Edmund Smyth

Ed was called to the Bar in 1998 and qualified as a solicitor in 2002. He joined Walkers in 2006, shortly before its merger with Sonn Macmillan. Ed became an associate solicitor in 2008.

Ed is an experienced police station adviser and Magistrates’ Court advocate, as well as dealing with more serious offences in the Crown Court. His caseload covers the full range of criminal matters with, in recent years, a growing focus on fraud-related offences, proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and extradition.

Ed provides advice in both publicly and privately funded cases. He regularly represents professionals facing a wide variety of offences, from driving matters to serious assaults. His calm and thorough approach to criminal defence work – and his impressive success rate - is much appreciated by his clients.

Recent notable cases include:

• R v E (“Operation Euripus”). Acting for one of the defendants in the largest ever carousel fraud (£250m loss) prosecuted by HM Revenue and Customs.

• Mucelli v Albania. Instructed in an extradition appeal in both the High Court and the House of Lords.

• R v R. Successful defence of a client charged with a number of serious sexual offences against a minor.

• R v J. A case concerning a £1m car ringing scam. Ed secured an agreement from the prosecution to accept pleas to much less serious offences than those originally charged.

• R v L. Acting for a defendant in an alleged £1m prostitution ring (managing brothels) and subsequent confiscation proceedings.