Andrew Gurney is a highly experienced and accomplished barrister with a distinguished background in criminal law. Called to the Bar in October 2024, Andrew brings over two decades of legal expertise, having practiced as a criminal defence solicitor for 20 years and qualified as a Higher Court Advocate in 2012.

Andrew is an experienced and highly regarded criminal barrister with a formidable track record in prosecuting and defending complex cases related to modern slavery, sexual exploitation, and transnational trafficking networks. His legal acumen extends to international law and cross-border justice mechanisms, making him a go-to advocate in cases involving multinational criminal syndicates and international arrest warrants. Andrew is experienced in dealing with cases involving high profile individuals with cases which have attracted extensive national media coverage.

Legal Expertise:

Modern Slavery Act 2015: Experience of Section 1 and Section 2 offences, with specialist knowledge of statutory defences under Section 45.
Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking: Experience of multi-agency cases involving trafficking for sex work, coercive control, and abuse of vulnerable migrants. Andrew also has extensive experience in immigration-linked offences, including people smuggling cases, drawing from years of practice across London and East Kent. His empathetic and strategic approach has also proven invaluable in representing youths charged with serious sexual offences in the Youth Court.
International Law & Warrants: Experience in navigating extradition proceedings and international arrest warrants under the European Arrest Warrant Framework and Interpol red notices. Has advised clients facing extradition requests from EU and non-EU jurisdictions, often where political sensitivities or human rights concerns arise.
Razzo/Organised Crime Networks: Worked on dismantling complex criminal enterprises involved in trafficking, racketeering, and forced labour operations. Collaborates with law enforcement across borders to build evidentiary frameworks that hold in UK courts.
Cross-Border Cooperation: Liaised with Europol, Interpol, and regional legal authorities in cases involving fugitive tracking, evidence sharing, and safeguarding witnesses at risk.

In addition to his UK practice, Andrew has practiced criminal law in Dubai, where he represented British nationals in sensitive legal matters, secured pardons, and advised on cross-jurisdictional and extradition issues. His unique knowledge of the UAE legal system is particularly beneficial in international cases involving drug trafficking or money laundering with links to the Middle East.

With a strong foundation in both litigation and advocacy, Andrew has built a formidable reputation for handling serious and complex criminal cases. He has acted in numerous high-profile matters, including murder trials where he was led by King’s Counsel, as well as large-scale drug conspiracies, violent crimes, serious sexual offences, and confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Andrew is also highly regarded for his expertise in Road Traffic Act offences. He regularly defends clients in motoring cases, including drink driving, speeding, and exceptional hardship applications, with a focus on strategic advocacy and meticulous case preparation that consistently leads to successful outcomes.

Notable Cases

R-v-Damian Daley & Others

Crime

Andrew represented the co-defendant, Lisa Smith, for perverting the course of Justice. There were five co-defendants, two of whom were on trial for murder. Andrew represented the client who had attempted to clean up the scene of a murder and dispose of the blood-stained evidence.
Damian Daley was jailed and convicted of the murder of a drug dealer. He was the man who helped convict notorious double-killer Michael Stone and was found guilty of killing Lin and Megan Russell, after Damian Daley gave evidence for the prosecution.
R-v- Ayouba Ali Sihame

Crime

Andrew represented Ayouba Ali Sihame, a Comorian swimmer, who at the age of 18 competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. She competed in the Women's 100 metre freestyle. This case garnered significant media attention due to its sympathetic nature.
After competing in the 2012 Olympics, Sihame disappeared in London rather than returning to the Comoros. She was later arrested for attempting to enter France using a false passport. She was trying to flee due to a forced marriage, a paid and arranged marriage made by her family in Comoros between her and a then 60-year-old man, as they sought to capitalise on her status and worth as an Olympic-level athlete.
R v Klaudijus Klimanskis

Crime

Andrew was led by Kings Counsel in a case of an alcohol related unprovoked knife murder.
R v Knight and others

Crime

Andrew defended one of three brothers who were accused of murdering and torturing an elderly lady while high on 'spice'.
R-v H (2018)

Crime

Andrew was led by the King's Counsel defending a 16-year-old accused of murder. The case had a gang-related element, and the defendant was acquitted of murder.
R v Adam Carruthers & Daniel Graham

Crime

Defence counsel for Adam Carruthers - a defendant in the case where the Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled causing damage to Hadrian's wall. The tree featured in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and the case was nationally reported.
R v Youth

Crime

Murder case. Mr Gurney led by counsel secured this junior defendant a conviction of manslaughter not murder.
Vartolomei

Crime

Facilitation case where 17 illegal people were transported to UK. In addition there was also 2 undercover journalists from a national newspaper.
R v Tshinyoka

Crime

Possession with intent to Supply case where a well known delivery bag was used to courier drugs. Mr Gurney secured a lesser role for the defendant.
R v Hallett

Crime

A breach of notification requirements and breach of sexual harm prevention order case. Mr Gurney secured a community order for the defendant.
R v Craib

Crime

Possession with intent to supply as well as possessing criminal property. Mr Gurney Secured a community order for the defendant.
R v Watson

Crime

Assault occasioning Grievous Bodily Harm case. A glass was thrown and the victim was taken to hospital where doctors removed a shard of glass from one of her wounds. Mr Gurney secured a suspended sentence for the defendant.
R v Lekndreaj

Crime

Production of Cannabis case with industrial scale growing operation. The defendant received a 3 year custodial sentence.
R v Greve

Crime

Assault occasioning Grievous Bodily Harm case. Jailed for six years.
R v Heggie

Crime

Dangerous Driving and false imprisonment case. Mr Gurney secured a suspended sentence and driving ban after successfully arguing harassment against the defendant’s family.
R v Bell

Crime

Dangerous driving, failing to stop and over prescribed limit in drink case. Also failing to stop and driving with no licence. Mr Gurney secured a suspended sentence.
R v Chandler

Crime

Indecent images case. Mr Gurney secured a four year jail sentence which included activation of a suspended sentence as well as the new offences.
R v Swayne

Crime

Controlling & coercive, ABH, Criminal Damage, threats with a knife and witness intimidation case. Mr Gurney secured 44 months imprisonment and a restraining order despite the number of offences.
R v Stasilojc

Crime

Possession with intent to supply drugs and concerned in supply of drugs. Mr Gurney secured s suspended sentence for the client.
R v Youth

Crime

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm case where it involved Facebook live stream of assault and “happy slapping”. Mr Gurney secured a sentence of 15 months Detention Training Order

Professional Associations

Middle Temple
Northern Circuit

Education

LLB (Hons), University of East Anglia
LPC, University of Law