquittals. Solicitors instruct Paul in serious violence cases for his composure under pressure, his effectiveness in cross-examining witnesses in sensitive circumstances and his determination to ensure that juries are presented with clear, defensible alternatives to the prosecution case.

Noticeable Cases - Murder & Manslaughter

R v CUU

Acquittal of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to possess illegal firearms following interception of firearms transaction linked to London street gang.

Expertise

Murder & Manslaughter
Paul has substantial experience defending clients accused of murder, attempted murder, kidnap and extreme violence, including allegations arising from organised crime and gang-related activity. He is frequently instructed in cases involving complex factual scenarios, joint enterprise allegations and forensic evidence, where the stakes are exceptionally high and the prosecution case is heavily contested. He is particularly adept at defending in cases where the Crown alleges coordinated violence or conspiracy, often supported by surveillance material, telecommunications evidence and witness…

Noticeable Cases
Murder & Manslaughter

R v CUU

Acquittal of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to possess illegal firearms following interception of firearms transaction linked to London street gang.

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