David Sleight

David has an extensive criminal litigation background and has significant experience in both general and financial crime matters as well as public law cases where there is a criminal element.  He regularly acts for individuals in cases with substantial press interest where reputation management forms an important part of his representation.

General Crime

David acts for defendants and witnesses in a broad range of criminal cases, including; serious assaults, sexual offences, internet crime, road traffic offences, theft, fare evasion, drugs offences, harassment and murder.

He regularly attends the police station to advance and protect his clients' legal rights.  His astute and tactical advice often leads to cases being dropped prior to charge, avoiding court proceedings and the associated damage to clients’ reputations.  Should matters progress to Court he has a tenacious and thorough approach and a high acquittal rate.

David also specialises in representing military personnel in both the civilian Courts and at Court Martial.  He has acted for servicemen in a number of high profile cases including those facing allegations of violent assault, absenteeism, misconduct in public office and offences under the Official Secrets Act.

Financial Crime

 David’s ‘white collar’ crime practice includes acting for those accused of complex financial investigations involving fraud, overseas corruption, and mutual legal assistance.   He has particular experience in defending money laundering allegations under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, as well as associated proceedings relating to restraint, forfeiture and confiscation. 

He is currently acting for an individual in a wide scale Cartel / Competition Act investigation by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) into a multi-national automotive supply company. He also represents those investigated and prosecuted by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), The Financial Service Authority (FSA) and Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

Public Law

 David acts for a number of serving and former soldiers who are witnesses in the Baha Mousa Public Inquiry.  This far reaching inquiry is investigating the circumstances which led to the death in custody of an Iraqi hotel receptionist, Baha Mousa, as well as the treatment of other detainees captured and interrogated by the British Army in Iraq in 2003.

He also represents witnesses in Coroner’s Court proceedings, recently acting for the family of the deceased in a case of alleged poisoning at Hertfordshire Coroner’s Court.

What clients say about David

 “I have been delighted with your diligence throughout this matter and your incredibly sensitive and kind approach….Thank you truly for being such a superstar.”

“Thank you for all your help during the interview, it was such a stressful day, and although not something that I enjoyed, so great to have you advising me.”

“From every aspect of the litigation together with all the practical things…..You will never know how much you have helped us get through this period in our lives, but from the bottom of both our hearts thank you.”

Professional Societies

• Law Society
• London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association (LCCSA)
• Association of Military Court Advocates (AMCA)
• Young Fraud Lawyers Association (YFLA)

Articles and Publications:

• The law regarding entrapment, Law Society Gazette,
• Can Justice ever be Too Open, the LCCSA Advocate 
• Podcast on entrapment, for CPDcast