Our Team

Richard has a wealth of experience in criminal defence, and is the former Managing Partner of Claude Hornby & Cox, where he conducted cases at all levels of the civilian criminal justice system, before Courts Martial, Coroners Courts, and in professional disciplinary proceedings.

Richard joined Powell Spencer & Partners as a Consultant in 2018.

He has successfully represented defendants facing allegations of murder, terrorism, large-scale drugs importation and supply, fraud, rape, and residential and non-residential burglary, but is equally and very much interested in defending clients arrested for or charged with less serious offences.

Recent small-scale cases successfully resolved include alleged assaults, knife possession, burglary, and road traffic offences.

Nationally reported cases include murder, armed robbery, computer misuse and fraud, a 20-defendant burglary conspiracy case, and a conspiracy to smuggle drugs, mobile phones, and other prohibited items into prisons.

Richard continues to act as a Police Station and Magistrates Court Duty Solicitor. He has always loved the work of a criminal lawyer, and knows that quality representation in the police station has an important bearing on whether or not a client is charged or No Further Actioned, and, if charged, on the chances of a successful outcome at court.

He believes strongly that all clients are entitled to be represented to a high standard, whatever their financial circumstances, and that the key to representing a client well is hard work, very thorough preparation, and a willingness to do all that is necessary irrespective of the time it takes.

Richard is a Member of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association.