Stuart Matthews

Stuart Matthews is a Founding Partner and Head of Private Crime, based in our Oxford office.

He is recognised nationally as a specialist in private crime and is Head of the Private Crime Team at Reeds. He is consistently recognised as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500, which notes that he “is a class act who radiates calm confidence and has an ability to put people at ease, command respect, and get the job done without unnecessary fuss”.

With a wealth of experience and national presence, he is instructed across the country in a range of criminal matters, with a particular focus on sexual offences and allegations of sexual misconduct.

Stuart is an expert in pro-active work at the investigation stage of a criminal matter. It is at this stage where evidential disclosure and detailed preparatory work frequently provokes early favourable disposals by police and CPS. Stuart regularly instructs King’s Counsel and Leading Juniors at an early stage which often helps to prevent a prosecution. Due to the absence of legal aid provision post-interview, criminal solicitors are traditionally reactive at this point. Stuart’s work demonstrates, however, that comprehensive and robust hands-on work can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of a case in a highly successful way, producing swift decisions by investigators as well as positive results for clients.

Stuart regularly represents Russell Group university students accused of sexual misconduct in internal university investigative and disciplinary processes. He has successfully overturned expulsions by way appeal to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator and has achieved favourable outcomes through early meticulous case preparation and evidence gathering, including instructing private detectives, securing CCTV evidence, and obtaining witness statements.

Stuart is instructed nationally as an expert in serious crime with a broad spectrum of general crime and regulatory cases. He appears in Magistrates and Crown Courts, dealing with Food Safety, Trading Standards, Licensing work and Health & Safety and litigates heavy-weight Crown Court cases such as serious sexual offences, frauds and murder.

Stuart’s devotion to client care and passion for providing a top-tier service to his clients has been at the core of the firm’s ongoing success. He has a long-standing and loyal client base in Oxfordshire, but his expertise is requested throughout the country.

Stuart is known for bringing utter commitment and focus to every case, with exceptional care and skill, such that during the course of his career he has been instructed in numerous high-profile cases, including Operations Bullfinch, Yewtree, Sands and Silk. His record in defending Modern Slavery cases is exceptional having been instructed in complex multi-handed cases by those who faced charges of slavery, servitude and forced labour.

In accordance with the Solicitors’ Regulatory Transparency Rules for motoring offences we confirm that Stuart Matthews charges Level A hourly rates.

For legal advice and representation from Stuart, please contact him using the contact information here, or through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at info@reeds.co.uk.

Awards and Recognition of Stuart Matthews

Stuart has consistently been ranked in recent years by the Legal 500 as one of a handful of Leading Individuals specialising in crime in the South East.

“He manages to manoeuvre even the most difficult of clients to where they need to be with precise skill, an expert in getting cases dropped pre-charge.”

Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2024

“Stuart Matthews is a thoughtful, highly experienced and realistic lawyer.”

Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2024

“Stuart Matthews has a razor-sharp intellect and superb client care skills. He is a ferociously hard worker and takes time to unpick a case.”

Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2024

“Stuart Matthews displays outstanding empathy.”

Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2023

“Manages to deliver realistic advice based on good judgment.”

Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2023

“’Extremely knowledgeable’ practice co-head Stuart Matthews is noted for his work in serious and complex cases”.

Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2019, 2020 & 2021

“Stuart Matthews is a firm client favourite. His ability to listen and understand leaves clients in no doubt that he is on their side and fighting their corner. He has a particular strength in digging out details for a defence and doggedly pursuing them, to great effect”.

Legal 500, 2021

“Stuart Matthews is a class act who radiates calm confidence and has an ability to put people at ease, command respect, and get the job done without unnecessary fuss.”

Legal 500, 2021

“Stuart Matthews offers excellent client care coupled with a terrier-like determination to go after the prosecution and get what he wants for his clients”.

Legal 500, 2021

“Solicitor-advocate Stuart Matthews [is] highly regarded and ‘extremely good at mastering large and complex cases, with good advocacy skills and exceptional client care’…”

Legal 500, 2018

SPECIALIST SEXUAL OFFENCES SOLICITOR

Recent and Notable Cases:

R v M – Allegations of Rape and Sexual Assault

Privately instructed allegation of rape and sexual assault. No further action taken following pro-active engagement and representations.

R v H – University Student Rape Allegations

Privately instructed in respect of allegation of rape made by a university student. Full contested hearing resulted in the matter not being proved. Stuart was then instructed in a subsequent police investigation. Following pro-active engagement, provision of defence evidence and defence witness and character evidence, no further action was taken.

