Introduction
Ryan Hodgins initially joined St Philips Chambers as a pupil in October 2020 under the supervision of Tom Walkling and accepted tenancy a year later undertaking his own work in all areas of crime and regulatory law. He has a no-nonsense but friendly approach and has the ability to represent clients in all types of proceedings.
Ryan is instructed by both prosecution and defence. His developing criminal practice has exposed him to a variety of cases at an early stage, including those involving serious violence, drugs and motoring offences. He welcomes instructions in all of these areas.
Before coming to the bar, Ryan worked as a Legal Advisor at a leading national law firm and therefore brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his clients that goes beyond his recent year of call. He has experience in working with clients that have vulnerabilities with regards to mental health and wellbeing.
Outside of work, Ryan loves all kinds of sports, with a particular passion for rugby, football and Muay-Thai, in which he has achieved a black belt. Ryan is also a keen admirer of rock music with a particular fondness for the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.
Licensing
As a part of his practice, Ryan has experience in appearing before Local Authorities, the Magistrates’ Court, and the Crown Court in a plethora of licensing related matters. Ryan has acted both in an advisory capacity for the Police and Local Authorities considering applications for particular licences, as well as representing those that are seeking the grant of particular licences. Similarly, Ryan has experience in representing objectors to specific applications.
Areas of focus include advising and representing parties in relation to alcohol, entertainment, and taxi licence related proceedings alongside more niche areas such as the licensing of scrap metal dealers.
Ryan is known for being thorough in his preparation and clear in his advocacy. He has the ability to advise clients on the broader, practical consequences that flow from the grant or refusal of a particular licence and welcomes instructions in all areas of licensing.
Reported Cases
R v ND (2021) – Secured an acquittal for a defendant facing an allegation of fraud by false representation in a cut-throat case.
R v JD (2021) – Obtained a suspended sentence for a man convicted of passing a counterfeit currency note, having custody of a counterfeit currency note, possession of a controlled drug of class B with intent to supply and theft, despite authority suggesting the need for immediate custody.
R v RB (2021) – Successfully appealed the sentence of a man facing a disqualification from driving after falling foul of the totting provisions.
R v CWS (2021) – Obtained a suspended sentence for a man convicted of two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A, one count of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class B and 1 count of possession of a bladed article in a public place.
R v PML (2021) – Successfully prosecuted a company and its director for supplying a motor vehicle in an unroadworthy condition. The company and its director were ordered to pay full costs.
R v HH (2021) – Represented a defendant that was charged with robbery of a mobile phone. This involved analysing mobile download and cell site evidence.
R v MZ (2021) – Successfully prosecuted a defendant for depositing controlled waste, contrary to the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
R v SB (2022) – Successfully prosecuted a defendant for depositing controlled waste, contrary to the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
R v AV (2022) – Secured an acquittal for a defendant facing an allegation of racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
R v DNB (2022) – Represented a youth defendant in relation to charges of grievous bodily harm with intent, affray and possession of a bladed article. This case involved complex legal submissions regarding disclosure, bad character and hearsay.
R v LR (2022) – Successfully made an application of no case to answer with regards to a defendant that was charged with careless driving. This case involved the analysis of complex expert material.
R v JC (2022) – Successfully appealed the decision of the magistrates court to impose a football banning order in relation to a defendant that was charged with assault.
Education
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Newcastle University – Upper Class 2.1
Master of Laws (LLM), University of Birmingham – Distinction
BPTC, University of Law – Very Competent
Inner Temple Exhibition Award 2018
Inner Temple Duke of Edinburgh Award
Appointments and Memberships
The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
Criminal Bar Association
Institute of Licensing
UK Environmental Law Association
Health and Safety Lawyers’ Association
Testimonials
“A prosecution that was well prepared, well presented and well executed, covering every eventuality.”
“An excellent result on a very challenging case. An outstanding service.“
“Excellent advocacy… I certainly wouldn’t hesitate in requesting Mr Hodgins’ assistance again in the future”.
