Overview
John is a door tenant at 5SAH and accepts instructions in relation to his extradition practice and all connected work. He is recognised as a Rising star in the Legal 500 in international crime & extradition. John also practises in Newcastle, at Trinity Chambers, from which he accepts instruction in all other areas of his practice.
John’s extradition practice includes both part 1 and part 2 warrants, including requests from the United States and Albania. He has particular experience in relation to s2 arguments on the legality of warrants, as well as under s25 in relation to requested persons’ health.
Professional panel appointments
- Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Grade 2 Prosecutor.
- CPS Specialist Prosecutor: Extradition Grade 1.
Additional information
Education
- BPTC: University of Law: Outstanding.
- BA Law (Cantab): Cambridge: First.
Awards
- Gray’s Inn Reid Scholarship.
- University of Law Employment Law award (BPTC).
- Lamb Building Advanced Criminal Procedure award (BPTC).
- Ng Law award (Jesus College Cambridge).
Extradition & International
In Extradition, John has been instructed in both Part 1 and Part 2 cases. He is regularly instructed both in the Magistrates Court and on appeal to the High Court. John has acted in numerous cases where a certificate for counsel has been granted, which have involved arguments relating to prison conditions, the requested person’s mental health, and the validity of the EAW under s2, as well as complex Article 8 cases.
John’s appeal work has included permission hearings before the High Court as well as full appeal hearings before both the High Court and the Divisional Court. He has successfully drafted applications for certification of points of law of general public importance to allow appeals to the Supreme Court.
These are the views of some of the solicitors who have instructed John:
‘His diligence; ability to quickly grasp facts and the law, as well as to act appropriately for our clients is impressive’
‘an easy and effective manner in his advocacy skills. He has a smooth style of delivery, measured in his speech and carefully chooses his words.’
‘Mr Crawford has been efficient in his paperwork, diligent in his preparation of cases and has always maintained good contact throughout his involvement in cases’
Interpol
Professional Memberships
- Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum.
- Young Fraud Lawyers Association.
Cases of Note
EXTRADITION
Daniel Siwak v Circuit Court of Tarnobrzeg (Poland) [2020] EWHC 1776 (Admin)
A successful appeal against a DJ’s decision to order extradition notwithstanding the Requested Person’s Article 8 rights. John successfully argued that the DJ had taken a flawed approach to delay in the case, as well as incorrectly categorising the offending as dangerous driving not a lesser offence. These submissions were accepted by the Court and the client’s discharge was ordered.
Zelenko v Prosecutor General’s Office Latvia [2019] EWHC 3840 and [2020] EWHC 1800 (Admin)
Administrative Court case appealing against the decision of the DJ that extradition was not barred by reason of the Requested Person’s health under s25 EA 2003. Relying on the CPT report on Lativa it was successfully argued that the principals in Magiera v Poland [2017] EWHC 2757 applied and the DJ had erred in ordering extradition. Latvia was ordered to serve medical assurances, when these were served late the case was restored to a Divisional Court to consider the Court’s jurisdiction to hear the case and the proper application.
Murin v Czech Republic [2018] EWHC 1532 (Admin)
Divisional court case concerning the legality of a warrant under s2 where the RP was sought prior to a suspended sentence being activated. Two points of law of public importance were certified.
