Matthew Ralston

Matthew Ralston

YEAR OF CALL 2021

Education

LLB Law – First (Highest Ranked Student Overall), 2015 – 2019
BPTC – Outstanding, 2021
Master of Laws in Bar Practice – Distinction, 2021

Appointments

CPS Advocate Panel (Level 2)

Memberships

The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
The Criminal Bar Association

Scholarships & Prizes

Knights of the Round Table Pupillage Scholarship, 2021
The University of Law Employment Prize (Highest Ranked Student Overall), 2020
Steele Raymond Award, 2019
Oxford University Press Prize, 2019

Overview

Matthew has a broad practice in general crime, having represented clients charged with offences of violence, drug-related crime, weapon possession, and sexual offences. He has been commended by Judges on his excellence in preparation and presentation of cases.

Prior to commencing pupillage, Matthew was a Legal Assistant for a King’s Counsel who specialised in criminal defence. As part of this role, he worked on trials and appeals for offences including murder, fraud, sexual assault, and conspiracy to supply drugs. Matthew has also assisted with the drafting of applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the Court of Appeal.

Matthew read Law at University, where he received several academic honours, including the Steele Raymond Award for best overall mark in the Law cohort, the Departmental prize for excellence, as well as several prizes for his performance in advocacy competitions.

Outside of the law, Matthew is a keen pianist, having obtained his advanced diploma in music alongside his undergraduate degree in 2015. He also enjoys water sports, including swimming and surfing, in his spare time.

Notable Cases

R v W (Aldershot Magistrates’ Court, 2022) – Represented W, an ex-SAS Solider charged with harassment and stalking. The evidence totalled over 4,300 text messages between the parties. A successful submission of no case to answer was made, following the cross examination of the Complainant.

R v N (Stratford Magistrates’ Court, 2022) – Represented N who was charged with 3 counts of assaulting an emergency worker. All offences were captured on various officers’ body worn video cameras and 5 Officers were called as witnesses for the Crown. At trial, self-defence was raised. Following trial, the Defendant was acquitted.

R v R (Aldershot Magistrates’ Court, 2022) – Instructed to represent a Defendant charged with breach of a restraining order against his estranged wife. There was a court-documented history of domestic abuse between the parties spanning 20 years and resulting in multiple convictions. Following trial, the Defendant was acquitted.

R v P (Ealing Magistrates’ Court, 2022) – Represented P who was charged with breach of a restraining Order. The Defendant had previously breached the Order 9 times since its inception 2 years ago. Despite the aggravating features in the case and his antecedent history, he was given a suspended sentence without requirements.

R v G (Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, 2022) – Represented G who was charged with theft of a £2,000 electric bike. The case surrounded identification evidence. Following the cross examination of two police officers, both of whom purported to identify the Defendant, he was acquitted.

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