Our People

Michael McAlinden

Michael was called to the Bar in 1997.

Over the last 15 years Michael has successfully represented defendants in relation to every major offence in the criminal law. His practice includes cases of murder and manslaughter variously involving firearms and knives, together with other serious and gang related violence across London.

Selected notable cases:

R v Alexander & others: murder by stabbing involving many young defendants on Chiswick High Road representing former actor from The Bill (Central Criminal Court);

R v Faley & others: murder by shooting in Mill Hill tried at the Old Bailey: Mr Faley acquitted of murder;

R v ML: Trident case involving sub machine gun described in ‘Metro’ as ‘the most dangerous weapon ever seized on the streets of London’;

R v Szypusz: Tottenham ‘Hit Man’ trial at Central Criminal Court, later subject of BBC ‘Murder Blues’ documentary;

R v Rafael Fernandez & others: Southwark Crown Court: Mr F charged with harbouring 107 kilograms of cocaine: F the only defendant acquitted of 7 standing trial;

R v AE: Isleworth Crown Court: successful defence of an Emirates air steward accused of the rape of an air stewardess at Heathrow; reported extensively in The Sun and The Mirror;

R v Griffiths & others: Central Criminal Court: represented main defendant in conspiracy where ex Flying Squad officer led a team of armed robbers who entered various businesses disguised as firemen, attracted national news coverage;

R v E-C: Guildford Crown Court: causing death by dangerous driving: obtained non custodial sentence for E-C;

R v Tesfay & 12 others: Wood Green Crown Court: case arising from the Tottenham aspect of the London Riots in 2011. T was the only defendant acquitted after Michael successfully challenged three police identifications from CCTV of T as a ringleader.

Memberships:

Criminal Bar Association

Middle Temple