Tariq
Shakoor

Barrister | Called 1992

Tariq Shakoor

Practice Summary

Tariq has three decades of experience, both prosecuting and defending serious criminal offences, including murder, manslaughter serious sexual offences, drug trafficking, firearms and complex conspiracies.

Tariq has acted as a Leader and Led junior in lengthy homicide cases. He has achieved considerable success on both sides.

Known for his calm and reassuring manner, clear and pragmatic advice, forensic attention to detail and meticulous preparation, Tariq is comfortably able to engage with people from all walks of life. He is a natural jury advocate.

Tariq can communicate in Punjabi and Urdu. He also has some knowledge of Arabic. He is able to understand and deal with sensitive and difficult cultural/religious issues which have an impact on the lives of members of particular communities. This has been an important asset in his career at the Bar.

Tariq is a Grade 4 CPS Panel advocate.

Tariq’s expertise

Crime
    • General Crime
    • ASBO and Sexual Offences
    • POCA and Police Property Act
    • Production Orders

Tariq acts both for prosecution (Grade IV) and defence in all areas of criminal law

Regulatory
  • Firearms Licensing

Tariq undertakes firearms licensing appeals.

Notable Recent Cases

R v MA (2026) – prosecution of defendant who abducted a five year old child from the street, falsely imprisoned her in his home and sexually assaulted her. Convictions secured.

R v KH et al (2026) – prosecution of 7-handed violent disorder and s.18 wounding with intent in organised criminal gang-related violence. Six defendants pleaded guilty to violent disorder and one to s.18 wounding with intent on first day of trial.

R v EA (2026) – prosecuting death by dangerous driving case after single parent struck after getting out of stationary vehicle in Smethwick. Ten years 6 months’ imprisonment.

R v JA (2025) – multi-handed defence attempt murder trial arising out of group attack with weapons. Acquitted of attempted murder, guilty of wounding with intent in alternative. This case was prosecuted by a Silk and Junior Counsel. JAwas first on the indictment. The wounding with intent was offered to the prosecution before trial but rejected.

Operation Acrylic (2024) – Junior defence counsel in complex 10-week murder trial led by Peter Glenser KC. Multiple stabbings in revenge attack by gang captured on CCTV. Client was acquitted.

R v PG (2024) – defending man accused of raping two separate women he met on a dating app. Prosecution relied on strikingly similar behaviour towards both women who did not know each other. Acquitted on all counts.

R v ES et al (2025) – National Crime Agency case, successful prosecution of class A drugs conspiracy leading to lengthy prison sentences for all defendants.

R v SK (2024) – defending a teaching assistant accused of a sexual offence on a pupil at a special needs school. The pupil had alleged the offence took place at the flat of the accused after school. Acquitted.

Operation Zeroth (2022) – defending client accused of murder arising out of rival drugs gang dispute. 16-week trial. Acquitted.

In the past, Tariq successfully prosecuted R v Mohammed Hanif Khan for serious sexual offences against young boys at a mosque. The defendant was an Imam who had previously been the first muslim chaplain appointed in the history of HM Prison Service. The defendant was represented by a Silk and Junior Counsel.