Alexander Shanks

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Alexander Shanks

Call 2022

"My client's parents were incredibly happy and grateful to Alex Shanks today. They were deeply impressed with his work, which ultimately secured their son's bail." (2024)

Caitlin Albert, Paralegal, Shearman Bowen

Prior to commencing pupillage, Alex worked as a Paralegal at Shearman Bowen. Alex has experience in assisting with a wide range of criminal cases including murder, serious violence and sexual offences, large scale encrochat conspiracies, fraud and money laundering. Alex was often first port of call for clients, providing excellent client care and supporting the partners and solicitors with their caseloads. He has considerable experience in dealing with young and vulnerable defendants with a calm and empathetic manner.

Alex studied Law at the University of East Anglia as a Sports Scholar, during which he won the Advanced Mooting competition. Alex completed the BTC LLM at BPP Law School, achieving a distinction in both the BTC and LLM components. As part of his LLM, Alex completed his dissertation on ‘The controversial use of drill music as evidence in criminal trials’ and remains particularly interested in this area.

In his spare time, Alex is keen sportsman and enjoys playing Cricket and Golf.

Expertise

Notable Assault and Violence cases

R v AL JAF [2024] Southwark Crown Court

Represented defendant charged with 2 counts of ABH and Affray. The prosecution asserted the defendant and a co-accused visited the complainants’ home and assaulted them. The defence required extensive and detailed cross-examination of the complainants which exposed key inconsistencies in their evidence and undermined the credibility of the Crown’s case. Alex presented an alternative narrative to the jury, namely that it was the complainants who were the aggressors and that the defendants were acting in self-defence. The jury delivered unanimous verdicts of not guilty on all counts and the client was acquitted.

Alex was instructed by Jack Ward of Tank Jowett Solicitors.

R v TA [2024] Oxford Magistrates Court

Defending in a case where my client was charged with of two counts of assaulting a Police Officer. Acquitted of all charges after trial.

R v DH [2024] Oxford Magistrates Court

Represented the defendant at trial on charges of ABH and Affray. My client was was acquitted of Affray.

R v AQ [2024] Oxford Magistrates Court

Represented the defendant in a domestic related assault and fraud trial.

R v W [2024] Southampton Magistrates Court

Represented the defendant charged with Assault and Criminal Damage. My client was acquitted of Assault after trial.

Notable Sexual Offences cases

R v AM [2024] Ipswich Crown Court

Represented the defendant charged with Sexual Communications with a Child. I persuaded the Judge to impose a suspended sentence order.

Police v L [2024] Southampton Magistrates Court

Represented defendant on Application to remove indefinite notification requirements.

R v TM [2024] Ipswich Crown Court

My client was charged with Possession of Category A, B and C indecent images of children. I was able to persuade the Judge to impose a suspended sentence order.

Notable General Criminal Offences cases

R v Henry [2024] Harrow Crown Court

Persuaded the Judge to impose a Community Order for Possession of a Bladed Article and Criminal Damage valued over £5,000 where the starting point was one of 18 months’ custody.

R v K [2024] Stratford Magistrates Court

Represented defendant charged with Attempted drink driving. Acquitted following half-time submission.

R v H [2024] Wimbledon Magistrates Court

Domestic burglary. The Prosecution discontinued the matter following my representations concerning the evidential test.

R v JO [2024] High Wycombe Magistrates Court

My client was charged with Possession of a mobile phone in custody. I persuaded the bench to impose a two-month custodial sentence, to run concurrent with the original sentence, resulting in the defendant serving no further time in custody.

Notable Driving Offences cases

R v Curtis [2024] Cambridge Crown Court

Represented the defendant charged with dangerous driving. The defendant was alleged to have been the driver in a high-speed Police pursuit in Cambridgeshire.

Notable Regulatory  cases

London Borough of Brent v C [2024] Willesden Magistrates Court

Represented defendant charged with Fraud and Blue Badge Misuse. I secured an out of court disposal for my client.

Associations and Memberships

  • University of East Anglia – LLB Law (Hons)
  • BPP University Holborn- Barrister Training Course, Distinction and LLM, Distinction

  • CPS Advocate Panel 1

  • Criminal Bar Association
  • The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple

Related News

Pupil barrister Alex Shanks obtains unanimous acquittals in first jury trial

News
26 July 2024

Drystone Chambers pupil, Alex Shanks, makes successful submission of no case to answer

News
17 May 2024

A BIG Drystone welcome to our three Pupils who start today!

News
2 October 2023

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