Colin Neilson
Year of Call: 2022
Colin called to the Bar in 2022. Prior to calling he had 10 years’ experience in criminal work including private practice as a criminal defence solicitor followed by a period as a Procurator Fiscal Depute.
He has appeared regularly in the High Court of Justiciary, the Court of Criminal Appeal, the Sheriff Appeal Court and Sheriff Courts all over Scotland. He has extensive experience in the defence and prosecution of violent, sexual, dishonesty and drug-related offences. His interests lie on all areas of criminal law. He is a highly motivated and diligent court practitioner. He is very popular with instructing agents.
Areas of Practice
Testimonials
Appointments & Memberships
- Ad-Hoc Advocate Depute in Criminal Trials
- Legal member of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland
Publications
- Faculty of Advocates Consultation Response on the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill, 2022
Selected Cases
JH v HMA [2024] HCJAC 10 – Appeal against conviction on the basis of misdirection.
Murdoch v PF, Perth [2024] SAC (Crim) 1 – Appeal challenging a dog destruction order.
Stuart Birtley v HMA 2022 – Successful appeal against a 14 month prison sentence resulting in a Community Payback Order being imposed.
Sean O’Brien v HMA 2023 – Successful appeal against a 43 month prison sentence resulting in the imposition of a reduced period of imprisonment.
HMA v SC 2024 – Acquittal in a rape trial.
HMA v AR 2024 – Acquittal in a historic sexual offences trial.