David Sleight

David Sleight is a highly sought-after criminal litigator specialising in complex, sensitive and high-profile cases. He is recognised for his strategic approach and ability to get results.

David understands the devastating effect that criminal allegations can have on his client’s personal life and/or business. Whether the client is in the public eye already or wishes to avoid publicity at all costs, David’s focus is always on resolving issues swiftly and avoiding reputational damage. His astute and practical advice, tailored to the needs of each case, consistently achieves outstanding outcomes for his clients.

Criminal Defence and Police Investigations

David specialises in providing advice at the crucial early stages of investigations, including the representation of clients at interviews under caution and making pre-charge representations to the police and prosecuting authorities. David’s early involvement in the case can make the difference between being charged with an offence or not. Should matters progress to court he is meticulous in his preparation and has a high acquittal rate.

David acts for defendants, witnesses and victims in a broad range of serious criminal matters, including: assaults, sexual offences, internet and cyber-crime, serious road traffic offences, theft, drugs offences, harassment and blackmail.

Financial Crime and Tax Investigations 

David’s ‘white collar’ crime practice includes acting for companies and individuals accused of complex financial investigations involving fraud, tax evasion, overseas corruption and mutual legal assistance (MLA). He specialises in defending tax investigations brought by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and has particular expertise in challenging the legality of search warrants and other enforcement powers.

David has significant experience in defending money laundering allegations under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and associated proceedings relating to restraint, forfeiture and confiscation, as well as representing clients subject to Account Freezing Orders (AFOs) under the Criminal Finances Act 2017.

He acts for individuals and companies in investigations and prosecutions brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), The National Crime Agency (NCA), Trading Standards, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

David is also ranked in both Chambers UK and Chambers High Net Worth UK and is listed in Legal 500 as Leading Partner. 

NOTABLE CASES

2023 - Acted for the CEO of an energy company facing allegations of blackmail. Following the service of a detailed defence statement and disclosure requests the prosecution offered no evidence at the Crown Court.

2023 - Represented a director of an umbrella company in an HMRC criminal investigation for mis-selling of disguised remuneration tax avoidance schemes. No further action was taken following the client’s interview under caution.

2023 – Acted for a Premier League footballer in his interview under caution for a complex and highly sensitive matter. No charges were brought.

2022 - Represented a football club chairman in a large scale HMRC tax evasion prosecution at Southwark Crown. Detailed legal arguments led to the case being dismissed and the client acquitted of all charges.

2022 – Acted for the son of a high-profile business man facing allegations of rape. The client was acquitted of all charges following a retrial.

2021 - Acted for a company and its directors in a Trading Standards criminal investigation into breaches of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations. Detailed prepared statements were submitted leading to the criminal investigation concluding against all parties.

2019 – Acted for a Premier League footballer accused of assault. The case was dropped following his interview under caution.

2018 - Acted for the former CEO of Cambridge Analytica in relation to the Facebook Data Breach scandal including representing the client at his hearing before the DCMS Parliamentary Select Committee and a criminal investigation by the ICO. No criminal charges were brought.

2018 – Acted for a Premier League footballer facing allegations of assault.  No further action was taken by the police following his interview under caution.

2017 - Represented a Hedge Fund manager at Southwark Crown Court following allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.  The client was acquitted of all charges.

2017 - Acted for a former CFO investigated for Data Protection Act offences in large scale operation by the ICO. Following representations to the ICO no further action was taken.

2017 - Representation of a Hedge Fund, following HMRC dawn raid relating to “cum-ex” trading and tax evasion. Advising on the legality of searches and technical aspects of mutual legal assistance between member states.

2016 – Representation of a former police officer in a long running and large-scale investigation concerning historic sexual offences. The case involved detailed disclosure requests and abuse of process arguments.

2015 - Representing 4 accountants in an ongoing high-profile investigation relating to allegations of tax evasion.

2015 - Represented celebrity accused of sexual assault. Defended the client at his police station interview. No further action was taken.

2015 – Represented a former British Airways Pilot in high profile case relating to historic sexual offences.

2015 - Represented Premiership footballer accused of assault.  Defended the client at his police interview under caution and thereafter made successful representations to the police that no further action should be taken.

2014 – Acted for two Directors facing allegations of fraudulent trading against the Ministry of Defence. On 3 November 2014 at Southwark Crown Court, following seven years of litigation, not guilty verdicts were officially entered. The Prosecution decision not to proceed with this matter followed substantial representations to the reviewing lawyer as to why the defendants should not be prosecuted.

2014 – Acted for a solicitor accused of causing death by careless driving during her trial at Southwark Crown Court. The client was acquitted.

2013 - Represented a Premier League footballer accused of rape allegations at his police interview and beyond. In January 2014 the case was formally dropped by the CPS with no further action being taken.

2013 – Represented a Taxidermist accused of fraud and breaches of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Following significant disclosure and abuse of process arguments, the prosecution conceded that the client was unable to have a fair trial.

2012 - Acted for a property developer in relation to corruption allegations between himself and the Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands. A civil recovery settlement was agreed with no criminal findings.

2012 – Acted for Premiership Footballer following his arrest for dangerous driving. The client received a financial penalty and avoided a custodial sentence.

2011 – Acted for two directors of a multi-million pound scrap metal business, accused of conspiracy of handling stolen beer kegs. Following written representations to the CPS and abuse of process arguments the Prosecution dropped the case against both clients.

2010 – Represented the father of England Footballer John Terry for supply of Class A drugs following a News of the World Sting.

2010 – Acted for an individual in a wide scale Cartel/Competition Act investigation by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) into an automotive component supply company.

2009 - Acted for a number of soldiers who were witnesses in the Baha Mousa Public Inquiry, which investigated the death in custody of Iraqi Hotel receptionist following interrogation by British troops.

2008 – Represented an interpreter in the British Army in relation to misconduct in a public office and Official Secrets Act charges

 

What clients and directories have said

David is a highly competent practitioner with a very good client manner."

Chambers and Partners, 2025

I was very pleased with the service David provided."

Chambers and Partners, 2025

David Sleight is hard-working, smart, emotionally intelligent and covers all the bases. An excellent advisor to have in your corner."

The Legal 500, 2025

David Sleight is a star individual who really gets how the client is feeling and what he needs to do to put them at ease. He is also a top lawyer and a superb tactician. He can see many steps ahead which allows him to cut through even the most difficult cases with ease. I regard him as one of the pre-eminent lawyers in this work space….”

Legal 500 UK, 2023

He is really good with clients, very knowledgeable, user-friendly and approachable. He is very good at handling complex matters, very capable and intelligent."

Chambers and Partners, 2022

He is hard-working and diligent, with an excellent knowledge of the law."

Chambers and Partners, 2022

David Sleight – sharp, astute and caring. David is reassuring and has a fantastic manner with clients, and his talent for straightforward but effective negotiation provides exceptional results time after time.”

Legal 500 2022

He is second to none at avoiding prosecution, but if that’s not possible he has the most impressive ability to spot the points that will win. Bright and canny.”

Legal 500 2022

An excellent lawyer who is at the top of his game."

Chambers UK 2021

He is a talented lawyer that can handle a wide range of different cases."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2021

He's really good with clients and very knowledgeable. He's a user-friendly and approachable lawyer. He's an impressive strategist."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2021

His client care is exceptional, he is absolutely devoted to his clients and his work and it shows."

Chambers UK 2021

David Sleight pores over every detail, which is exactly what you want in a solicitor. He's hugely reassuring - you just feel better when he is in the room. He is empathetic even with the most difficult and demanding of clients."

Legal 500 UK 2021

He throws his heart and soul into cases and his advice is spot on."

Chambers UK 2021

He is very clear and very straight to the point about things. His client care is exceptional and really impressive."

Chambers UK 2021

David Sleight has established himself as a force to be reckoned with."

Legal 500 UK 2020

A tactically astute and hardworking criminal defence practitioner who commits completely to his clients"

Chambers UK 2020 - A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession

..is relentless in his pursuit of his client's case."

Legal 500 UK 2020

David has a confidence-inspiring style in which he clearly demonstrates his considerable knowledge and experience of criminal law but also possesses the rare ability to transfer this confidence to the client."

