George Penny
George specialises in General Crime, Fraud & Financial Crime, Regulatory Law and Housing.
In the field of General Crime, George is an increasingly sought-after advocate, regularly instructed to both defend and prosecute as sole and led counsel. His practice spans a wide range of serious matters including drug offences, serious violence and attempted murder.
George’s Fraud & Financial Crime practice sees him acting for both individuals and government agencies in complex cases involving fraud, money laundering, and bribery and corruption. He is known for his strategic approach and meticulous preparation in high-stakes matters. He is currently instructed to administer a directors’ election for an international internet registry following the appointment of a receiver in the wake allegations of impropriety.
In Housing Law, George has developed a particular expertise in Rent Repayment Orders (RROs). Since 2021, he has appeared in many of the leading appellate and first-instance decisions in this area, including in the First-tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal, and Court of Appeal. His broader housing work includes appearances in the County Court on a variety of landlord and tenant matters.
George also has growing experience in Regulatory Law, having acted as a case presenter for the Nursing and Midwifery Council and as review counsel for a core participant in a major public inquiry.
Committed to access to justice, George undertakes pro bono work across a range of legal areas. In recognition of his contributions, he was shortlisted for Advocate’s Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year Award 2024.
Outside his legal practice, George is involved in academic work on the regulation of artificial intelligence and outer space. He is available to advise on the current legal landscape and anticipated developments in these fast-evolving fields.
Ranked In
Cases
Criminal Defence
R. v. D
George is representing a client accused of a 6-figure fraud.
R. v. S
George’s client was accused of robbery. After successful legal argument, previous convictions for robbery and other dishonesty offences were excluded, as was evidence of identification byf a police officer.
R. v. A
George’s client was acquitted of criminal damage and assault, despite the prosecution presenting photographs of the damaged items and injuries to the complainants.
R. v. B
George’s client was acquitted of coercive and controlling behaviour and associated offences following a 2-day trial in which he demonstrated key elements of the complainant’s account to be false.
R. v. P
George’s client was acquitted of racially aggravated s.20 GBH after self-defence was successfully demonstrated.
Criminal Prosecution
R. v. J & Ors.
Prosecution junior in an 11-handed drug supply case involving extensive cell site and ANPR evidence.
R. v. B & Ors.
3-handed drug supply and vehicular violence case; a police officer was rammed by a car fleeing other officers and containing evidence of drug supply.
R. v. F & Anor.
2-handed burglary case. A successful resistance of an application to dismiss led to the entering of guilty pleas.
Rent Repayment Orders and Housing Law
George is frequently instructed to appear in appellate and high-value first-instance Rent Repayment Order cases. He also provides advice to those facing or considering Rent Repayment Order proceedings.
Recent significant cases include:
Global 100 Ltd. v Jimenez and Ors. [2023] EWCA Civ 1324
George appeared (lead by Justin Bates, Landmark Chambers) for the occupant respondents, having appeared alone for the majority of the occupant respondents at the First-tier and Upper tribunal hearings (the others self-representing at that time). His clients were successful on each occasion on technical questions of statutory construction.
Cottam & Ors. v. Lowe Management Limited [2023] UKUT 306 (LC)
George appeared for the applicants in this case at first instance and by written representations on appeal, concerning the definition of a “person managing” or “having control” of a property. Findings against his clients at first instance were overturned on appeal. George also appears for both local authorities and landlords in other kinds of housing criminal prosecution, and provides advice on all areas of housing law.
Professional Memberships
- The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
- CPS Grade 2 panel for Fraud, Serious Crime, and General Crime
- GLD “junior junior” panel of counsel
- Criminal Bar Association
- Young Fraud Lawyers’ Association
Awards, Qualifications & Other
- LLM (BBK) Law & New Technologies
- LLM (BBK) Law & New Technologies
- PGDiP (KCL) Bar Practice
- BA (Oxon) Jurisprudence
- Ann Goddard scholar (2023)
- Sir John Holt scholar (2021)
- Michel scholar (2017-2019)