Timothy Cray practises at the highest level of criminal litigation. He is regularly rated as outstanding by clients, colleagues and the judiciary. He brings hard-edged experience of trial advocacy to all matters in which he is instructed and appears as leading counsel in trials for murder, serious fraud, organised crime and serious sexual offences. Such experience informs his advisory work which includes negotiating with all the main prosecution departments of the State and advising Magic Circle and US firms on allegations of commercial fraud. He maintains an equal balance between defence, prosecution and advisory work and is able to offer the independence and breadth of insight that should be a cornerstone of modern practice. He has been described as a ‘barrister who other barristers turn to’ and been praised for his ability to deliver results when it truly matters to the client.
Specialisms
• Fraud, bribery and corruption
• Homicide
• Organised crime
• Money laundering and asset recovery
• Regulatory
• Mutual legal assistance
Scope of Practice
Fraud, Bribery and Corruption: Timothy brings deep experience and inside knowledge to this specialised practice. Innovative case presentation and understanding of the realities of criminal litigation are the hallmarks of his work e.g. acted for SFO in
R v BAE Systems (
www.sfo.gov.uk/.../bae-fined-in-tanzania-defence-contract-case.asp). Instructed by Freshfields on behalf of major city institution in 14 month HMRC inquiry. Instructed by Arnold & Porter to give strategic advice relevant to multi-national clients on
Bribery Act 2010. Particular interest in US extra-territorial regulations including FATCA and FCPA provisions as they apply to FFI's and individuals. Appointed as independent counsel in joint SFO/FSA investigation under
FCPA and regular consultant to litigation partner at Skadden’s. Instructed by Addleshaw Goddard in FSA insider trading investigation which reached a non criminal disposal.
Homicide: Timothy has an established Old Bailey practice which shows his ability to act in the most pressurised of environments. He has appeared in widely publicised cases as leading and junior counsel e.g.
R v Thomas and Alexander (the ‘Clockwork Orange’ homophobic killing in Trafalgar Square,
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk - england-london 12283937;).
R v Johnson and Austin (first fatal shooting to be shown on ‘Crimewatch’
www.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk-news/7503101.stm).
Money Laundering and Asset Recovery: As part of his commercial fraud practice, Timothy offers a ‘cradle to grave’ service on all aspects of asset protection, restraint, legal professional privilege and confiscation. This includes planning on AML/CTF issues that arise in civil litigation. He is also regularly instructed by the SFO and CPS Central Confiscation Unit in this area. He has a particular interest in the law of search and seizure and has conducted contested hearings for the SFO under section 59 Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.
Regulatory: Timothy has acted in numerous professional disciplinary matters, including appearing on behalf of the General Council of the Bar in appellate cases of importance to the profession. Instructions have included allegations of corporate misfeasance e.g. advising non executive director of venture capital company re ‘whistle-blowing’ (Cameron McKenna). Acted for Paul Raymond Publications Ltd in HMRC forfeiture allegations with international aspects.
Mutual Legal Assistance: Timothy acts for private firms and the SFO on MLA issues and related topics of concern to the individual client e.g. UK/USA comparative law on the consequences of conviction and immigration / visa applications (Nachman and Associates, New Jersey).
Serious Sexual Offences: Timothy has extensive past experience of defending in allegations of serious sexual misconduct with an emphasis on sensitive and privately funded cases. Further details are available from his clerks on request.
Appointments
SFO A list, CPS Grade 4 and rape list, Attorney General’s panel.
Other
Chairman of 6 King’s Bench Walk Advocacy Training,
Member of Bar Council Fees Committee.