Matthew Donkin enjoyed a successful common law practise for three years prior to making the decision to specialise in Criminal Law. 

Matthew Donkin's career is now focused upon the Crown Court dealing with all manner of criminal offences for both the Prosecution and the Defence:

A Grade 3 Prosecutor, Matthew Donkin has represented the Crown in countless cases in the Magistrates’ Court and now in the Crown Court. 

Matthew Donkin also has a busy defence practise which leads to him being instructed to appear in the Crown Court throughout the North Eastern Circuit and beyond. 

As well as daily Crown Court work Matthew Donkin has conducted successful appeals in the Court of Appeal.  Matthew is happy to accept instructions for trials in the Magistrates’ Court.

Over recent years Matthew has had particular experience of:

• Offences of Violence and Public Disorder
• Offensive Weapons.
• Sexual Offences
• Drug Offences
• Fraud and Dishonesty Offences
• Confiscation proceedings

Matthew Donkin is a committed and hard working practitioner who always looks to return prompt written advice when instructed in a case, and is particularly keen to meet clients and instructing solicitors in person prior to Court appearances.

R v Richards (Jamal) (2009) 1 Cr App R (S) 48

R v Eyre.  Successful appeal against the imposition of Imprisonment for Public Protection in a case involving a man with a history of sexual offences.  The Court of Appeal agreed that the risk of causing serious harm was ‘speculative rather than significant’.

R v Hussain, Zackriya and others.  Bradford Crown Court.  Junior for the Crown in a case involving six defendants and allegations of rape and sexual activity with a young girl over a two year period.

R v Willson, Low.  York Crown Court.  Prosecution of defendants for conspiracy to steal and fraud offences committed against an elderly gentleman who had passed away prior to making specific allegations.

Matthew Donkin is a contributing author of Jordan’s Magistrates’ Court Practice 2009

Matthew Donkin has given a number of talks on subjects such as Hearsay; Disclosure; Bad Character Evidence. He also led the younger barristers in running a Basic Advocacy Skills  seminar /  Mock Trial.

Criminal Law Bar Association

North Eastern Circuit

Crime Team - Zenith Chambers

Courts Martial Team - Zenith Chambers

In 2005 Matthew was winning advocate in the annual Louise Godfrey QC Mooting competition held for all pupils on the North Eastern Circuit.

LLB (Hons), University of Leicester

2004 Call - Inner Temple

During his spare time, Matthew enjoys football, cricket, golf, history, PES, reading and cinema.

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