To instruct Matthew please contact our Clerks on +44 (0)20 7400 6400 or email clerks@3rblaw.com.
Matthew Butt has wide ranging expertise with a focus on international criminal, police regulation, inquiries and public law.
Matthew is recommended by Chambers UK 2020 and Legal 500 2020 in five practice areas.
Over the last five years Matthew has been instructed in cases of national and international significance. He successfully defended Colonel Kumar Lama in a universal jurisdiction war crimes trial relating to alleged torture of Maoist rebels during the Nepalese Civil War. Instructed in both the Palace of Westminster and London Bridge inquests following the 2017 terrorist attacks, he is currently representing the National Counter Terrorist Police Headquarters in the Manchester Arena Inquiry and the Metropolitan Police Service in the 2019 Fishmongers Hall attack.
Matthew sits as a Recorder of the Crown Court and has been appointed a Bencher of Gray’s Inn.
Recent instructions include allegations of war crimes, murder, kidnap, rape, fatal industrial accidents and serious fraud.
Matthew has appeared in many of the leading cases relating to the issuing and execution of search warrants and production orders and is an expert at challenging such warrants in the High Court and excluding illegally obtained evidence at any subsequent trial.
Matthew is highly experienced in bringing and defending private prosecutions. He successfully defended a number of high profile political figures including then Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and the London Mayor Sadiq Khan in private criminal cases. He has appeared in a number of cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal concerning the right to bring private prosecutions.
Leading counsel instructed to defend in torture trial relating to the 1996 to 2006 Nepalese civil war. The case was being prosecuted in England on the basis of universal jurisdiction and was the first of its kind. Colonel Lama was cleared of all charges.
Representing a former Detective Chief Inspector from the Ministry of Defence Police. MC was charged with thirty counts of fraud allegedly committed between 2006 and 2011. MC was acquitted of all charges following a four week trial.
Instructed by the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis to represent the police in a challenge to right of private prosecutors to bring confiscation proceedings. The Lord Chief Justice stated in the court's judgment that a private prosecutor was able to engage and apply the confiscation provisions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and that the police were entitled to provide assistance where appropriate.
Matthew is ranked as a leading barrister in inquests and inquiries by Legal 500 and Chambers UK. He is frequently instructed on behalf of families and other properly interested parties in coroner’s inquests and public inquiries. Noted in Legal 500 2015 as ‘A specialist on the finer points of firearms law.’ Matthew has expertise in the command and control of the most dangerous police firearms operations, and has appeared in most of the recent high profile fatal police shooting cases.
Instructed on behalf of the National Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters (NCTPH).
Instructed on behalf of Officer N in the inquest into Mr McLean’s death. N had tragically driven into Mr McLean and another police officer whilst responding to an emergency call in an armed response vehicle. N was cleared of all misconduct proceedings. The jury did not criticise N’s driving or conduct in any way in their findings and conclusions.
Instructed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis in relation to the 03.06.17 terrorist attacks on London Bridge and the surrounding area.
Instructed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis in relation to the 22.03.17 terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge and the Palace of Westminster.
Representing the Trident tactical firearms commander (previously known as silver commander) in the inquest touching the death of Mark Duggan. Verdict of lawful killing returned.
Acting for licensees, applicants, residents’ groups, local councils and police forces, Matthew is one of the country’s leading licensing barristers. He regularly appears in the Magistrates’ Court on statutory appeals and in the High Court and Court of Appeal on judicial review and appeals by way of case stated. Matthew is also experienced in betting, gaming, taxi licensing, sexual entertainment licensing and the regulation of the private security industry. Recent clients include Secret Cinema, the WOMAD festival, Standon Calling Festival, Punch Taverns, the Security Industry Authority and the Metropolitan Police Service.
Instructed by TfL, successfully resisted an appeal brought by ZipCar against the immediate revocation of a fleet of Private Hire Vehicle licences on the grounds of public safety. The Appellant had sought to hire the vehicles out by the day or hour to "Uber" drivers.
