Zayd is a criminal and extradition barrister who represents both children and adults charged with a full range of criminal offences. He is well liked and highly regarded for his approach with clients and instructing solicitors.
Zayd is an elected member of the Bar Council and confidently represents the needs of young and Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic barristers practicing at the bar in England and Wales. Zayd is also a social mobility advocate for the Bar Council.
Criminal Defence
Overview
Zayd is a criminal and extradition barrister who has represented a variety of individuals at both the magistrates and crown courts. He has conducted in excess of 150 trials and obtains great results. Zayd is meticulous in his approach and will ensure no stone is left unturned. He has an in-depth understanding of the CPIA and the disclosure obligations on both the prosecution and defence.
Zayd is also a dual qualified duty solicitor and has a detailed understanding of the police interview process, allowing him to challenge any breaches of the codes of practice.
He is able to challenge the prosecution case at all stages, is highly attentive to the procedural requirements for trials and has managed to get a number of cases dismissed due to procedural or legal defects. He is able to understand and apply the law in various settings and fearlessly challenges the prosecution case.
He also has experience in dealing with extradition proceedings both at the initial and final hearing. He is able to quickly identify the bars to extradition and has successfully opposed extradition on numerous cases.
Zayd has also worked on Proceeds of Crime applications and is able to advise and challenge cash seizure, forfeiture and confiscation proceeding.
Notable Cases
R v A - acquittal of youth charged with robbery where the issue was identification. Court agreed with submissions that the witness could not be sure that it was the defendant even after he had been detained by members of the public.
R v Austin - acquittal of client charged with handling stolen goods. Jury returned a not guilty verdict witin 30 minutes.
R v Khan - successful abuse of process argument where crown failed to disclose material which had been seized. Client acquitted on all charges.
R v Gumus - successful half time submission on a charge for possessing an offensive weapon.
R v Haque - successful acquittal for a client charged with harassment where admissions made in interview.
R v A - represented youth charged with 8 robberies, successfully avoided the imposition of a DTO.
R v Cin - successful argument opposing crowns application for bad character evidence on the day of trial.
R v Grant - successful application to dismiss where client charged with assault of an emergency worker.
Contact Zayd
Background
Prior to qualifying as a barrister, Zayd worked for some of the top criminal defence firms litigating high profile cases including murder, terrorism and fraud.
Prior to gaining his legal expertise, Zayd was employed by the police service where he worked as part of team investigating various criminal offences, this gives him an invaluable insight into the pre-charge process.
Outside of work, Zayd enjoys fitness, having previously worked as a fitness coach, and travelling, having visited over 30 counties in total.
Education
LLB – University of Sussex
LLM – University of Sussex
BPTC – BPP Law School
Duty Solicitor Qualification- Cardiff University
Professional Membership
Elected Representative for Bar Council of England and Wales
Committee Member for Young Bar
Committee Member for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Bar Council
Criminal Bar Association
Society of Asian Barristers
London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association
Middle Temple Young Barristers Association
Young Legal Aid Lawyers
Government Legal Department's Junior Junior Scheme for Lawyers
