Leo Martin

Leo is a highly regarded and experienced criminal solicitor with over a decade of experience in criminal litigation. He has in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system and is respected by many of his opponents and members of the Judiciary. He is listed in the Legal 500 as a recognised expert.

Leo has successfully defended clients accused of a wide variety of offences. He recognises the fact that even the most minor offence could have a detrimental impact on a client’s future or employment prospects. By specialising in providing pre-charge advice, many of his clients have been able to steer away from criminal prosecution. He also provides advice and assistance to potential witnesses who have been asked to provide a statement for the prosecution or have received a request to attend court to give evidence.

Leo is frequently instructed by professional sportsmen, music artists, actors, politicians and professionals. His practice includes defending clients who face allegations of fraud, financial crime and motoring offences. He has defended clients from investigations by overseas police forces and federal law enforcement agencies. Leo was also a key team member in the recent Euribor Trial, the alleged manipulation by traders who allegedly conspired to fix bank lending indexes.

He advances the rights of his clients from the earliest stage, guiding them carefully through the issues involved in criminal litigation.

Leo is a lifelong supporter of Watford FC.

Notable Cases

Euribor R -v- P (2017 -2019) – Defended a senior trader employed by a major bank alleged to have fixed the Euribor bank lending indexes.

R v A (Reported case; published in both Archbold and Blackstone’s). Successfully opposed CPS appeal against Circuit Judge who stayed proceedings.

R v Y: Represented a bogus solicitor who facilitated a large scale mortgage fraud. Police alleged that he was the mastermind behind the setup of bogus law firms.

R v B & C: Defended two clients accused of money laundering and human trafficking. Multi-handed case at Southwark Crown Court. Both clients acquitted.

R v X:  Represented an elite sportsman (Boxer) accused of an assault. Successful pre-charge advice resulted in an out of court disposal.

R v F:  Represented a professional footballer accused of GBH and public order offences.  Provided discreet representation resulting in the case against the client being dropped pre-arrest.

R v J:  Represented a Member of Parliament arrested on suspicion of assault.  Successful pre-charge advice resulting in the CPS and the police taking no further action. The case was dropped.

R v S:  Represented a professional footballer accused of motoring offences.  Client accepted the allegation with robust mitigation avoiding a driving disqualification.

R v X:  Successfully represented a professional footballer arrested on suspicion of being involved in a large scale drugs conspiracy.  The police took no further action.

R v W:  Successful acquittal on a serious and sensitive case concerning sexual offences.  Detailed consideration of disclosure pursued by the defence heavily undermined the prosecution case at trial.

R v M Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey): Represented a vulnerable client who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. This was the first case at the Old Bailey whereby a defendant gave evidence via a video link from a solicitor’s office. Client was acquitted.

R v M: Defended husband and wife against allegations of tax evasion, money laundering and mortgage fraud.

R v H: Defending husband and wife against allegations of VAT fraud.

R v M: Currently representing a defendant accused of stealing a $1M diamond.  Case ongoing.