Areas of Law
Terence Woods was called to the bar in 1989 and initially combined a criminal practice with common law. He began to specialize in crime from 2000 and joined 187 Chambers soon afterwards.
He developed an extensive defence practice in London and the South East but has over time taken on an increasing amount of prosecution work such that his practise is now divided roughly 50/50 between the two.
Cases
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Asset Forfeiture & Confiscation
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Prosecuting and defending in cases under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 involving the seizure/or attempted seizure of substantial assets worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Has dealt with cases involving equitable beneficial interests and third party claims.
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Criminal Defence
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Mr Woods has defended in almost every type of case in the criminal calendar including the following:
R v Ruzindana – murder/manslaughter – diminished responsibility as a result of post traumatic stress from Rwandan genocide
R v Roci – people trafficking from Baltic States for prostitution
R v Parveen– one of first Baby P type prosecutions for offence of causing or allowing the death of a child
R v Usher – one punch manslaughter involving double jeopardy issues
R v Connors – one of few prosecutions under Modern Slavery Act for forced labour
R v Lilley – historic sex offences
R v Knight – attempted murder through injection of insulin to patient in hospital
R v El Asfari – large scale immigration fraud involving links to Syria
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Criminal Prosecution
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Mr Woods is a member of the “Rape List” and “Serious Crime Group” prosecuting serious cases on behalf of the CPS involving sexual offences and multiple defendants. Developed a particular expertise in the examination-in-chief and cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses (often young children but also vulnerable adults) and is an accredited Vulnerable Witness Facilitator.
R v Woodley – serious sexual offences involving vulnerable complainants and use of intermediary
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Fraud and Financial Crime
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R v Taylor – Large scale international Ponzi scheme fraud
R v Coyle – Multi-defendant boiler room fraud involving elderly victims
R v Chaudhury – Large scale retail banking fraud
R v Basham – Causing or facilitating breach of immigration law (fraudulent operation of TOEIC test for visa applicants
R v Dixit – Solicitor alleged to have perverted the course of public justice and committed revenue fraud
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Military & Courts Martial
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Representing senior officer charged with fraud/corruption relating to the distribution of army catering contracts
RAF – Multi defendant cases cases involving allegations of violence
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Professional Discipline
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Mr Woods has represented members of British Transport Police and Metropolitan Police officers on allegations of breaches of discipline and racism.
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Trading Standards
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Mr Woods has dealt with numerous cases involving breaches of consumer trading regulations in relation to ear piercing, counterfeiting, unfair trading practices.
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Other
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Mr Woods has also dealt with RSPCA prosecutions of multiple defendants in relation to cock fighting and puppy farming.
Professional Memberships
South Eastern Circuit
Criminal bar Association
Awards, Qualifications & Other
University College London LLB (Hons)
Inns of Court School of Law
Pupil Supervisor
Grade 4 CPS Counsel
CPS Rasso Panel
Direct Access
Terence is approved to accept instructions direct from international and UK clients on a direct access basis, without the need for a solicitor intermediary in appropriate cases.