Instructed on behalf of a sexual entertainment venue on the edge of the City of London in a successful appeal against a refusal to grant a Sexual Entertainment Venue licence.
Successful representation of the Commissioner in an appeal brought by the Secretary of the Sportsman's Association. Mr Wells had sought a certificate for a .45 self-loading pistol arguing that this was necessary for the humane despatch of wild boar. The appeal was dismissed.
Instructed by Future Shorts Limited in a successful application for a premises licence to allow a run of the Secret Cinema interactive performance of Shawshank Redemption in Hackney. The application which was the first permanent run for Secret Cinema was strongly opposed by the police.
Matthew is a leading health and safety barrister, regularly appearing in cases relating to fatal and near fatal industrial accidents. He has been appointed to the “A” panel of prosecuting HSE advocates.
Prosecuting Viridor for multiple breaches which resulted in the death of a recycling operative who was crushed inside a ballistic separator.
Acting on behalf of the HSE in a prosecution after a resident and workers fell through a walkway on a residential development in London The resident fell to the floor below suffering serious injuries.
Prosecuting the company and Director for an industrial accident in which a worker fell into a vat of caustic soda suffering serious burns.
Prosecuting Chessington World of Adventures Limited on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive following a serious accident in which a four year old girl fell fourteen feet and fractured her skull.
Matthew advises and appears for issuing judicial authorities, requesting governments and requested persons in extradition cases. He appears in the Magistrates’ Court and the High Court on appeal. He also advises and represents in mutual legal assistance cases. Matthew has expertise in challenging Interpol Red Notices on behalf of both UK based and international clients.
Successful defence of a prominent Indian businessman whose extradition was sought for alleged asset stripping by the Republic of India.
Representing MW who successfully challenged an extradition request relating to a 60 million Euro fraud. MW was discharged on the grounds of his physical and mental health and as extradition would breach his rights guaranteed under ECHR Article 8.
Representing the requested person in historic allegations of rape and sexual abuse in Goa. The requested person was discharged, as extradition would be unjust and oppressive in view of the fact that he suffered from dementia. Appeal by Republic of India dismissed.
Representing Lewis who successfully challenged an extradition request relating to an alleged €50 million fraud. Appeal by Germany dismissed. Application to certify a question of public importance and leave to appeal to Supreme Court refused.
Regularly instructed to represent police officers accused of gross misconduct before discipline boards, the PAT and the High Court on judicial review.
Representing PC Mark Harratt accused of multiple breaches of professional standards in relation the death of Sean Rigg. PC Harratt was cleared of all alleged misconduct.
Representing two police officers who were cleared of all misconduct allegations following the death of Henry Hicks near Caledonian Road.
Representing a Detective Chief Inspector at a gross misconduct hearing at City of London Police.
Representing two officers who faced gross misconduct proceedings following a death in police custody. The case was dismissed following a submission of no case to answer at the close of the Appropriate Authority’s case.
Matthew has particular expertise in litigation concerning applications for and challenges to search warrants and production orders. He has successfully challenged many such warrants securing orders for the return of material and damages. Matthew has recently appeared in high profile cases involving applications for production orders, including an application following serious disorder at the Syrian Embassy and investigations into corruption in Premier League football clubs.
Representing the MPS in an application for production orders against various media organisations relating to the so called "ISIS bride" Shamima Begum.
Acting for the Claimant in a judicial review of a decision to issue a search warrant. Declaration of unlawfulness granted. Warrants quashed. Order granted for return of all property and destruction of copies. Order prohibiting the police from applying to the Crown Court under Section 59 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 granted.
Search warrants issued on application by HMRC quashed on grounds that the content of the warrants were unclear. Key authority in this developing area of law.
