Timothy Sapwell

Brief Career Details

Tim Sapwell enjoyed eight years in the Army before being called to the Bar. This experience, coupled with a life-long affinity with rural issues, enables him to bring a command of technical detail to firearms cases. He trained as an Archaeologist and maintains an interest in the subject, appearing recently as a witness in an inquest under the Treasure Act. He is currently expanding his practice into Prison Law.

Crime

Tim acts for both prosecution (Grade III) and defence in all areas of criminal law, including murder, drugs conspiracies, indecent image cases and fraud. He enjoys the challenges presented by cases concerning issues of forensic science. He has a specialist interest in Firearms Law. He also appears in Courts Martial, Prison Adjudication and Parole Board hearings.  He recently acted for the defence in the first ever prosecution under the Treasure Act; having identified a legal defence from press reports of the mitigation advanced after plea, he contacted and was duly instructed by the defence solicitor.  The conviction was thus set aside and the Prosecution dropped the case.

Licensing and Police

Tim is regularly instructed on behalf of the Police and appellants in firearm and shotgun certificate appeal hearings.  He acts for the Police in applications for the retention and forfeiture of cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act.