Alex read Law at the University of Leeds. He was called to the Bar in 2002. He had entered on the Roll as a solicitor in 1996, specialising in civil litigation at the end of his training contract. Between 1997 and 2002 worked for Welsh law firm Hugh James practising first in the firm's employment law group lecturing on a regular basis to local businesses on developments in the law and regularly appearing in the employment tribunal on behalf of both applicants and respondents. From 2000 as an Associate, Alex transferred to a purely personal injury practice as part of the Head and Spinal Injury Team, specialising in claimant conditional fee work involving acquired catastrophic head injuries and spinal injuries.
At the Bar Alex has specialised in regulatory work and has represented local authorities throughout South Wales and England in all aspects of quasi-criminal work. Recent instructions include planning inquiries, planning enforcement, product safety, noise abatement, environmental protection, trade marks, trade description, animal welfare, ASBOs, benefit fraud, proceeds of crime, licensing and education.
Alex's notable cases include
R v Griffiths CA 27.9.07 (unrep. pending retrial) Successful appeal against conviction in historic child abuse case. Issue as to the judge's discretion to prevent cross examination on complainant's bad character.
R v Rees CA 21.5.06 rep Lawtel Murder trial when the Defendant admitted Manslaughter. Issue on bad character provisions, whether correct to adduce offence of wounding in such a case.
Caerphilly County Borough Council v Jeff White Motors Ltd. CA 2.11.05 Prosecuted large local second hand car dealership in false trade descriptions case. Issue as to the extent of relevant evidence in a case of strict liability, citing R v Major Sandhu.2005 Vale of Glamorgan County Council v Evans CCC Dog Owner charged with offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1992 following attack on young boy. Contested hearing as to whether the dog should be destroyed. Defence expert evidence from Dr Roger Mugford Animal Psychologist who previously appeared on behalf of HRH Princess Anne when her terriers attacked cyclists in Gatcombe Park.
2005 Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council v Moses MCC Local businessman charged with offences under the Trade Description Act 1968. Allegations included the false trade descriptions of faulty workmanship and fraudulent guarantees.
2004 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council v Briathwaite MCC Defended local housewife and winner of "good citizen award" accused of selling counterfeit goods. Defendant admitted selling the goods but successfully relied upon the statutory defence that she did not know she was in breach of the trade mark.
Recent instructions:
E coli Inquiry Retained on behalf of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council one of the "Core Participants" in the first public inquiry ordered by the National Assembly for Wales, and the first public inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005. Inquiry into the circumstances that led to the second largest outbreak of e coli 0157 in the UK.
R v Vilday and others Junior Counsel to Lord Carlile of Berriew representing a key prosecution witness in the longest murder trial in British legal history the notorious "Cardiff Three" case.
Alex regularly lectures on all aspects of law including in 2006 to the South Wales Solicitors in Local Government Group "Tough on Crime, Tough on the causes of Crime- Local Authorities and the Criminal Justice Act 2003".
Professional memberships include the Wales and Chester Circuit, the Welsh Public Law and Human Rights Association and the Welsh Criminal Bar Association.