Inquests into the terrorist attacks on Westminster Bridge
(2018)
Instructed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis in relation to the 22.03.17 terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge and the Palace of Westminster
Inquests into the terrorist attacks on London Bridge
(2019)
Instructed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis in relation to the 03.06.17 terrorist attacks on London Bridge and the surrounding area
The Undercover Police Inquiry (ongoing)
Instructed to represent former undercover police officer Mark Kennedy in this inquiry chaired by Lord Justice Pitchford
Inquest into the death of Philmore Mills
[2016]
Instructed on behalf of two police officers who restrained Mr Mills on a respiratory ward shortly before he died
Inquest into the death of James Fox
[2016]
Instructed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis in the fatal shooting of Mr Fox by two firearms officers. Verdicts of lawful killing returned
The Mark Duggan Inquest
[2014]
Representing the Trident tactical firearms commander (previously known as silver commander) in the inquest touching the death of Mark Duggan. Verdict of lawful killing returned
The Nunes & Markland Inquest
[2012]
Representing the Flying Squad silver commander in the inquest touching the death of Mark Nunes and Andrew Markland; armed robbers shot dead by CO19 snipers during an armed robbery in Chandlers Ford. Verdicts of lawful killing returned
R v Colonel Kumar Lama
[2016]
Leading counsel instructed to defend in torture trial relating to the 1996 to 2006 Nepalese civil war. The case was being prosecuted in England on the basis of universal jurisdiction and was the first of its kind. Colonel Lama was cleared of all charges
R v MC
[2014]
Representing a former Detective Chief Inspector from the Ministry of Defence Police. MC was charged with thirty counts of fraud allegedly committed between 2006 and 2011. MC was acquitted of all charges following a four week trial
R v Zinga
[2014] 1 WLR 2228
Instructed by the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis to represent the police in a challenge to right of private prosecutors to bring confiscation proceedings. The Lord Chief Justice stated in the court’s judgment that a private prosecutor was able to engage and apply the confiscation provisions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and that the police were entitled to provide assistance where appropriate
R v C, S, H, D & W
[2012] EWCA Crim 1762
Successful defence of H before Southwark Crown Court and the Court of Appeal. Money laundering allegations dismissed following submission of no case to answer, Crown appeal against terminatory ruling dismissed. Police conceded forfeiture proceedings and returned the seized cash
R v Raykanda
[2011] EWCA Crim 1896
Representing the Appellant, £3.7 million confiscation order quashed
R v Good
[2009] 173JP 1
Successful appeal against conviction by G. Leading authority on bad character applications where defendants are alleged to have given a false impression
R v Watts
[2008]
Appointed by the court to cross examine the actress Samantha Morton who alleged that Mr Watts was harassing her. The defendant was acquitted
R v Keepmoat & Superior Roofing & Building Services
[2018]
Acting on behalf of the HSE in a prosecution after a resident and workers fell through a walkway on a residential development in London The resident fell to the floor below suffering serious injuries.
R (HSE) v Kypol & Kapoor
[2016]
Prosecuting the company and Director for an industrial accident in which a worker fell into a vat of caustic soda suffering serious burns.
R (HSE) v Fui Seal Europe Limited
[2016]
Prosecuting Fuji Seal in a case arising out of an industrial accident in which a worker’s hand was caught in a printing machine.
R (HSE) v Chessington World of Adventures
[2015]
Prosecuting Chessington World of Adventures Limited on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive following a serious accident in which a four year old girl fell fourteen feet and fractured her skull.
