Angus McWilliams

Practice Areas

Angus is a solicitor who specialises in Criminal Law. With a wealth of experience in the criminal justice system, he is known for his tenacious legal work and astute identification of the point of difference in each case he handles. Clients feel well supported by his personable but relentless work ethic, ensuring that no detail is left out. Whether leading a case or as part of team, Angus’ key strength is his understanding and recognition of the human story at the heart of each case he defends. Naturally empathetic, Angus is a compassionate listener and considered advocate, entirely committed to making a difference in the Criminal Justice System.

Career

Angus began his career in the litigation team at Mowbray Woodwards. From that broader litigation base Angus began to focus on criminal practice. Early career highlights involved supporting leading counsel in a five-day historical sexual offences Crown Court trial, resulting in the acquittal of the defendant by the jury. Increasing involvement in serious crime, both during the police and investigation phases and in Court, saw Angus commit to defence work in the Criminal Justice System.

During Angus’ formal Training Contract period his practice became more diverse as the breadth of legal work grew and his skillset made a mark on the cases and clients he worked with. Angus’ cradle to grave involvement and experience across the arena of criminal litigation has made him a vital part of the Stone King Criminal Law Team. Angus’s work now spans caseloads across the Criminal Court spectrum, from Magistrates Court, Crown Court and the Court of Appeal. Angus’ practice also includes work in Coroners Courts and Inquests, as well as related regulatory work. He is trained in respect of CQC investigations and tribunal applications.

Angus has developed particular expertise in respect of Sexual Offences, including allegations relating to indecent imagery online, communications and social media platforms, vigilante stings and historic allegations. Angus has developed his practice in a team who lead the field in this area of criminal law, and brings his own courage and compassion to the sector.

Angus’ practice is nationwide, conducting hearings and attending police stations across England and Wales. Angus is also recognised particularly for the quality of his legal drafting.

Angus’ appellant and Judicial Review experience includes the preparation of Court of Appeal Criminal Division applications against both conviction and sentence, and the Judicial Review of Police decisions to caution and CPS decisions to prosecute, especially in respect of young and vulnerable individuals.

Angus also handles motoring law and driving offences, at both pre-court and prosecution stages. This work includes drink driving, driving standards cases including due care and attention and dangerous driving. Angus also deals with speeding offences, whether mitigating to avoid a ban or defending innocence. This area of practice routinely including arguing that exceptional hardship should apply to avoid a totting disqualification.

Personal

Bath-based Angus is a keen sportsman. He has played volleyball at a significant standard nationwide, in addition to many years of competitive swimming.

Angus has travelled widely and spent various periods abroad. He worked and lived as a lifeguard in America and, closer to home, he can often be found surfing in Cornwall or along the north Devon coastline.

Work Highlights

R v T – T was arrested and charged with possession of indecent images and the distribution of indecent images. Represented T at sentencing and successfully argued that the matter could be dealt with via a non-custodial sentence. T received a 24-month community order.

R v L – Litigating in respect of a matter of Assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm – the complainant passed away prior to trial. Numerous issues relating to hearsay evidence and bad character. L acquitted of all charges.

R v S – Litigating in respect of diverse online sexual offending, inducing sexual activity by payment, distribution and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

R v M – Motoring Law – Fail to provide driver details - Successfully argued that it was not in the public interest to prosecute s.172 Road Traffic Act (Failure to Provide Driver Details). Case discontinued before reaching Court.

R v A Crown Court: A had been arrested and charged for multiple sexual communication offences. Represented at Magistrates Court for entering of guilty plea and Crown Court for sentencing hearing. Defendant had engaged in a plethora of therapeutic steps which were presented to the Court. Conclusion reached that they could successfully be managed in the community. Received 12 months suspended custodial sentence.

R v W Crown Court: W charged with making/possession and distribution of indecent images. A significant number of images were present on their devices. Crown Court sentencing hearing where mitigation was presented. Received a 12-month suspended custodial sentence.

R v J Motoring Law: J prosecuted for speeding and s.172 failure to provide driver details. Numerous issues were identified with how the prosecuting authority had handled the case. Successfully argued that the proceedings themselves were an abuse of process. As a result, the case was discontinued before reaching trial.