The areas of work in which we have particular expertise, experience and excellence
The areas of work in which we have particular expertise, experience and excellence
Barristers
Call 2019
Matthew is a brilliant trial advocate. An excellent strategist. Clients love his personable approach, robust style and no-nonsense attitude. A rising star of the independent bar.
He accepts instructions both prosecuting and defending across the full gamut of criminal law including serious violent crimes, offensive weapons, domestic violence, sexual offences, fraud and dishonesty, drug offences and road traffic offences. He has also been successful for clients in proceedings relating to DVPOs, SHPOs and other orders. Matthew also has experience of appeal work in both the Court of Appeal and High Court.
Before coming to the Bar, Matthew was part of the National Crime Agency’s legal team. He advised on public and serious crime, particularly RIPA/IPA, data exploitation, EncroChat, modern slavery and police powers. Matthew then moved to the Attorney General’s Office to lead the Annual Review of Disclosure 2021/22, writing the subsequent Disclosure Guidelines 2022. During his time at the AGO Matthew was seconded for a period to the crisis team dealing with international prosecutions stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Serious Crime:
Complex Fraud & Bribery:
Matthew has appeared in a range of serious sexual offence cases including those involving penetrative sexual offences against children. Matthew also has experience of examination under s.28 YJCEA 1999 and has completed vulnerable witness training at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.
Appeals:
Matthew’s appellate practice spans the criminal and civil divisions. He has appeared in the Court of Appeal on substantive matters of law, including the scope of mens rea in cases heard under s.4A Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964. This case is since cited by Archbold as a leading case relating to mens rea defence in actus reus trials.
R v Hysa & Ors [2025] Southwark CC (Op Sana)
Junior counsel successfully defending in a five-handed bribery and money laundering trial related to a major construction company.
R v HN & Ors [2024] Winchester CC
Led in a three-handed attempted murder trial. Defendants accused of a group assault with machetes. Succeeded in a submission of no case to answer on all counts.
R v Goldsmith [2024] EWCA Crim 780
Appeal against conviction on a point of law regarding whether intention is a relevant consideration of the act charged, for an offence of PWITS, during proceedings under s.4A Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964.
R v VG [2024] Lincoln CC
VG was acquitted of one count of s.20 GBH and one count of s.18 wounding with intent against two different Complainants.
R v DS [2024] Kingston-upon-Thames CC
DS was acquitted of possession of a bladed article on two occasions which lead to two aggravated robbery counts being reduced to robbery by threats alone.
R v SJH & Ors [2024] St Albans CC
SJH was accused of transferring assets stemming from a six-figure set of frauds allegedly conducted by her co-defendants. She was successfully severed from the trial after which continued representations to the Crown over a number of months led to an offer of no evidence.
R v ZA [2024] Luton CC
ZA was accused of an affray with two others whereby she had used a weapon to attack a group of neighbours. This was a ‘cut-throat’ case. ZA was acquitted by the jury after trial while her co-defendant was convicted. The third co-defendant had pleaded guilty at the first hearing.
R v LG [2024] St Albans CC
LG was accused of a dwelling burglary with two others and a fraud by false representation using credit cards stolen from the burglary. CCTV evidence and taxi company records were alleged to link LG to the offences. After representations the Crown offered no evidence on the fraud and LG was acquitted through a directed verdict of not guilty following a successful submission of no case to answer.
Slovakia v GS [2023] Westminster MC
GS was sought on an accusation warrant. The Slovakian authorities requested GS to be tried for Fraud. Matthew resisted the request for extradition and was successful on two grounds: Article 8 (Right to Family Life) arguing GS was caring for his unwell wife and s.21A Extradition Act that the punishment potentially faced in Slovakia was disproportionate.
Matthew has been instructed on the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan
As an adjunct to his practice Matthew has given advice to political bodies via the Bar Council Law Reform Committee.
Tim Forte, leading Matthew Keliris-Thomas, instructed by Richard Cannon of Stokoe Patnership Solicitors, have secured the acquittal of their Defendant in Operation Sana. Operation Sana was an investigation into six-figure bribery within a major construction…
Saul Herman leading Matthew Keliris-Thomas, instructed by Caroline Howell of Coomber Rich Solicitors, represented the first defendant in the prosecution of five defendants by the Environment Agency for conspiracy to defraud. The prosecution alleged a…
Regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB)
Regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please click here.
Professional Qualifications
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Call: +44 (0) 20 7353 3102
