Overview
Before joining Chambers, Matthew completed his pupillage at a busy criminal set in London. He has built a strong Prosecution and Defence practice, accepting instructions in both the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts in London and on the South-Eastern and Western Circuits. He has received praise for his advocacy and drafting abilities from opponents and the judiciary alike.
Matthew read Law at the University of Winchester, receiving a Dean’s award for services to the student body, before completing the Bar Practice Course with LLM at the University of Law in London. He was elected as the Debating Officer of the Middle Temple Students Association and was called to the bar in 2024.
As an undergraduate, he volunteered with the children’s charity, Spurgeons, working with prisoners and their families to help them maintain relationships. Matthew has also volunteered as a caseworker at Bail for Immigration Detainees, assisting vulnerable clients detained by the Home Office to prepare bail applications before the First-tier Tribunal.
Matthew prosecutes at Level 1 (General Crime) for the Crown Prosecution Service
Matthew commences his probationary tenancy with 2KBW under the supervision of Barry McElduff.
Crime
Notable Crown Court and Youth Court Cases
- R v AP and JP, Kingston Crown Court – Prosecuted two brothers in a high-value conspiracy to burgle of four
residential properties in south-west London. The investigation was conducted by the Flying Squad of the
Metropolitan Police. Both defendants were sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment. Assumed responsibility for
the case from D2’s plea onwards. - R v AH, Reading Crown Court – Prosecuted the committal for sentence of a former Thames Valley Special
Constable for fraud and possession of a prohibited firearm. The defendant had claimed over £21,000 in additional
expenses and was sentenced to a suspended sentence of two years’ imprisonment (reported in the press). - R v GP, Winchester Crown Court – Defended a client who pleaded guilty to PWITS Class A. Successfully argued
for a suspended sentence based on a lesser role, despite the high purity of drugs found. - R v RK, Oxford Crown Court – Prosecuted the sentence of a defendant who pleaded guilty to two counts of
PWITS Class A and was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment (reported in the press). - R v JB, Winchester Crown Court – Prosecuted a committal for sentence for a s.20 GBH involving a knife, in
which the defendant had stabbed a member of the public following a noise complaint dispute. - R v DK, Winchester Crown Court – Prosecuted a committal for sentence for a dangerous driving case, in which
the complainant had suffered long-term injuries, assessed as falling below the GBH threshold. The defendant
was sentenced to fourteen months’ imprisonment. - R v JH, Croydon Youth Court – Defended a youth client charged with a second bladed article offence, securing
a community sentence. - R v HX, Medway Youth Court – Successfully secured an out-of-court disposal for a young child charged with
theft, who was initially deemed unsuitable for a disposal by the Crown due to a lack of remorse.
Notable Trials
- CPS v DH, Croydon Magistrates’ Court – Successfully defended a client charged with a s4, public order offence,
accused of threatening three bailiffs with the production of a firearm and assault. He was found not guilty. - CPS v BB, Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court – Successful defence of client charged with three offences of assault by
beating. It was alleged that the client had assaulted three males outside his home address following a road rage
incident. He was found not guilty of all three offences. - CPS v JD, Stevenage Magistrates’ Court – Successfully defended a client charged with assault by beating
following a road rage incident on the M25. He was found not guilty of the offence. This outcome had a significant
impact, as the defendant was due to be tried for an offence of GBH, also arising from this matter.
Education
- Law LLB Hons, University of Winchester (2023)
- Bar Practice Course with LLM, University of Law (2024)
Awards
- Dean’s Award, Student engagement, University of Winchester
- Runner-up, Autumn Cup Speed Moot Final 2023, The University of Law
- Semi-finalist, 6KBW College Hill Advocacy Competition 2023
- Semi-finalist, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Mooting Competition 2023, The University of Law
News
Tuk-tuk wine thief given two weeks to return stash – Matthew Jolliffe prosecutes for the Crown
A pedicab driver who targeted several high-end restaurants in London and stole wine and cash in excess of £31,000 has been told by a...