George Joseph

Barrister | Called 2021

Oliver Woolhouse

Practice Summary

George practices solely in the criminal courts, both defending and prosecuting, with a particular focus on public/domestic violence. He is looking to develop his practice into other areas, including Immigration offences, blackmail and arson.

George is known to be an exceptionally focused individual who takes great pride in his ability to scrutinise evidence and utilise deficiencies to assist in the defence of his clients. He is adept at the management of prosecutions and, in particular, the witnesses and officers involved in them. He is able to express what is required to instructing solicitors in order to best present the evidence to the Court.

He is approachable and can quickly build rapport with clients from all walks of life. He takes time to ensure that they always understand their options and what to expect during the lifetime of their case.

Education

    • Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Lincoln
    • Bar Vocational Course (BVC), University of the West of England

George’s expertise

Criminal Law

George practices solely in general crime before the Crown and Magistrates’ Court.

George is known to be an exceptionally focused individual who takes great pride in his ability to scrutinise evidence and utilise deficiencies to assist in the defence of his clients. 

He is very approachable and can quickly build rapport with clients from all walks of life. He takes time to ensure that they always understand their options and what to expect during the lifetime of their case.

Notable Cases

Prosecution cases

R v L [2026] – Reading Crown Court – Prosecution of a defendant for possession of a bladed article. Defendant was a prolific offender who had smuggled a blade into the Ascot Races. The prosecution encountered complications stemming from on-site security’s mishandling of evidence, but after careful examination and cross-examination, the jury returned a guilty verdict.

R v W [2025] – Winchester Crown Court – Last-minute return from the CPS concerning a defendant charged with controlling & coercive behaviour. The defendant instructed a silk, but the case resulted in a conviction after pleas were entered on the first day of trial.

R v H [2025] – Winchester Crown Court – Successful prosecution of a case of controlling and coercive behaviour.

R v J [2025] – Winchester Crown Court – Successful prosecution of a defendant concerning a case of strangulation.

R v C [2024] – Reading Crown Court – Successful prosecution of defendant charged with stalking and perverting the course of justice.

R v T [2024]—Oxford Crown Court—The prosecution of a defendant charged with a serious offence of blackmail. This was the defendant’s second conviction for blackmail. The sentence passed was 6 years and 2 months.

R v Z – Reading Crown Court – Currently prosecuting a case of blackmail. The case presents particular challenges as the complainant was in prison for sexual offences when the factual backdrop of the blackmail took place.

 

Defence cases

R v W & Others [2025] – Salisbury Crown Court – Acquittal of the lead defendant on indictment for a three-handed kidnap and burglary. The case involved rigorous cross-examination following a thorough review of the case, which included examining the complainant’s numerous previous convictions. These convictions, upon review, showed a tendency to lie to the police and were successfully relied upon under gateway (d).

R v F [2025] – Reading Crown Court – In an exceptional course, successfully argued for the term of imprisonment to be suspended for a serious bomb hoax case.

R v M [2025] – Salisbury Crown Court – Successful application to vacate plea. Involved the cross-examination of a highly experienced solicitor of 30+ years.

R v C [2025] – Oxford Crown Court – Acquittal at half time for two assaults against police officers. The case involved careful cross-examination of the two officers, which resulted in the case being abandoned at halftime.

R v B [2024] – Swindon Crown Court – Represented defendant charged with arriving in the UK without valid entry clearance. The case involved a Chechen refugee fleeing Russia after serving in the Second Chechen Civil War. The case involved complicated immigration issues with reference to international law.

R v C [2024] – Oxford Crown Court – Represented a young woman charged with controlling and coercive behaviour. The case involved a year of careful preparation and further defence investigation, which resulted in the prosecution offering no evidence on the first day of trial.

R v G [2024] – Oxford Crown Court – Successful appeal to the Crown Court after the defendant was convicted of multiple breaches of his Non-Molestation Order. After serving carefully written submissions, the prosecution allowed the appeal.

R v W [2024] – Oxford Crown Court – Acquittal of a man of previous good character for an allegation of strangulation of his ex-partner.

R v S [2024] – Salisbury Crown Court – Acquittal of a defendant charged with offences of dishonesty and domestic violence against his ex-partner. The defendant was previously convicted of previous offences of violence against the same partner but was acquitted nonetheless.

R v J [2024]—Oxford Crown Court—Successful application to dismiss for a defendant charged with indecent image offences. The defendant had similar previous convictions and would have been in breach of his suspended sentence order had he been convicted.

R v WH [2023] – Oxford Magistrates Court – Acquittal of a defendant charged with failure to provide a blood sample. A significant feature in this case was that the defendant was an intravenous drug user of 20+ years. Successfully argued that his refusal to provide a blood sample was not unreasonable.

Awards
    • Lord Denning Scholarship (2018)
Professional Memberships
    • The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
Publications

A Practical Approach to Road Traffic Law (Chapter 13, Wanton and Furious Driving and Chamber 21, Penalty Points and Disqualification)

Risky Business, The Barrister Magazine (9th April – 24th May 2024) Article concerning the use of Sexual Risk Orders.