Public Order Offences

Quentin has extensive experience in defending clients charged with a wide range of Public Order offences from drunken street fights through to large-scale protests and football violence. 

Quentin is particularly adept at defending case of:

  • Riot
  • Affray
  • Violent disorder
  • Sections 4A, 4 and 5 of the Public Order Act 1986
  • Threats to Kill

Quentin recognises that these sorts of cases often turn on split-second events, conflicting witness accounts, and often grainy or unreliable CCTV and body-worn video footage. He believes that success lies in thorough preparation, a sharp eye for evidential weaknesses, and the ability to challenge assumptions put forward by the prosecution.

Quentin has achieved reliably strong results, including getting cases dropped before court due to pre-charge representation as well as acquittals at both Magistrates and Crown Courts. He is known for persuasive advocacy and a particular ability to expose flaws in the prosecution’s case through thorough and incisive cross-examination.

Quentin is always sure to take the time to understand his clients and their version of events, to ensure it is presented powerfully and clearly in court. Whether you are facing a one-off allegation or are charged alongside others as part of a group, Quentin endeavours to provide realistic and pragmatic advice, tactical guidance, and firm representation every step of the way — from police interview through to trial.

Quentin’s guides to Public Order offences

card img

Violent disorder- section 2 Public Order Act 1986

In this article Public Order Offences lawyer Quentin Hunt looks at the offence of Violent Disorder and examines what has to be proven by the prosecution and how such cases can be successfully defended.
card img

Threatening words or behaviour- section 4 Public order Act 1986.

In this article Public Order Offences lawyer Quentin Hunt looks at the s4 Public Order Act offence and examines what has to be proven by the prosecution and how such cases can be successfully defended.
card img

4A Public Order Act 1986- Intentional harassment, alarm or distress

Criminal defence Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the offence under s4A Public Order Act 1986
card img

Banning orders under the Football Spectators Act 1989

Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt examines the imposition of Banning orders under the Football Spectators Act 1989

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no stage that is too early or too late to seek legal advice if you consider yourself to be in trouble. In fact, the earlier you get an experienced legal representative on board the more likely you are to avoid mistakes at the beginning of proceedings that can come back to haunt you later if the matter proceeds to litigation.

One of Quentin’s mottos is that ‘the best way to win a trial is not to have a trial at all’ and he is known for the drafting of effective pre-charge representations and the launching of powerful pre-trial legal arguments. His tactical and skilful drafting and presentation of arguments such as disclosure, abuse of process and dismissal applications can often defeat a prosecution case before it even gets to trial.

Quentin is also adept at accepting instructions at a late stage and is often approached to ‘rescue’ cases from ineffective publicly funded representatives.

Quentin is passionate about committing the necessary time and attention to detail to his cases and purposefully does not take on a huge client base. He is therefore does not accept instruction in Legal Aid or publicly funded cases.

If you have been accused of a criminal offence you have the right to seek justice by employing the best barrister to present your case. You can instruct leading criminal barrister Quentin Hunt to handle your criminal case directly – rather than having to go through a third-party solicitor. You can contact Quentin for a free, no obligation conversation about your case, he will talk you through the process personally.