Alistair Webster QC

Year of Call: 1976

Serious Crime

Since taking Silk in 1995, Alistair Webster QC has been involved in an impressive number of leading cases in most areas of heavy crime, both prosecuting and defending. He is used to dealing with large amounts of documentation and is able to master and present complicated expert evidence in various fields. He has successfully defended in various alleged professional killings, including the murders of Chris Little and William Webb.

His expertise in fraud and document-heavy complex cases has meant that he possesses a strong record in complex money laundering cases and drugs conspiracies.

Criminal / Civil Fraud

Alistair is ranked as a leading Silk in criminal fraud in Legal 500 (2008/2009).

Alistair’s fraud practice is exclusively defence orientated and has included;

• SFO fraudulent trading
• Duty diversion (he represented the leading defendant in R v Awan & others – the leading LCB case
• MTIC fraud
• VAT fraud

Alistair is currently instructed on behalf of the main human defendant in a case in which the SFO allege that the market for generic drugs was unlawfully rigged. This is believed to be the most complex case of this type ever prosecuted, involving policy / political / legal / economic issues. Alistair is also currently instructed in 2 SFO frauds and has just completed the case of ‘Aleef Newsagents’; a huge revenue fraud.

Alistair lectures on various aspects of fraud and regulatory work including competition law. He is used to dealing with accountancy evidence and has drafted complex arguments on abuse of process etc

Regulation & Compliance

Alistair enjoys a particular expertise in regulatory work including advising Solicitors upon duties and liabilities. He is head of the Business Crime and Regulatory team at Lincoln House Chambers in Manchester.

Alistair has advised the HSE and CPS Complex Case Unit in relation to a number of serious cases including the prosecution of various professionals for manslaughter.