R v I – False Imprisonment and Sexual Offences

Privately instructed following two separate investigations and arrests for false imprisonment and sexual offences against a minor as well as simultaneous suspension from Coventry University. Pro-active engagement resulted in no further action being taken by the police and the favourable conclusion of university disciplinary proceeding. The case was complicated by the police’s unlawful provision of detailed information pertaining to the investigation to the university who used it as part of the disciplinary proceedings. The information was withdrawn from the proceedings following complaints to the force legal department.

R v D – Child Sexual Offences

Privately instructed in respect of proceedings before Oxford Crown Court for child sexual offences. Eleanor Laws KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman instructed.

R v R – Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and Marital Rape

Privately instructed in 2021 in respect of an allegation of ABH by R’s wife. R was acquitted at Aylesbury Crown Court. Eleanor Laws KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman was instructed. R now faces a further prosecution for marital rape. Eleanor Laws KC remains instructed.

R v K – Investigation into Sexual Abuse

Privately instructed in respect of an investigation into potential sexual abuse. Pro-active engagement and representations resulted in no further action being taken.

R v C – Allegation of Rape

Privately instructed by C’s family in respect of an allegation of rape. Following pro-active engagement and representations no further action was taken.

R v M – Youth Rape Allegations

Privately instructed by a youth’s family in respect of allegations of rape. Pro-active engagement involved a request for further interview under caution, preparation of detailed prepared statement, preparation and submission of psychological assessments as well as the collection of witness statements and character evidence. The police took no further action.

R v C – People Trafficking and Sexual Offences

Privately instructed in respect of an allegation of people trafficking and sexual offences. The police conducted a raid on C’s property where two females were discovered. Huge numbers of devices were seized, and several others arrested. Large and complex ongoing investigation

R v H – Rape Allegations and University Disciplinary

Privately instructed in respect of a police investigation into allegation of rape and concurrent university disciplinary investigation. Complicated and delayed by the complainant pursuing victim’s right to review following the police taking no further action. Again, the police took no further action. Following detailed representations to the university and the submission of defence evidence and a carefully drafted statement, the case was found not proved and the client returned to his education.

R v N – Private Client on Rape Allegations

Privately instructed allegation of Rape at Oxford Court, Eleanor Laws KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman instructed.

R v S – Attempted Sexual Communication with Child

Privately instructed on allegation of attempted sexual communication with child. Lucy Tapper of Furnival Chambers instructed.

R v SC – Perverting the Course of Justice and False Allegations of Sexual Assault

Privately instructed on allegation of perverting the course of justice involving a false allegation of sexual assault. Nicola Howard QC of 25 Bedford Row instructed. Proactive work at investigation stage resulted in the police taking no further action.

R v H – Rape Allegations

Represented student following allegation of rape, subsequently found “not proved”.

R v C – Office of Independent Adjudicator Expulsion for Sexual Offence Allegations

Obtained compensation from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator following student’s expulsion from Oxford University for sexual offences.

R v J and Others – Operation Bullfinch – Sexual Abuse

Asian sexual abuse case. Operation Bullfinch. Multi-handed trial at the Old Bailey, Sally O’Neil QC Instructed.

R v K – Operation Silk – Sexual Abuse

Asian sexual abuse. Operation Silk.

R v F – Sexually Assaulting Employee

Represented a veterinarian accused of sexually assaulting employees, acquitted following trial.

R v PA – Grooming Solicitor

Represented one of a multi-handed Asian grooming case. Prosecution persuaded that there was insufficient evidence to proceed following drafting of detailed bail application setting out fundamental deficiencies in the Crown’s case.

R v S – Possession of Indecent Images

Represented accountant prosecuted for possession of indecent images.

R v E – Allegation of Rape

Privately instructed on allegation rape. Member of the public took video of 2 people having intercourse in locked pub. One party subsequently claimed rape. Eleanor Laws QC of QEB Hollis Whiteman instructed. Police took no further action following written representations.

R V Bennell – Historic Sexual Abuse

Large scale historic sexual abuse by Crewe Alexandra and Manchester City football coach Barry Bennell. Trial one lasted 2 months resulting in conviction and a 31-year sentence. Police have interviewed over 80 more complainants. Client has now pleaded guilty to 9 further counts of serious sexual abuse. Sentence now subject to Court of Appeal challenge. Eleanor Laws QC and Philip Mcghee of QEB Hollis Whiteman instructed.

REGULATORY AND FRAUD Solicitor

West Berkshire Council v C – Trading Standards Prosecution

Large scale trading standards prosecution involving over 30 properties. Trial May 2023. Osman Osman of 25 Bedford Row instructed.