Germany v MW
[2017]
Representing MW who successfully challenged an extradition request relating to a 60 million Euro fraud. MW was discharged on the grounds of his physical and mental health and as extradition would breach his rights guaranteed under ECHR Article 8
India v Ashley
[2014] EWHC 3505 (Admin)
Representing the requested person in historic allegations of rape and sexual abuse in Goa. The requested person was discharged, as extradition would be unjust and oppressive in view of the fact that he suffered from dementia. Appeal by Republic of India dismissed
Germany v Lewis, Khan and Din
[2014] EWHC 1704 (Admin)
Representing Lewis who successfully challenged an extradition request relating to an alleged €50 million fraud. Appeal by Germany dismissed. Application to certify a question of public importance and leave to appeal to Supreme Court refused
Government of Bermuda v Stamp
[2014]
Representing the requested person in an extradition request relating to an allegation of murder. Successfully argued that there is a lacuna in the law which prevents extradition to any British Overseas Territory or Dependency
Tribunal de Grande Instance Paris, France v Ian Griffin
[2011] All ER (D) 215 (Apr)
Representing G in proceedings following the alleged murder of his girlfriend in the Hotel le Bristol, Paris. Fitness to plead, suicide risk and proceeding in absence
E v Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH)
[2011] EWHC 625 (Admin) 2011
Acting for appellant. Successful appeal by E in first extradition request made by BiH
Hoholm v Government of Norway
[2009] EWHC 1513 (Admin) Times 12th October 2009
Acting for the appellant in successful appeal. Leading authority on raising new issues on appeal
Avis/ZipCar v TfL
Instructed by TfL, successfully resisted an appeal brought by ZipCar against the immediate revocation of a fleet of Private Hire Vehicle licences on the grounds of public safety. The Appellant had sought to hire the vehicles out by the day or hour to “Uber” drivers
London City Traders Ltd v London Borough of Tower Hamlets
[2016]
Instructed on behalf of a sexual entertainment venue on the edge of the City of London in a successful appeal against a refusal to grant a Sexual Entertainment Venue licence.
Mike Wells v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis
[2014]
Successful representation of the Commissioner in an appeal brought by the Secretary of the Sportsman’s Association. Mr Wells had sought a certificate for a .45 self-loading pistol arguing that this was necessary for the humane despatch of wild boar. The appeal was dismissed
“Secret Cinema”
[2013]
Instructed by Future Shorts Limited in a successful application for a premises licence to allow a run of the Secret Cinema interactive performance of Shawshank Redemption in Hackney. The application which was the first permanent run for Secret Cinema was strongly opposed by the police
R (Ambassador Cars) v Central Criminal Court
[2009] EWCA Civ 1140
Appearing in the City of London Magistrates’ Court, Central Criminal Court, Administrative Court and Court of Appeal (Civil Division) instructed by Transport for London in a case brought by a large private hire vehicle operator and the subsequent appeal by way of case stated and judicial review claim
R (Betting Shop Services Ltd) v Southend Borough Council & Ors
[2008] EWHC 105 (Admin)
Judicial review of Southend Borough Council on the interpretation of the Gambling Act 2005. The Gambling Commission guidance was held to be wrong in law
Misconduct Proceedings In Relation to the Death of Henry Hicks, Metropolitan Police Service
[2017]
Representing two police officers who were cleared of all misconduct allegations following the death of Henry Hicks near Caledonian Road
DCI D City of London Police
[2017]
Representing a Detective Chief Inspector at a gross misconduct hearing at City of London Police
Officers H & D Thames Valley Police Force
[2015]
Representing two officers who faced gross misconduct proceedings following a death in police custody. The case was dismissed following a submission of no case to answer at the close of the Appropriate Authority’s case
PAT in relation to PC RP, Staffordshire Police Force
[2015]
Representing RP on appeal following his dismissal after a misconduct hearing. Appeal initially dismissed by the Chair. A claim was brought against the PAT in judicial review and the matter remitted. Leave was then granted and the appeal allowed, PC RP reinstated, back pay awarded and costs ordered against the police authority
Sergeant Chilton, Nottinghamshire Police
[2015]
Representing a custody sergeant accused of using excessive force by restraining a 17 year old detainee in a neck hold. First allegation dismissed following submission of insufficient evidence, second charge dismissed by the panel
PAT in relation to PC MH, Metropolitan Police Service
[2014]
Representing MH on appeal following his dismissal after pleading guilty to a criminal offence. Matthew was instructed after the client had been sacked and his appeal dismissed. A claim was brought against the PAT in judicial review and the matter remitted. Leave was then granted and the appeal allowed, PC MH reinstated, back pay awarded and costs ordered against the police authority
PAT in relation to PC CB
[2013]
Representing CB on appeal following his dismissal after he was found to have dishonestly taken and lost a colleagues bicycle. Appeal allowed, PC CB reinstated with back pay
R (on the application of Brook & Others) v Preston Crown Court & Lancashire Police
[2018] ACD 95
Acting for the Claimant in a judicial review of a decision to issue a search warrant. Declaration of unlawfulness granted. Warrants quashed. Order granted for return of all property and destruction of copies. Order prohibiting the police from applying to the Crown Court under Section 59 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 granted
Avis v Transport for London
Representing TfL in appeal by way of case stated concerning the test relating to taxi licence appeals and disability discrimination. Appeal dismissed
R (on the application of Anand) v Revenue and Customs Commissioners
[2012] EWHC 2989 (Admin); [2013] CP Rep 2; [2013] ACD 8
Search warrants issued on application by HMRC quashed on grounds that the content of the warrants were unclear. Key authority in this developing area of law
Re Bell
[2012] EWHC 4133 (Admin)
Successful application for certificate of inadequacy in confiscation proceedings
To instruct Matthew please contact our Clerks on +44 (0)20 7400 6400 or email clerks@3rblaw.com.
