Matthew
Bolt

The Service Courts

Matthew is an experienced Service Courts practitioner who has successfully represented defendants charged with a wide variety of criminal offences. Recognised as one of the leading experts in Service law in the UK, Matthew defends at all levels in the Service Justice System.

He has a particular flair for appellate work, being involved in some of the most consequential appeals of recent years. he appeared for the successful appellants in the leading case of R v SH [2019] EWCA Crim 1863 which established that defendants in the Court Martial had the right to apply to have cases against them dismissed. Prior to this it had been thought that no such power existed in the Service Justice System following the Armed Forces Act 2006. He represented the Director of the Military Court Service in the recent case of R v Bhoyroo [2023] EWCA Crim 1625

Other advisory work

In addition to his defence practice Matthew regularly advises in relation to professional matters (Major Admin Action, Service Complaints and CDT fails). Highly experienced in advising Service personnel as well as drafting representations on their behalf. He also advises the Judge Advocate General in relation to sentencing and matters of procedure, and the Director of the Military Court Service in relation to modernisation of the Service Justice System.  

He is a leading proponent of Pre Charge Engagement. He provides advice from the earliest stages, working closely with solicitors, clients and assisting officers advising on defence evidence, lines of inquiry and drafting representations against charge. Ever mindful of the professional and pension consequences of cases, he provides tactical acumen and practical suggestions to support clients from the very beginning.

Notable Cases

R v LCpl B Defended a soldier charged with sexual assault having won a contested s.41 application on the issue of the manner of consent. B was acquitted.

R v LCpl H Represented a soldier charged with GBH where Service injuries had led to memory loss of the incident concerned. H was acquitted.

R v Ex-LH B The JAG was persuaded to stay as an abuse of process a prosecution brought for a Service offence as a device to avoid breaching SPA policy relating to prosecuting summary only matters.

R v FO D Successfully defended a pilot accused of ABH having deliberately struck the testicles of a colleague during “Mess Games”.

R v Maj L Represented an officer at sentence charged with conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline following a serious injury to one of his soldiers on exercise.

R v Pte Murphy [2020] EWCA Crim 1898 Instructed after conviction. M’s conviction for administering a noxious substance was quashed after failures in the judge advocate’s summing up were identified.

R v Ex-Maj Heslop [2021] EWCA Crim 1464 A compensation order was quashed on the basis that a close reading of the relevant JSP showed the MoD had in fact suffered no loss.

R v Ex-Pte Kida (2025) Following submissions CMAC reduced Pte K’s sentence by 50% permitting his immediate release.

Re. Sgt H Drafted written representations resulting in the overturning of the decision to terminate a soldier’s service.

Re. PO B Successfully argued that a sailor who failed a CDT should be retained in the Royal Navy.

Re. Lt Col M Accused of negligent performance of a duty. Pre Charge representations led to M not being charged. AGAI67 proceedings were subsequently defeated and no sanction imposed.

Property

Matthew regularly appears in the County Court dealing with Landlord & Tenant matters, contract disputes, boundary disputes and covenants. Outside of court he has a busy paper and advisory practice. He also has experience dealing with TOLATA applications.

Inheritance Act Claims

Matthew has a burgeoning interest in Inheritance (Provisions for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims. He has experience of successfully advising in contentious claims for provision under the Act.

Notable Cases

Kemsheds Trust Successfully represented Northampton County Council against developers attempting to claim ownership via inheritance of a village car park based on disputed epitome of title.

GvG Acted for the Claimant in a complex mortgage possession matter relying on the Mercantile Law Amendment Act 1856.

MvM Successfully resisted an application to enforce a building scheme by way of injunctions requiring the destruction of an extension.

S v C Advised in an application for provision from deceased estate for foreign holidays on the basis they were a requirement for her health.

Legal 500 2024 – Leading Junior in Crime – ‘Matthew is incredibly technically-minded and grasps the factual nuances of each case. He is tenacious in Court. He is highly respected by his peers and the judiciary.’

Legal500 2023 – Leading Junior in General Crime – “Matthew as a sound grasp of black-letter law and procedure and is a superb advocate. He also has a good set of soft skills needed to reassure lay clients during the anxieties of litigation. He is able to take the lead when required. He fits well into any legal team, working together with solicitors and other counsel to ensure the best outcomes for clients.”

 (Legal 500 2025) – “ Matthew is a superb Barrister who possess a first-class knowledge of criminal black-letter law ad procedure and an impressive set of ‘soft skills’ that immediately put the lay client at ease”