David Tremain
Barrister | Called 2019
Practice Summary
David has a busy and varied practice, both prosecuting and defending the full spectrum of criminal cases, predominantly on the Western and South Eastern circuits. His caseload includes violent and sexual offences through to drugs, motoring and dishonesty matters. He additionally deals with confiscation proceedings, including in high-value cases.
Having been described by solicitors as ‘unfailingly diligent’ and ‘approachable and reliable,’ David’s relatable manner and clear communication puts clients and witnesses at ease, ensuring their understanding of the issues in order to achieve their best evidence. The Court of Appeal have previously praised David’s ‘careful and impressive submissions’.
David is a Grade 2 prosecutor.
David has completed the Vulnerable Witness Training.
Education
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- 2019 Called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. Bar Professional Training Certificate (City Law School): Very Competent Master of Laws in Bar Professional Training: Commendation
- 2018 Graduate Diploma in Law (with Commendation), City, University of London.
- 2016 Postgraduate Certificate in Education (TeachFirst), Birmingham City University
- 2015 BA (Hons) 2:1 Degree in English Literature, University of Cambridge
David’s expertise
Criminal Law - Background
Before coming to the Bar to specialise in criminal practice, David completed the TeachFirst programme and taught for three years in secondary schools in the Midlands and in Essex. Whilst completing the Bar course, David achieved a successful settlement for a client in the Employment Tribunal and also represented children facing school exclusion before Independent Review Panels. David also volunteered with Support Through Court, assisting litigants in person in the Family and County Court.
David has also conducted private licensing prosecutions in the Magistrates Court for two London boroughs.
Notable Cases
R v KS & others – David prosecuted seven defendants in a conspiracy to burgle a cannabis factory in Reading, in which two cars had been brought down from the Midlands to carry out a raid involving an imitation firearm. David secured convictions against all seven.
R v H – David secured conviction against a defendant who had stalked a 13-year-old girl across the course of three months. The case involved evidence from two 14-year-old witnesses.
R v G – David successfully defended a man who had been accused of controlling and coercive behaviour, strangulation and ABH within a relationship. He was acquitted on all counts.
R v H – David’s client was charged with threats to destroy his ex-wife’s caravan by arson. Although he had previously accepted criminal damage to the same caravan and did not dispute the words he had used in relation to setting fire to it, the jury were persuaded that he had not had the requisite intent, and he was found not guilty.
R v ML & others – David represented a climate protester who had been among a group arrested outside the Houses of Parliament. The case raised issues in relation to police decision-making and use of force, and during the case, David conducted lengthy cross-examination of a Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner.