Pump Court

Samuel Magee KC

Call 2003
Silk 2020

"Adored by juries and admired by his peers."

Chambers & Partners

"A busy, able and extremely hardworking practitioner."

Legal 500

Appointments
  • Crown Prosecution Service Panel (Grade 3; Rape List)
  • Public Prosecution Service Panel (Northern Ireland)
  • NMC Approved Case Presenter
Memberships
  • Criminal Bar Association of England & Wales
  • Criminal Bar Association of Northern Ireland
Qualifications
  • Direct Access Qualified
Directory Quotes
  • “Adored by juries and admired by his peers.” Chambers & Partners
  • “A busy, able and extremely hardworking practitioner.” Legal 500

Instructing Samuel Magee KC

To instruct Samuel or for any further information please contact our clerks.

Clerk: John Grimmer
Telephone: +44 (0)7776 154 664
Email: Click here

Sam Magee KC is a specialist practitioner with extensive experience in high profile crime and health and safety matters.

Whilst instructed across the board, Magee has specific expertise in ‘heavyweight’ crime with conduct of cases of terrorism, murder, firearms offences, drug importation, serious fraud and money laundering offences. In terms of Health & Safety, he regularly deals with prosecutions for corporate manslaughter and advises organisations in respect of liability and regulations.

Appointed Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in Northern Ireland in 2020, he is highly sought after across the United Kingdom*.

Samuel is a direct access qualified barrister, which means in certain cases he can be instructed without the need first to instruct a solicitor.

*Sam Magee was appointed as Queen’s Counsel following the formal application process overseen by the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland. Whilst not admitted to the Inner Bar of England & Wales, the Courts and Bar Council of England & Wales treat Mr Magee KC as holding the rank of King’s Counsel within that jurisdiction in accordance with the relevant reciprocal arrangement between the jurisdictions.

Practice Areas

Appeals

Sam is regularly instructed before Her Majesty’s Court of Appeal. He has broad experience in successfully arguing the most complex legal arguments in a range of criminal matters. He is known for his detailed and persuasive written advocacy as well as his commanding delivery on his feet

Notable appeals cases


R v Maughan & Maughan [2020] NICA 19

Successfully argued that the approach to credit for guilty plea in the jurisdiction of Northern Ireland should not be reformed. This matter is currently before the Supreme Court.


R v McKenzie [2017] NICA 29

Appeared for the Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealing the imposition of a suspended sentence upon an employer convicted of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of an employee.


R v McKeown [2016] NICA 24

Appeared for the Respondent in appeal against sentence in respect of causing grievous bodily injury by driving without due care and attention.


R v Braniff [2016] NICA 9

Appeared for the Respondent in the guideline judgment on environmental offences in Northern Ireland.


R v McDonald [2015] NICA 21

Appeared for the Respondent in appeal against conviction for multiple counts of rape and historic sexual offences involving issues of inconsistent verdicts. Appeal also against sentence in respect of imposition of discretionary life sentence.


R v Nabi [2015] NICA 11

Appeared for the Respondent in appeal against conviction for rape having successfully relied upon a previous acquittal as bad character evidence in order to rebut an innocent explanation presented by the Defendant.


R v Hedley [2015] NICA 45

Appeared for the Respondent in appeal against sentence for burlary and associated offences. Guideline case in respect of credit for guilty plea in expedited cases in Northern Ireland.


R v Hamilton [2015] NICA 15

Appeared for the Respondent in appeal against sentence for fraud by false representation. Guideline case in respect of the application of Combination Orders and their use in offences of dishonesty.


R v Foster [2015] NICA

Appeared for the Respondent in appeal against sentence for manslaughter.


R v McAughey & Smyth [2014] NICA 61

Appeared for the Respondent in the guideline judgment on sentencing for burglary in Northern Ireland.


Confiscation

Sam is experienced in the complex area of restraint and confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. He is instructed regularly to deal specifically with applications for the confiscation of assets both in England & Wales and in Northern Ireland and as a consequence of his dual qualification is a position to advise authoritatively on cross-jurisidictional issues.

Notable confiscation cases


R v McDonagh [2020]

Appears for the Director of Public Prosecutions in an appeal against the decision to discharge a restraint order on the grounds that a prosecution was not commenced within a reasonable time.


R v Morrow [2020]

Successfully appealed the imposition of a confiscation order on a Defendant in respect of environmental offences following the refusal of the Crown Court to conduct a fact finding hearing.


R v Lamberton [2019] NIQB 33

Successfully argued that the imposition of cross-jurisdictional restraint orders should be maintained. Decision upheld by the Court of Appeal.


R v Clarke & Others [2018]

Successfully obtained confiscation orders against multiple accused who had been convicted of fuel laundering offences.


Coroner's Inquests

Whilst instructed across the board, Sam Magee KC has specific expertise in ‘heavyweight’ crime with conduct of cases of terrorism, murder, firearms offences, sham marriages, corporate homicide and drug importation. He is instructed in the prosecution of a large number of legacy offences arising out of the Troubles in Northern Ireland as well as the prosecution of ongoing terrorist related offending.

He is presently instructed in multiple murder trials; cases of this nature have been his bread and butter for many years.

As a junior, Magee was instructed for the Defendant in the ‘Midsomer Murder’ trial, acted for the principal defendant charged with the murder of his four year old stepson and led by Michael Wolkind KC, assisted in securing the swift acquittal of a defendant charged with the gang-style murder of a male during the course of a racist attack. As prosecution counsel he has prosecuted those charged with murder following planned and spontaneous assaults. He regularly appears for and prosecutes those charged with causing death as a consequence of dangerous driving.

Sam Magee KC has represented and prosecuted individuals charged with multiple counts of distraction burglary, conspiracy to supply wholesale quantities of prohibited drugs and the use and supply of handguns and all manner of prohibited weapons. He successfully defended a principal defendant charged in a conspiracy concerning the wholesale supply of cocaine from London to the West Country; all other major alleged conspirators were convicted.

Magee’s experience in complex fraud has seen him act in the most high profile cases. He has specific expertise of Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) fraud, Construction Industry Scheme fraud, Insider Dealing and money laundering offences. He has experience of cyber-crime prosecutions including those involving cryptocurrencies.

He regularly prosecutes and defends in both recent and historic sexual offence cases. He has recently represented a defendant charged with multiple sexual offences upon multiple independent complainants with complex issues of cross-admissibility in the context of bad character evidence.

Much of the time, Magee defends in high profile, privately funded, criminal cases across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Notable coroner's inquests cases


R v F (2020)

Prosecution in respect of the events of Bloody Sunday.


R v A&C (2020)

Legacy related prosecution for murder.


R v B (2020)

Legacy related prosecution for murder.


R v F (2020)

Legacy related prosecution for murder of a post office worker.


R v D & Others (2020)

Prosecution in respect of attempted murder of police officers.


R v R (2020)

Prosecution of murder of a prison officer.


R v M & Others (2019)

Prosecution of multi-handed murder following shooting of a male as part of a terrorist related feud.


R v B & Others (2019)

Prosecution of multi-handed murder following shooting of a male as part of a terrorist related feud.


R v M (2018)

Legacy related prosecution arising from the murder of a male by the IRA as a punishment.


R v D (2017)

Prosecuting male charged with murder of family member.


R v G (2017)

Defending a male charged with multiple counts of sexual assault upon five children whilst employed as an au pair.


R v B (2017)

Defended a male charged with environmental offences following the operation of a large scale dumping site.


R v B (2016)

Prosecuted a male charged with murder following knife attack.


R v Z (2016)

Prosecuted mother charged with the attempted murder of her children.


R v P (2016)

Defended School Principal charged with fraud in connection with school and authority funds.


R v C & Others (2016)

Prosecuted multiple defendants in fuel laundering conspiracy.


R v M (2016)

Prosecuted GP charged with clinical trial fraud. First successful prosecution of its type in the United Kingdom.


R v N (2015)

Prosecuted taxi driver charged with rape of passenger.


R v N & Others (2015)

Prosecuted multiple defendants involved in sham marriage conspiracy.


Crime

Whilst instructed across the board, Sam has specific expertise in ‘heavyweight’ crime with conduct of cases of murder, firearms offences, sham marriages, corporate homicide and drug importation. Of note, Sam was instructed for the Defendant in the ‘Midsomer Murder’ trial, acted for the principal defendant charged with the murder of his four year old stepson and led by Michael Wolkind KC assisted in securing the acquittal of a defendant charged with the gang-style murder of a male during the course of a racist attack. As prosecution counsel he has prosecuted those charged with murder following planned and spontaneous assaults. He regularly prosecutes those charged with causing death as a consequence of dangerous and careless driving.

Sam Magee KC has represented and prosecuted individuals charged with multiple counts of distraction burglary, conspiracy to supply wholesale quantities of prohibited drugs and the use and supply of handguns and all manner of prohibited weapons. Sam successfully defended a principal defendant charged in a conspiracy concerning the wholesale supply of cocaine from London to the West Country; all other major alleged conspirators were convicted.

Sam’s experience in complex fraud has seen him act in the most high profile cases. He has specific expertise of Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) fraud, Construction Industry Scheme fraud, Insider Dealing and money laundering offences.

Sam Magee KC regularly prosecutes and defends in both recent and historic sexual offence cases. He has recently represented a defendant charged with multiple sexual offences upon multiple independent complainants with complex issues of cross-admissibility in the context of bad character evidence.

Much of the time, Magee defends in high profile, privately funded, criminal cases across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. With a heavy focus on homicide, complex fraud and serious sexual offending allegations, Sam is an extremely active junior, known for his fearless approach.

Notable crime cases


R v D (2017)

Prosecuting male charged with murder of family member.


R v G (2017)

Defending a male charged with multiple counts of sexual assault upon five children whilst employed as an au pair.


R v B (2017)

Defended a male charged with environmental offences following the operation of a large scale dumping site.


R v B (2016)

Prosecuted a male charged with murder following knife attack.


R v Z (2016)

Prosecuted mother charged with the attempted murder of her children.


R v P (2016)

Defended School Principal charged with fraud in connection with school and authority funds.


R v C & Others (2016)

Prosecuted multiple defendants in fuel laundering conspiracy.


R v M (2016)

Prosecuted GP charged with clinical trial fraud. First successful prosecution of its type in the United Kingdom.


R v N (2015)

Prosecuted taxi driver charged with rape of passenger.


R v N & Others (2015)

Prosecuted multiple defendants involved in sham marriage conspiracy.


R v S (2014)

Defendant man charged with multiple sexual offences upon his partner’s young brother.


R v O (2014)

Prosecuted male charged with multiple sexual offences upon multiple family memebrs over a twenty year period.


R v F (2013)

Prosecuted male charged with murder following violent street attack.


R v M (2013)

Successfully defended a male charged with the alleged football gang murder of male on the streets of Liverpool.


R v C (2013)

Defended and secured the acquittal of the principal Defendant charged with one of the largest alleged inward diversion frauds prosecuted in the UK.


R v L (2012)

Defended male charged with murder of his four year old step-son.


R v P (2012)

Defended the principal Defendant in the Vantis Fraud prosecution. The case concerned a multi-million pound share scheme fraud and allegations of large scale money laundering.


R v M (2012)

Defended the principal Defendant charged with running a global secondary ticket marketing fraud upon The All England Tennis Club.


Defence

Much of the time, Magee defends in high profile, privately funded, criminal cases in England. As Senior Counsel, his focus is on homicide, complex fraud and serious sexual offending allegations. He is an extremely busy practitioner, known for his fearless approach.

Notable defence cases


R v Slimani (2020)

Defending male charged with importation of wholesale quantities of Class B drugs.


R v S (2020)

Defending male charged with historic allegations of sexual abuse on two young girls.


R v D (2019)

Successfully defended a male, previously convicted of sexual assaults on children, with allegations of rape and sexual abuse of two young girls. Acquitted on all counts.


R v Morrow (2018)

Successfully challenged the imposition of a Confiscation Order on a Defendant charged with environmental offences.


R v G (2017)

Defending a male charged with multiple counts of sexual assault upon five children whilst employed as an au pair.


R v B (2017)

Defended a male charged with environmental offences following the operation of a large scale dumping site.


R v P (2016)

Defended School Principal charged with fraud in connection with school and authority funds.


R v S (2014)

Defendant man charged with multiple sexual offences upon his partner’s young brother.


R v M (2013)

Defended a male charged with the alleged football gang murder of male on the streets of Liverpool.


R v C (2013)

Defended the principal Defendant charged with one of the largest alleged inward diversion frauds prosecuted in the UK.


R v L (2012)

Defended male charged with murder of his four year old step-son.


R v P (2012)

Defended the principal Defendant in the Vantis Fraud prosecution. The case concerned a multi-million pound share scheme fraud and allegations of large scale money laundering.


R v M (2012)

Defended the principal Defendant charged with running a global secondary ticket marketing fraud upon The All England Tennis Club.


Fraud

Sam Magee KC is a renowned expert in the prosecution and defence of complex fraud. He has been instructed in the most high profile frauds prosecuted in recent times including the Torex Retail Fraud (R v F, Oxford Crown Court), the multi-million pound ‘Vantis’ fraud (R v P, Blackfriars Crown Court) and secured the acquittal of a Defendant charged with one of the largest inward diversion frauds ever charged in the UK (R v C, Preston Crown Court). He was recently instructed to lead the prosecution team in the prosecution of persons arising out of the NAMA Northern Ireland Loan Book sale and to advise in a multi jurisdictional cryptocurrency fraud investigation.

Sam Magee KC successfully defended the principal defendant charged with an alleged worldwide secondary ticket market fraud against The All England Tennis Club (Wimbledon Championships). He successfully applied to have charges dismissed against an individual charged with a nationwide mobile telephone fraud against Phones4U; it was Magee’s application that led to all charges being dismissed against all defendants. He is currently instructed in a number of money laundering, MTIC fraud and VAT fraud prosecutions.

Notable fraud cases


R v C & Others (2020)

Prosecution arising from the sale of the Northern Ireland Loan Book by NAMA.


R v D & Others (2020)

Prosecution of 37 Defendants for an alleged construction industry scheme tax fraud on HMRC.


R v C & Others (2018)

Prosecution of multiple defendants in a fuel laundering fraud.


R v C (2013)

Defended and secured the acquittal of the principal Defendant charged with one of the largest alleged inward diversion frauds prosecuted in the UK.


R v W & M (2013)

Instructed to prosecute a travel agency fraud whereby customers were defrauded out of thousands of pounds and stranded in foreign destinations.


R v P (2010)

Defended the principal Defendant in the Vantis Fraud prosecution. The case concerned a multi-million pound share scheme fraud and allegations of large scale money laundering.


R v F (2010)

Defended a Financial Director in the Torex Retail Fraud prosecution.


R v M (2010)

Defended the principal Defendant charged with running a global secondary ticket marketing fraud upon The All England Tennis Club.


Health & Safety

Sam Magee KC is regarded as one of only a handful of specialist counsel in Northern Ireland with widespread experience in defending health and safety prosecutions; as a consequence of his cross-jurisdictional practise, Magee has unrivalled experience in this emerging area of law.

Sam has been instructed in cases of Corporate Manslaughter as well as other serious injury health and safety prosecutions. He has acted for multi-national corporations in all manner of regulatory offending including food standards work.

Cases of this nature do not always require the instruction of a solicitor. Samuel is a public access qualified barrister. Please contact our clerks room should you wish to instruct him in a case of this nature.

Notable health & safety cases


R v McKenzie (2018)

Appeared for the Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealing the imposition of a suspended sentence on a Defendant convicted of gross negligence manslaughter arising from the death of an employee.


R v AG (2016)

Instructed to represent a global company charged with food standards offences across a range of outlets in a prominent, high turnover site.


R v Bell (2015)

Instructed to prosecute a company charged in connection with the serious injury of an employee.


R v MB (2014)

Instructed to represent a nationwide company charged in connection with the serious injury of an employee.


R v Murray (2013)

Instructed to prosecute a company charged in connection with the death of their employee.


R v WW (2012)

Instructed to prosecute a company charged in connection with the serious injury of their employee during the course of his employment.


Military Law

Sam has experience of representing members of our Armed Forces at Courts Martial both within the United Kingdom and when on active service abroad.

Murder & Manslaughter

Sam Magee KC is regularly instructed to defend and prosecute in the cases of homicide; many of his cases involve allegations of terrorist related offending or arise from the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He is one of only a handful of barristers with direct experience of bringing a successful prosecution on a count of corporate manslaughter. Magee attracts high profile lay clients charged with homicide offences playing a central role at trial, particularly in the interrogation of pathology and other expert evidence.

Notable murder & manslaughter cases


R v F (2020)

Prosecution for murder arising from Bloody Sunday.


R v A&C (2020)

Prosecution for murder arising from The Troubles in 1972.


R v B (2020)

Prosecution for murder arising from the Troubles.


R v D (2020)

Prosecution for murder arising from the Troubles in 1976.


R v B & Others (2019)

Prosecution for murder arising from terrorist related feud.


R v M & Others (2019)

Prosecution for murder arising from terrorist related feud.


R v K (2017)

Instructed to prosecute Defendant charged with murder of ex-wife’s partner.


R v D (2017)

Instructed to prosecute Defendant charged with murder of his father.


R v A (2016)

Instructed to prosecute Defendant charged with the murder of his mother.


R v Z (2015)

Instructed to prosecute Defendant charged with the attempted murder of her child.


R v B (2014)

Instructed to prosecuted Defendant charged with murder following knife attack.


R v F (2013)

Instructed to prosecute a Defendant charged in connection with a violent assault upon a male outside a nightclub.


R v Murray (2013)

Instructed to prosecute a company charged in connection with the death of their employee.


R v M (2013)

Successfully defended a male charged with the alleged football gang murder of male on the streets of Liverpool.


R v L (2012)

Defended male charged with murder of his four year old step-son.


R v A (2010)

Defended law student charged in relation to the murder of his father who was discovered buried in the grounds of the family home.


Professional Discipline

Sam is instructed in a range of Professional Discipline matters, both via solicitors and through the direct access scheme. Sam has specific expertise in medical professional tribunals and tax/accounting professional tribunals. Sam is also instructed on behalf of the professional conduct committee of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland to deal with contested disciplinary matters.

Prosecution

Sam Magee is King’s Counsel in Northern Ireland, instructed to prosecute some of the most serious and high profile cases in that jurisdiction.

Notable prosecution cases


R v F (2020)

Prosecution for murder arising from Bloody Sunday.


R v A & C (2020)

Prosecution for murder arising from The Troubles in 1972.


R v B (2020)

Prosecution for murder arising from the Troubles.


R v D (2020)

Prosecution for murder arising from the Troubles in 1976.


R v B & Others (2019)

Prosecution for murder arising from terrorist related feud.


R v M & Others (2019)

Prosecution for murder arising from terrorist related feud.


R v McKenzie (2018)

Appeared for the Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealing the imposition of a suspended sentence on a Defendant convicted of gross negligence manslaughter arising from the death of an employee.


R v K (2017)

Instructed to prosecute Defendant charged with murder of ex-wife’s partner.