Surrey County Council v C – Allegations of Aggressive Commercial Practices

Large scale trading standards prosecution with 28 count indictment alleging aggressive commercial practices, harassment and threats to cause criminal damage in respect of multiple properties. Tom Doble of QEB Hollis Whiteman instructed.

R v W – Theft of IOTA Crypto-currency

Instructed in a multi-million-pound theft of IOTA crypto-currency involving at least 88 identified victims across the world. Highly complex and international investigation involving several jurisdictions.

MODERN SLAVERY Solicitor

R v TJ and Others – Slavery Prosecution

Slavery Prosecution at Oxford Crown Court. Client acquitted Conspiracy to hold another in servitude, conspiracy to defraud and Forced or Compulsory Labour. Client had been accused of keeping a man in servitude for a 30-year period.

R v J and Others – Modern Slavery Prosecution

Modern Slavery prosecution at Oxford Crown Court. Two clients acquitted of requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour, people trafficking and illegal money lending.

R V J – Modern Slavery, People Trafficking and Illegal Money Lending

Prosecution of Modern Slavery, People Trafficking and Illegal Money Lending. Following a month-long trial, the Defendant was convicted and received a 5-year sentence. Paul Hynes of 25 Bedford Row was instructed.

ROAD TRAFFIC Solicitor

R v S – Failing to Stop

S was charged with Failing to Stop following her car striking and killing a male on the A34 dual carriageway in Oxford in the early hours of the morning. The case required a detailed reconstruction of the incident and attendance at a Coroner’s Inquest. The Crown were persuaded to offer no evidence in advance of the trial.

HOMICIDE Solicitor

R V M and Others – Murder

4 handed murder involving complex forensic evidence.

R v Blakely – Strangulation Case

High profile case involving the strangulation of his partner and subsequent disposal of the body.

R v D – Accusation of Murder

Represented defendant accused of killing his friend, acquitted after trial.

R v G – Manslaughter Conviction

Represented mother whose daughter drowned in the bath, convicted of manslaughter.

R v Limani – Decapitation Case

Represented defendant accused of decapitating a work colleague with a cheese knife. Hospital Order made.

DRUGS Solicitor

R V A and Others – Large Scale Drugs Conspiracy

Represented 4 defendants in large scale drugs conspiracy case and subsequent Proceeds of Crime.

R v H – Drug Supply

Acted for one of two in drugs supply case, acquitted following trial.

R v R – Possession with Intent to Supply

16-year-old arrested for Possession with Intent to Supply (PWITS) x 3, delay in prosecution resulting in potential sentence as an adult rather than youth. Successfully persuaded the Crown to discontinue the matter at PTPH.

Other Notable Cases

R v B – Fraud

Client acquitted of Fraud.

R v G – Breach of Restraining Order

Client acquitted of assault and breach of restraining order.

R v S – Taxi License Revocation Appeal

Represented client in successfully appealing taxi licence revocation following arrest for indecent images. Notable due to the rare award of costs against the respondent.

R v M – Food Safety Prosecution

Represented company in Food Safety Prosecution. Mother’s Day carvery resulted in food poisoning of over 150 people.

R v P – HMO Offences

Represented company accused of HMO offences.

R v G – Assault Accusations and Perverting the Course of Justice

Represented US national visiting UK with his partner, accused of Assault and subsequently Perverting the Course of Justice. All matters discontinued following representations and disclosure of defence evidence.

Teighmore Limited v George King-Thompson – Breach of High Court Injunction

Application by the Claimants against Mr. King-Thompson for his committal to prison on the grounds that he knowingly breached a High Court injunction in place to prevent urbexxers and free-climbers from climbing the Shard. The respondent received a 6-month sentence. Philip McGhee of QEB Chambers was instructed.

D v DVLA – DVLA Appeal

Appeal against the DVLA determination that he was dependant on alcohol. Medical expert instructed and medical tests arranged. Expert report submitted with the test results following which the DVLA reversed their decision.

University Dispute Solicitor

S v H – Student Accused of Rape.

Stuart Matthews successfully defends University Student accused by another student of rape. Stuart initially successfully represented H during the University’s internal disciplinary investigation and hearing, for which Lucy Tapper (Barrister) conducted. The complainant student then took her complaint to the police. Stuart represented H throughout the police investigation following which the police took no further action. This is another example of detailed early case preparation ensuring a positive outcome.

R v M – University Student Accused of Sexual Assault by Penetration

Stuart Matthews successfully defended a University Student accused of sexual assault by penetration. Pro-active pre-charge work brought this allegation to a swift conclusion in what might otherwise have been a protracted and costly process. The parents of the defendant thanked Stuart for his “excellent work”, adding that Stuart’s “positive no-nonsense attitude was a tonic for us all”.