OVERVIEW

Mark has rapidly developed an extremely busy Crown Court practice, covering all aspects of criminal law. Although he is often sought as prosecuting counsel by the CPS his practice is predominantly based in defending a wide range of cases. He joined Lincoln House in 2011.

Mark has extensive experience of cases spanning the entire spectrum of criminal law. He has been instructed in a variety of serious and complex cases that have received considerable media attention including prosecutions by the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue and Customs, Trading Standards, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (F.A.C.T.). Mark also undertakes regulatory cases and is often instructed to act on behalf of the General MedIcal Council.

Mark has also acted as junior counsel in a number of cases including those involving allegations of serious sexual misconduct, large scale drug conspiracies, substantial frauds and money laundering. He has experience of video and TV link cases involving young and vulnerable witnesses and is regarded as a meticulous preparer of the cases in which he is instructed.

Mark has a keen interest in road traffic law and has developed an enviable reputation for successfully defending motorists across the country in privately funded cases. Mark adopts a pro-active and determined approach to his cases, placing a premium upon thorough preparation and dedicated client care. Clients, both professional and lay, regard him as approachable and very committed.
Mark is a member of the Sports Law Direct team which provides representation at disciplinary hearings and regulatory matters. He also offers awareness seminars for sporting figures on staying within the law both in and outside the sporting area – conduct, public order, alcohol, driving, sexual behaviour and privacy.

“I’d just like to comment on how amazing Mark Friend was yesterday at Chester Crown Court. He managed to achieve a suspended sentence order for my client in a case which would have usually resulted in an automatic prison sentence.

He really turned the tide with the Judge. In his mitigation he was so articulate but extremely emotive whilst managing to convey every aspect of the difficult circumstances and supporting evidence to warrant the Judge departing from his guidelines.

“His family and I are so grateful to Mark.” – Instructing Solicitor

“Can I just and express my gratitude to Mr Friend, what an absolute fantastic job he did representing me, I really couldn’t of asked for a better barrister” – Feedback to instructing solicitor following acquittal in rape trial

Fraud R v Mohammed & Others [Bolton Crown Court] – Large scale copyright and trademark infringement case. Prosecuted privately by the Federation Against Copyright Theft

R v Nicholson & Others [Manchester Crown Court] – Junior counsel for lead defendant in large scale fraud involving allegation of complex deception by a number of legitimate and illegitimate companies. Prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office.

R v Murcott [Carlisle Crown Court] – Extensive cheque fraud case.

R v Chen & Others [Preston Crown Court] – Junior counsel in extensive fraud and money laundering case in which defendant was “exposed” on the BBC rogue Traders programme.

R v Manir & Others [Bradford Crown Court] – Acted for lead defendant in fraud case involving large deception committed upon Abbey National.

R v Schaffer & Others [Stoke Crown Court] – Extensive trading standards prosecution in relation to a complex conspiracy to defraud.

R v Gleave [Bolton Crown Court] – Complex case involving a lengthy investigation into the largest ever theft from British Telecom.

R v Niem Mohammed [Wolverhampton Crown Court] – Represented faith healer prosecuted for multiple offences of deception, fraud and blackmail. A case raising complex cultural issues.
Crime

R v M & Others [Manchester Crown Court] – Firearms case involving allegations of “gang-land” attempted murder. Included witness anonymity orders under new Criminal Evidence (witness Anonymity) Act 2008.

R v Spelman & Others [Minshull Street Crown Court] – Case involving allegations of double death by dangerous driving receiving widespread media attention.

R v Beaumont [Manchester Crown Court] – Drug importation case related to conspiracy to traffic drugs into Manchester Airport.

R v Khan & Others – Operation Mandal [Bolton Crown Court] – Extensive allegations of a significant Class A drugs conspiracy in the Rochdale area of Greater Manchester.

R v Reeves & Others – Operation Beath – [Liverpool Crown Court] – Instructed to represent defendant charged as a key player in an international conspiracy to import Class A drugs with a potential street value in excess of £100 million.

R v Miller [Bolton Crown Court] – Instructed to defend a man of good character charged with causing death by careless driving following alleged momentary inattention at the wheel.

R v Okoh & Others [Minshull Street Crown Court] – Complex case involving allegations of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration through the arrangement of “sham” marriages in Manchester.

R v Muirhead & Others– Operation Perryville [Bolton Crown Court] – In excess of 25 defendants charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs after lengthy police undercover operation.

R v Young & Young [Carlisle Crown Court] – Allegation of murder; substantial police investigation involving complex telephone evidence.

R v S [Birmingham Crown Court] – Vast case involving allegations of conspiracy to supply cannabis. Instructed to represent the lead defendant in the largest investigation into the industrial production of cannabis ever mounted by West Midlands Police.

R v Wilding [Preston Crown Court] – Junior counsel for one of three defendants charged with a complex conspiracy to murder.

R v H [Manchester Crown Court] – Instructed to represent a defendant charged with perverting the course of justice directly related to an offence of manslaughter.

R v S [Manchester Crown Court] – Represented a defendant charged with allegations of historical sexual abuse.

R v W [Bolton Crown Court] – Represented young defendant charged with familial sexual abuse. Complainant had unusual mental health issues that necessitated the consideration of difficult expert evidence.

R v Green [Bolton Crown Court] – Substantial case involving a conspiracy to supply massive quantities of class A drugs across the UK with huge volumes of evidence obtained from throughout Europe.

R v Richards [Manchester Crown Court] – Instructed to represent one of four defendants charged with undertaking a “spree” of violent armed robberies across Manchester using firearms.

R v P [Minshull Street Crown Court] – Represented young defendant charged with rape. Sensitive case involving difficult issues of fact and law.