R v D (2017)

Instructed to prosecute Defendant charged with murder of his father.


R v M (2017)

Instructed to prosecute Defendant charged with tiger kidnapping.


R v D & Others (2017)

Instructed to prosecute multi-handed case involving complex multi-million pound VAT and Corporation tax fraud.


R v A (2016)

Instructed to prosecute Defendant charged with the murder of his mother.


R v C & Others (2016)

Instructed to prosecute multiple defendants in fuel laundering conspiracy.


R v Z (2015)

Instructed to prosecute Defendant charged with the attempted murder of her child.


R v B (2014)

Instructed to prosecuted Defendant charged with murder following knife attack.


R v O (2014)

Instructed to prosecute a male charged in relation to the historical sexual abuse of multiple family members over a 20 year period.


R v F (2013)

Instructed to prosecute a Defendant charged with murder in connection with a violent assault upon a male outside a nightclub.


R v W & M (2013)

Instructed to prosecute a travel agency fraud whereby customers were defrauded out of thousands of pounds and stranded in foreign destinations.


R v N (2013)

Instructed to prosecute a taxi driver charged with the rape of his passenger.


Instructed to prosecute a male charged with the gratuitous sexual assault of a child at his home.


Serious Sexual Offences

Sam Magee KC is regularly instructed in the defence of and to prosecute the most serious allegations of sexual abuse. He has in-depth experience of all manner of sexual offence prosecutions. He is regularly privately instructed to represent Defendants charged in connection with allegations of rape, sexual and indecent assault as well as cases involving extreme and indecent images.

Notable serious sexual offences cases


R v S (2020)

Defending male charged with historic allegations of sexual abuse on two young girls.


R v D (2019)

Successfully defended a male, previously convicted of sexual assaults on children, with allegations of rape and sexual abuse of two young girls. Acquitted on all counts.


R v G (2017)

Instructed to defend man charged with multiple sexual offences on young boys whom he cared for whilst employed as an au pair.


R v J (2017)

Instructed to prosecute man charged with second set of three sets of historic sexual offences on children.


R v W (2016)

Instructed in trial and appeal of man charged with historic sexual and physical abuse of his seven children.


R v M (2015)

Instructed to prosecute man charged with multiple historic allegations of rape and other sexual abuse.


R v O (2014)

Successfully prosecuted a male charged in relation to the historical sexual abuse of multiple family members over a 20 year period.


R v S (2014)

Successfully defended a male who was alleged to have sexually abused his partner’s younger brother over a course of years.


R v N (2013)

Successfully prosecuted a taxi driver charged with the rape of his passenger.


R v H (2013)

Successfully prosecuted a male charged with the gratuitous sexual assault of child at his home.


Sports Law

Sam has a lively Sports Disciplinary Law practice. He represents individuals and organisations before the RFU disciplinary Tribunal and British Boxing Board of Control in all manner of disciplinary matters. In particular Sam acted for a player charged in the Bath Rugby Club cocaine scandal case. Sam regularly delivers lectures on Sports Disciplinary Procedure to fellow lawyers.

Sam served as the Chairman of the Irish Football Association Disciplinary Committee between 2013 and 2015.

Notable sports law cases


RFU v Crockett & Others (2009)

Defended the Club Captain of Bath RFC before the RFU Disciplinary Committee following a failure to submit to drug testing procedures.


Tribunals

Sam Magee KC has appeared before all manner of regulatory and investigative tribunals. An experienced sports disciplinary lawyer, Sam has experience of the governing bodies for Rugby Union, Association Football and British Boxing.

Magee has also experience of medco-legal tribunals having appeared before the NMC.

He has experience of prosecuting members of the legal profession before their regulatory body.

Practice Areas

Menu

Portfolio Builder

Select the practice areas that you would like to download or add to the portfolio

Download    Add to portfolio   
Portfolio
Title Type CV Email

Remove All

Download


Click here to share this shortlist.
(It will expire after 30 days.)