Chambers and Partners, 2019

Criminal expert David Sleight (is) also active in sports litigation."

Legal 500 UK

Tenacious."

Legal 500 UK 2019

Extremely calm, tactically astute and ferocious in his support of clients."

Chambers and Partners 2018

Distinguished Individual."

Spear's, 2018    

"He is wonderful with clients, knowledgeable on the law and a very calming influence. He will immediately put everyone involved in the case at ease."

Chambers and Partners 2017

"...esteemed for his intellectual capacity and ability in both serious sexual offence and motor crime cases..."

Chambers and Partners, 2016                     

 "...He is very relaxed in his manner but his approach to work is incredibly diligent and hard-working. He has superb judgement and a great manner with clients..."      

Chambers and Partners, 2016    

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.” 

Client

My son and I were arrested in March 2010 and charged with fraud to the value of £2.1 million in June 2011. It is difficult to express the trauma that we and our families endured over four years until the case against us was dismissed..…. If I had not met David and we had remained with the previous solicitors I believe that we could be serving a prison sentence now as a result of the sheer amount of mud thrown and the unfairness of the investigation. I cannot speak highly enough of David and his team. He undertook the task of defending us with the disadvantage of being at least two years behind the prosecution. The team worked tirelessly to understand and manage the heavy, complex prosecution case against a background of procrastination and a lack of openness by the police.”

Client

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.”

Client

 

 

Professional societies, memberships and directories

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

• Chambers High Net Worth: Financial Crime High Net Worth Individuals - Band 3 

• Chambers UK

  • Crime - Band 3 
  • Tax: Contentious Fraud - Band 2
• Legal 500 UK 
  • Crime: General: Leading Individual
  • Tax Litigations and Investigations 

 

Publications, Press Highlights & Speaking Engagements

• 'Foolishness has a price' - Quoted by Mail Online, June 2022
• Select Committees and your right to silence, June 2021
• The HNW guide for dealing with blackmail - Quoted in Spears, February 2021
• HMRC fails to deliver on pledge to increase criminal prosecutions by end of 2020, FOI request reveals - This blog has been quoted by Financial Times, The Telegraph & Tax Journal, December 2020 & January 2021
• Justice delayed is justice denied for clients in lockdown limbo - Wrote for The Law Society Gazette, November 2020
• Civil or criminal proceedings for serious fraud? - Wrote for Tax Journal, November 2020
• Three years on and still no prosecutions for HMRC's Corporate Crime Offence - Published by Lexis®PSL & Tax Journal on October 2020
• Tax advisors beware, avoidance is the new evasion - Writes for Accountancy Daily, August 2020
• Tax Schemes back in the hot seat - Quoted in The Times, July 2020
• IDAHOBIT Day 2020: I am an Ally - May 2020 
• One minute with... David Sleight - Writes for Tax Journal, February 2020
• Changes to the Code for Crown Prosecutors - Interviewed by Lexis Nexis, November 2018
• New guidance for prosecutors will make the slow grind of our legal system worse - Writes for The Times, November 2018
• Government pressure driving HMRC’s scatter gun approach to criminal investigations - Writes for Accountancy Age, April 2016
• The law regarding entrapment - Quoted in Law Society Gazette
• Podcast on entrapment, for CPD cast
• UK Turns Up Heat On Alleged Tax Evaders With Strict Liability Offence - Wealth Briefing
• Could transparency kill offshore law? Quoted in The Times - April 2016
• Cameron’s tax proposals more bark than bite - Quoted in Spear's, April 2016
• Scope of new tax evasion offence ‘compliance nightmare’ - Quoted in Law Society Gazette, April 2016
• Tax evaders to feel full force of the law - Comments in The Independent, December 2015
• Government softens plan to criminalise unwitting offshore tax evasion  - Comments in The Guardian, December 2015
• HMRC amends draft measures on offshore tax evasion - Comments in STEP, December 2015

 

Further information

• Listed in Who's Who Legal: Recommended for Business Crime Defence - Individuals 2021
• Listed in Spear's top criminal lawyers index for 2023