“A barrister with a fearsome intellect, who is lethal in court.” Chambers UK 2021: Crime
“A fantastic advocate. He has an exceptional track record for achieving unexpectedly favourable outcomes for clients.” Chambers UK 2021: Crime
“A tough operator who has excellent judgement.” Chambers UK 2021: Crime
“An incredibly clever lawyer.” Chambers UK 2021: Extradition
“He gets his head round the most complicated and difficult legal situations imaginable and is great with the client.” Chambers UK 2021: Extradition
“He is really thorough and forensic in his preparation, and doesn’t take bad points. He’s very straightforward to deal with.” Chambers UK 2021: Inquests & Public Inquiries
“He effortlessly demands attention during oral submission and speaks with authority.” Chambers UK 2021: Licensing
“He is a giant of an advocate.” Chambers UK 2021: Professional Discipline
“A fierce intellect, really energetic and exudes confidence and charisma.” Chambers 2021: Professional Discipline
“Matt is incredibly sharp and a great advocate in person and in writing. He is supremely confident and authoritative in court. I would recommend him highly in relation to any legal argument.” Legal 500 2021: International Crime and Extradition
“His client management is out of the top drawer. He achieved a result better than we could have anticipated, and effortlessly demands the respect and attention of a Licensing Sub Committee.” Legal 500: Licensing
“Huge ability to absorb information. He was by far the most experienced advocate at the inquest, which shone through in terms of his ability to grasp the issues and ask the right questions.” Legal 500: Inquests and Inquiries
“A tenacious advocate who is very intelligent and has a commanding presence.” “Matthew is a man with a serious intellect and a brilliant lawyer, who is a first choice for complex and technical matters. Very proactive and easy to work with, he is also excellent on extradition and public law.” Chambers UK 2020: Crime
“Has a very brilliant style of advocacy and uses his sixth sense to bring judges around.” Chambers UK 2020: Extradition
“He was good and handled witnesses well.” “He played a very big role in the case and served his clients extremely well.” “His strengths undoubtedly are his preparation and his advocacy.” Chambers UK 2020: Inquests & Public Inquiries
“His ability to deliver considered and well thought-out advice is always appreciated. He is personable and clients warm to his approach and presence.” Chambers UK 2020: Licensing
“Gets straight to the point, knows what he’s talking about and is very reliable.” “A charming and pleasant barrister whose persuasive skills are very impressive.” Chambers UK 2020: Professional Discipline
“He is fiercely intelligent and able to unpick the most complex legal issues. “ Legal 500 2020: International Crime & Extradition
“Impressive, authoritative presence in Licensing Sub-Committee hearings and prepared to provide robust advice in challenging cases.” Legal 500 2020: Licensing
“He is steadfast in his approach to ensure that the right outcome for a case is always achieved.” Legal 500 2020: Inquests & Inquiries
“He is phenomenally confident in court.” Legal 500 2020: Police Law
“He is exceptional. Very strategic in his approach, he is an extremely bright and utterly fearless advocate.” Chambers UK 2019: Crime
“He is doing superbly well for someone of his year of call.” Chambers UK 2020: Crime
“The cases he does are excellent. He often wins against the odds and gets the right result for his clients.” Chambers UK 2019: Extradition
“He’s enormously hard-working and has a good eye for detail. He’s tenacious and doesn’t give up on difficult points.” Chambers UK 2019: Inquests
“He is a very good advocate who is very impressive at hearings. Committees like to listen to him.” “He is extremely bright and persuasive, and has a great sense of humour.” Chambers UK 2019: Licensing
“He has good technical skills and he is an engaging advocate.” “He does an excellent job for his clients.” Chambers UK 2019: Professional Discipline
“A serious intellect who can easily navigate his way through the most difficult legal conundrums.” Legal 500 2019: Crime
“A considered advocate with a good feel for the mood of the court.” Legal 500 2019: International Crime & Extradition
