Alex Dunn

Alex is a committed advocate with over 30 years experience in the criminal courts, both prosecuting and defending in serious cases covering every type of criminal offence. He is regularly instructed in cases involving allegations of serious sexual offences (including those that are described as “historic”, some of which have dated as far back as back as twenty to thirty years), serious violence, fraud, organised crime and serious drug offences including “county lines” cases.

He is experienced in dealing with complex and difficult cases, often involving vulnerable or young witnesses and sometimes with the presence of intermediaries.

He provides clear, and transparent advice to both lay and professional clients and is noted for his down-to-earth approach to the lay client, thereby putting the lay client at ease even when explaining intricate issues of law and fact.

Alex is well versed in the complexities of cases that involve detailed analysis of cell-site evidence, mobile telephone evidence and computer evidence, as well as the use of experts in such cases.

In 2019, the Court of Appeal described his cross-examination of a young complainant in the Crown Court as being “thorough and professional”. He is a natural jury advocate with a reputation for attention to detail and a complete mastery of the brief.

- Drug related offences including conspiracy to supply, importation, production, cultivation  

- Fraud, financial crime, money laundering, criminal proprty 

- Firearm offences

- Serious sex offence matters including rape and historical allegations against minors or vulnerable victims  

- Serious acts of violence including homicide and manslaughter 

- Death by dangerous / careless

R v SB [2019] EWCA Crim. 569

After hearing evidence, the Court of Appeal upheld a 68 year old grandfather’s convictions in an historic sex case, even though the only witness against him had told the appeal court, on oath, that he was innocent, and that she had lied at his trial. Alex acted for the Appellant.

R v MK and Another – A “county lines” case, involving four counties

MK convicted of conspiracy to supply cannabis, but the jury were hung on a further three counts of conspiracy to supply cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin. A retrial is due in early 2010. Alex acted for MK.

R v J

J successfully acquitted of child abduction.

R v C

C successfully acquitted of possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine and possessing criminal property.

R v M

M convicted of attempted robbery and possession of a bladed article. Alex acted for the prosecution.

R v M

M, a mini cab driver, was acquitted of two charges of sexual assault and one of attempted sexual assault.

R v W and 3 others

W acquitted of a conspiracy to transfer criminal property.

O and Another – historic sex case

O charged with numerous serious sexual offences committed between 1981 and 1992 against child members of his family. O convicted of the majority of the offences.

R v B

B charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child and nine offences of rape. B successfully acquitted of all 12 offences.

R v M

M successfully acquitted of aggravated burglary but convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

R v F and Others

Conspiracy to commit fraud, which was an internet shopping fraud valued at £200,000.

R v C

C pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited firearm. Successfully argued that the minimum term of five years’ imprisonment should not apply. Sentence reduced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment.

• CPS Panel of Approved Advocates – Grade 3.
• Trained in the presentation of cases involving child and vulnerable witnesses.

Before training to become a Barrister, Alex was a founder member of Newham Rights Centre. He also worked as a Welfare Rights Officer and managed the East London Citizens Advice Bureau.

Professional Memberships

• Honourable Society of Middle Temple
• Member of Criminal Bar Association
• Member of South Eastern Circuit