Michael practiced as a criminal defence Solicitor for 9 years prior to calling at the Bar.
He has been conducting jury trials for over 25 years. He regularly defends clients charged with crimes including murder, rape, assault, fraud, misuse of drugs and other statutory as well as regulatory offences.
He has appeared in some of Scotland’s most complex and high-profile criminal trials.
HMA v McLaren and others: Lead Counsel on behalf of the 5th accused in what became Britain’s longest running trial with allegations of multi-million pound fraud, money laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act offences. The 5th accused was acquitted after 132 days of trial.
HMA v Farrell and others: Lead Counsel acting on behalf of the 4th accused who was charged with historical sexual and physical abuse whilst a priest at St. Ninian’s School, Fife. The 4th accused was acquitted after 43 days of trial.
HMA v Young: Senior Counsel acting on behalf of man charged with sexually abusing his partner’s 6 year old daughter. Accused acquitted after detailed cross examination of police officer who conducted the joint investigative interviews of the complainer and corroborating witness.
HMA v Bunce: Senior Counsel acting on behalf of a man charged with rape. The accused was acquitted leading to the Lord Advocate’s Reference No 1 of 2023, a seven judge Crown appeal relating to the issue of distress and corroboration of penetration.