“Quickly dissects and expertly addresses the key issues in complex cases.” Legal 500 2019: Licensing
“A fearless advocate who combines tenacity and good judgement.” Legal 500 2019: Inquests & Inquiries
“Extremely bright and a brilliant advocate – one of the best at the junior Bar.” Legal 500 2019: Police Law
“He’s an intelligent, imposing character. He must be about seven feet tall, a good proportion of which seems to be brain.” Chambers UK: Licensing
Matthew has worked in Jamaica, as a member of the Bar Human Rights Committee, on a scheme to assist those being tried for offences that would attract the death penalty.
I, Matthew Butt am a data controller and can be contacted at 3 Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5BH or by telephone on 020 7400 6400 or by email at matthew.butt@3rblaw.com. My Data Protection Policy can be found below.
All personal data that I process is for the purposes of providing legal services, conducting conflict-checks, marketing, defending potential complaints, legal proceedings or fee disputes, keeping anti-money laundering records, training other barristers and pupils and when providing work-shadowing opportunities, and/or exercising a right to a lien. The types of data I process vary upon the nature of the legal matter in relation to which I am engaged to advise, but can include names, contact details, biographic details and ‘special category personal data’ (such as details of racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, health, sex life and criminal convictions and proceedings).
Depending upon the circumstances of the case, the legal bases upon which I process personal data are (i) the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract, (ii) the processing is necessary to comply with legal obligations to which I am subject, or (iii) the processing is necessary for the legitimate interests set out above, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subjects which require protection of personal data, in particular where the data subject is a child. When I rely on (iii) legitimate interests, my ‘Legitimate Interests Assessment’ can be found here. When I process data which has not be obtained directly from the data subject (e.g. personal data contained in evidential materials), it will have been supplied to me as part of my instructions in circumstances covered by legal professional privilege.
Depending upon the circumstances of the case, I may share the personal data with:
I retain personal data for no longer than 7 years after the case has come to an end or as otherwise required by law.
I do not intend to transfer data to any country which is not either within the European Union, ‘white listed’ by the EU or otherwise permitted by EU law (e.g. to the USA under the provisions of the ‘Privacy Shield’).
Under the GDPR, data subjects whose personal data I process have the right to request from me access to, and rectification or erasure of, their personal data, the right to the restriction of processing concerning them, the right to object to processing as well as the right to data portability. Data subjects also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk).
In cases where there is a contract between me and the data subject, the provision of personal data is a contractual requirement and the data subject is obliged to provide the personal data in order that I can supply legal services. A failure to provide such data may mean that I will not be able to provide the legal services.
Rev 1.1 12.02.2019
Matthew Butt is qualified to accept instructions direct from clients under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme. This means that members of the public who seek specialist advice can come direct to him. In addition, he welcomes instructions from solicitors, in-house law departments, qualified foreign lawyers, and clients licensed by the Bar Council to give instructions direct to barristers under the Bar Council’s Licensed Access Scheme.
For further information please contact our Clerks.
| Address | 3 Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5BH |
|---|---|
| DX | 237 LDE |
| Opening hours | 08:30 – 18:30 |
| Telephone | +44 (0)20 7400 6400 |
|---|---|
| clerks@3rblaw.com | |
| Senior clerk | Eddie Holland |
