Angus McWilliams

In practice, Angus deals with a full sphere of criminal law issues, including online and contact sexual offending; historic sexual allegations; fraud; domestic violence; drug offences; motoring cases (including death by carless and dangerous driving) and offences against the person. This work includes handling cases at the Magistrates Court, Crown Court, and Court of Appeal.

Additionally, Angus handles significant regulatory matters relating to shotgun license revocation appeals, public Inquiries with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, taxi licensing, and data protection issues, including DBS. Angus also handles matters relating to Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC), General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC) and General Medical Council (GMC) fitness to practice hearings. He is trained in respect of Care Quality Commission (CQC) investigations and tribunal applications.

Angus has particular expertise in respect of sexual offences, including allegations relating to indecent imagery online, communications, and social media platforms, as well as vigilante stings. Angus has developed his practice and is a key figure in a team that leads the field in this area of criminal law.

Angus’ practice is nationwide, conducting interviews and hearings all across England and Wales. Angus has been judicially recognised for the quality of his drafting and advocacy. His practice in the Crown Court especially is growing, and by virtue of his higher rights of audience, he is able to represent a client from the very inception of their matter all the way through to the end, providing excellent continuity of service.

Angus’ appellant and judicial review experience includes the preparation of Court of Appeal Criminal Division applications against both conviction and sentence (including ancillary orders), the judicial review of police decisions to caution, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decision to prosecute. Particularly in respect of young and vulnerable individuals.

Angus also handles motoring law and driving offences at both pre-court and prosecution stages. This work includes drink driving, driving standards cases, and more serious cases involving death by careless and dangerous driving. Angus also deals with speeding offences, whether mitigating to avoid a ban or defending innocence. This area of practice routinely includes arguing that exceptional hardship should apply to avoid a totting disqualification.

 

Angus attended the University of Plymouth to complete his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) undergraduate studies. Upon completion of his LLB, he read for his Masters in Legal Professional Practice and Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Bristol.

Angus has completed his higher rights of audience at the University of Law in London and is involved in the development and provision of training to Stone King's trainee solicitors.

Bath-based Angus is a keen sportsman. He has played volleyball at a significant standard nationwide, in addition to many years of competitive swimming.

Angus has travelled widely and spent various periods abroad. He worked and lived as a lifeguard in America and, closer to home, can often be found surfing in Cornwall or along the North Devon coastline.

R v T – T was arrested and charged with possession of indecent images and the distribution of indecent images in all categories. Represented T at sentencing and successfully argued that the matter could be dealt with via a non-custodial sentence. T received a 24-month community order.

R v L – Litigating in respect of a matter of assault occasioning actual bodily harm—the complainant passed away prior to trial. Numerous issues relating to hearsay evidence and bad character. L acquitted of all charges.

R v A Crown Court: A had been arrested and charged for multiple sexual communication offences. Represented at Magistrates Court for entering of guilty plea and Crown Court for sentencing hearing. The defendant had engaged in a plethora of therapeutic steps that were presented to the court. Conclusion reached that they could successfully be managed in the community. Received a 12-month suspended custodial sentence.

R v W Crown Court: W charged with making/possession and distribution of indecent images. A significant number of images were present on their devices. Crown Court sentencing hearing where mitigation was presented. Received a 12-month suspended custodial sentence.

R v J Motoring Law: J prosecuted for speeding and s.172 failure to provide driver details. Numerous issues were identified with how the prosecuting authority had handled the case. Successfully argued that the proceedings themselves were an abuse of process. As a result, the case was discontinued before reaching trial.

S v Chief Constable – S made subject to the notification requirements for life following an extended sentence for indecent images some 10 years ago. An application was completed and submitted. The client was represented at Bristol Magistrates Court, where the court concluded that he no longer posed a risk of harm and could be removed from the notification requirements.

T v Chief Constable – T made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order some 10 years previously. A detailed application was drafted to discharge the order. Through correspondence with the Chief Constable, it was agreed between parties that it was no longer necessary for T to remain subject to the SHPO. The court discharged the order administratively.

R v S – Client prosecuted for numerous sexual and violent offences. Led litigation on the matter solo. Attended initial 9-day trial, resulting in jury being discharged.

R v L – Portuguese national arrested and remanded on charges of assisting unlawful immigration. Leading solo litigation on the case, including corresponding with Portuguese companies to gather evidence. Case resulted in successful application to dismiss, and L was immediately released and returned home.

R v J – J accused of possessing and distributing indecent images of children of all categories. Detailed submissions drafted and delivered regarding public interest. Caution offered and accepted by J.