Jonathan Barker

Homicide (Murder and Manslaughter)

Jonathan is regularly instructed in cases involving allegations of murder, manslaughter, attempted murder and conspiracy to murder.

Examples include:

• R v Kerry Francis and ors – prosecution of three defendants accused a murdering a man who was fatally shot at close range.
• R v Akingbesote and ors – defence of a man accused of attempted murder arising out of a group machete attack in Coventry City Centre.
• R v Mahek Bukhari and ors – defence of Tik Tok star accused of double murder. This case was subject to worldwide press attention and an ITV documentary.
• R v Corry – defence of a man accused of murdering of a Jaguar Land Rover employee in
• Operation Castwell – prosecution of seven defendants accused of conspiring to murder a vulnerable young
• R v Birch –defence of a young man accused of attempted murder arising out of a stabbing in Sutton Coldfield.
• R v H others – prosecution of ‘contract killer’ accused of fatally shooting a man.
• R v Mohammed Arshad – prosecution of man alleged to have murdered a taxi driver in the course of a robbery.

Fraud, Business and Financial Crime

Jonathan is instructed in the following type of cases:

• Banking fraud;
• Breach of trust fraud g. fraud committed by employees, fraud against the vulnerable;
• Illegal money lending;
• Immigration fraud;
• Insurance fraud g. ‘crash for cash’ fraud;
• Money laundering;
• Tax fraud g. Benefit fraud, VAT fraud;
• Trading standards

Serious Sexual Offences

Jonathan is instructed in the following type of cases:

• Indecent images
• Undercover ‘sting’ operations
• Rape
• Sexual Assault
• Sexual Grooming

He has received comprehensive training in cross-examining young and vulnerable witnesses.  In one case, involving an allegation of rape, the trial judge described Jonathan’s cross-examination of a young complainant as a “model example”. Jonathan’s client was ultimately acquitted of rape and associated offences. Jonathan has experience in the victim’s right to review scheme and was instructed to judicially review a CPS decision to prosecute an individual for rape. He regularly defends professionals accused of sexual offences.

Organised Crime and Terrorism

Jonathan has considerable experience in cases involving serious organised crime. He is on the CPS panel at level 4, the highest level. Jonathan is instructed in the following type of cases involving allegations of organised crime:

• Drugs
• Fraud
• Firearms
• Kidnap
• Murder
• Prison escape
• Robbery
• Theft

Restraint and Confiscation

Jonathan has been involved in many cases involving the application the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. He has particular experience in confiscation, asset restraint and cash forfeiture and has lectured on these subjects.

Motoring and Road Traffic

Jonathan is available to receive instructions in road traffic cases in the Magistrates Court on a private basis, including instruction on a Direct Access basis. He has experience in representing individuals facing allegations of:

• Careless driving;
• Driving whilst under the influence of drugs;
• Driving with excess alcohol;
• Driving whilst using a mobile phone;
• Speeding

Jonathan also has experience in successfully arguing ‘Exceptional hardship’ and ‘Special reasons’.

In the Crown Court, Jonathan has experience in representing those accused of serious driving related offences where death or serious injury has been caused.. He is prepared to take on such cases on both a legal aid and private basis.

Disciplinary Tribunals & Professional Regulation

Jonathan’s experience includes successfully representing a high school teacher before his professional body, and successfully representing a nurse in relation to the death of a patient. He has amassed significant experience in representing teachers, prison officers, carers and police staff.

Environmental

Jonathan prosecutes and defends cases brought by the Environment Agency and local authorities.

Health & Safety, Corporate & Gross Negligence Manslaughter

Jonathan’s recent experience includes defending a nurse in a very high-profile multi-defendant prosecution relating to the death of a patient outside a West Midlands Hospital. The defendant was indicted with an offence contrary to s 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety Work Act 1974; representing a Scaffolder for one offence contrary to section 8(b) of the Work and Height Regulations 2005 and section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974; representing the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Combined Fire Authority in respect of offences contrary to Article 32 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Act) Order 2005. His acts for and against cases brought by the HSE and local authorities.

Trading Standards, Consumer Protection & Food Safety

Jonathan has significant experience in these areas having prosecuted and defended in many cases brought by local councils, including Birmingham City Council, both before the Magistrates and Crown Court. His is also fully acquainted with the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, which typically operates in such cases and can be of significant concern to defendants.

Testimonials

“Jonathan is a gifted advocate and extremely approachable in all aspects of the case.” Chambers & Partners 2025

“He is a reliable and extremely capable counsel.” Chambers & Partners 2025

“Jonathan has a technical mind which allows him to assimilate material very quickly. He focuses on the issues and the intricacies of each case in order to represent his clients to the very best of his ability, which is indeed outstanding. He is extremely good with lay clients and their families and in legal arguments he can think on his feet and address all issues eloquently and with meaning.” Legal 500 2025

“Jonathan is meticulous in his preparation, and a fantastic strategical and tactical thinker.” Legal 500 2025

“Jonathan can always be trusted to provide a first-rate service for clients and solicitors.” Chambers and Partners 2024

“Jonathan is a really excellent jury advocate. He is also very engaging with lay clients.” Chambers and Partners 2024

“Jonathan is a very hard-working and capable advocate. He obtains the trust of the lay client immediately through his thorough preparation and gentle manner. He is impeccable in court. He is genuinely respected by all at the bar and judiciary. His closing speeches are engaging and persuasive to a jury, and his cross-examination is on point.” Legal 500 2024

“Jonathan has a very technical mind and is able to assimilate in-depth evidence very quickly. He has a good presence in front of a jury and commands the attention of the court room. He has good relationships with other members of the Bar and respect for the judiciary.” Legal 500 2023

“Jonathan is extremely approachable and helpful.” Legal 500 2023

“A confident, thoughtful, hard-working advocate with a great manner in court. He is excellent.” Chambers UK 2022

“I have come to admire Jonathan’s work ethic, enthusiasm and determination to provide the absolute best representation for his clients. Jonathan works tirelessly on behalf of his clients and unsurprisingly has achieved excellent outcomes for them over the years.” Legal 500 2022

“A straight talking down to earth jury advocate who has a fantastic ability to cut through complex subject matter and present it to a jury in a clear, concise and engaging manner.” Legal 500 2021

“Prepares cases well and does not miss anything.” Legal 500 2020

“His technical mind allows him to assimilate complex information quickly.” Legal 500 2019

News

Christopher Millington KC and Jonathan Barker represent mahek bukhari in tiktok murder trial

Jonathan Barker secures suspended sentence for businessman involved in the international sale of unauthorised covid 19 test kits

Christopher Millington KC and Jonathan Barker defend in the “A46 double murder” trial

Jonathan Barker Prosecutes Pharmacists for illegal Supply of Prescription Medicines

Overarching principles: Sentencing offenders with mental disorders, developmental disorders, or neurological impairments

Education

LLB Law – University College London

Languages

English