Tates Solicitors

Overview Of Profiles

The partners of Tates are able to demonstrate a lengthy history of representing clients facing allegations of the most serious and complex nature. Indeed at Tates we believe that any work we undertake on behalf of a client should be done by a qualified lawyer. Clients of Tates can be satisfied therefore that the lawyer dealing with their case has the necessary experience and expertise to rigorously defend their interests no matter what type of criminal allegation they are facing.

We are conscious that different types of criminal allegations require different approaches. We are able to allocate cases to lawyers who have specific experience of dealing with particular types of cases to ensure that a clients interests are best served.

John Batchelor

Admitted in 1993, Managing Partner, Duty Solicitor, Solicitor/Advocate Higher Courts (Crime), Serious Fraud Supervisor, member of the Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme, member of the Solicitors’ Association of Higher Court Advocates.

John has a wide experience of defending extremely serious criminal cases and complex fraud and regulatory work in proceedings brought by the Crown, the Serious Fraud Office and other prosecuting authorities such as the Health and Safety Executive, Trading Standards and HMRC.  John has defended several cases of national interest.  John specialises in commercial crime but with many years of experience defending all manner of serious criminal offences including multiple homicide, sexual offences, drug importations and general crime.

Notable Cases

R -v- Walker

"Probably the biggest car fraud in the world" according to the respected motoring journalist Quentin Wilson.

R -v- Papworth

Serious Fraud Office prosecution over the downfall of Hadleigh PLC. Successful acquittal of the Finance Director.

R -v- Mitchell

HMRC prosecution of a MTIC fraud involving £11 million VAT evasion and conspiracy to defraud. Acquittal of co-director said to be "instrumental" in the setup of the scheme.

R -v- Lewis

The fall-out from Exeter City's exit from the Football League. Representation of a Co-Chairman in a conspiracy to defraud.

R (SFO) -v- Grove

Successful defence and acquittal of Director in multi million pound alleged ponzi fraud involving North American investors. Lengthy trial following SFO investigation resulting in acquittal of client who was able to retain his good character.

Michael Miller

Qualified as a solicitor in 2000, Duty Solicitor, Higher Court Advocate Criminal Courts. Member of Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates.

Michael has considerable experience in Fraud, Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime matters, representing clients as both solicitor and junior counsel in the Crown Court. He has over recent years developed a particular interest in Crown Court Advocacy.

Michael has also represented clients charged with murder / manslaughter, drug importation and supply, serious sexual offences and Terrorism Act offences.

Nicholas Hammond

Vast experience of defending in high profile cases which have attracted both local and national media interest.  Is now an experienced Crown Court advocate and has appeared at the Court of Appeal.

Takes a particular interest in financial crime, from complex fraud cases prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office, Complex Crime Units of the Crown Prosecution Service, DTI, HM Customs, Financial Services Authority and other regulatory bodies, through to allegations of significant money laundering.

Is also recognised as a tenacious Magistrates’ Court advocate where the preservation of a client’s driving licence is in issue.

Sean Cluderay

Qualified in 1985, Senior Partner, Solicitor/Advocate Higher Courts (Crime), Duty Solicitor.

Sean has more than 35 years of criminal practice and advocacy expertise dealing with numerous notable cases of the most serious magnitude, including murder, major drug offences and serious fraud.

Sean began life as a legal adviser to the Justices before entering private practice and heading up Tates in its current form.  Former Director of Hunslet Hawks Rugby League Football Club.