Jeremy Dein

Jeremy Dein QC (born 29 June 1960) is a leading English barrister specializing in criminal defence.^[1] He has defended many high profile cases, including Tulisa Contostavlos where he succeeded in persuading the trial judge to bring to the first ever case of non-stage agent entrapment.^[2] The main prosecution witness, the “Fake Sheikh”, Mazher Mahmood, was referred to the DPP for possible perjury charges following Jeremy’s cross-examination. Other high profile cases include McCluskie: The “Eastenders” case, where his defendant was accused of having murdered and dismembered Gemma McCluskie, his sister and a former East Enders star.^[3]

Career

Jeremy Dein was called to the Bar in 1982 and became Silk in 2003. He was appointed a Recorder on 2004. Dein is ranked 1 in Chambers directory leading QC's in crime 2015.^[4] He is former Criminal Bar Association Director of education and has written and lectured in the UK, and internationally on criminal defence. He is joint head of 25 Bedford Row,^[5] a criminal chambers. He has conducted many homicide trials, predominantly at the Old Bailey.^[6] He defends in every type of crime. He has appeared in numerous celebrity cases, having acted for Amy Winehouse's husband on serious charges.^[7] He also defended Eric Joyce, MP^[8] for Falkirk on charges of assault in the House of Commons.^[9]

In 2015, Dein represented Tulisa Contostavlos, former X factor judge,^[10] on charges of being concerned in the supply of cocaine. The case resulted in the first ever stay of proceedings in a non-state agent entrapment case in the UK.^[11] Further, Mazher Mahmood, the “Fake Sheikh” at the centre of the Sun on Sunday sting as regards Miss Contostavlos, was suspended and remains under investigation.^[12]

Personal life

Dein was born in Bow, in the East End and grew up in Redbridge. He was graduated from Queen Mary College, University of London in 1981.^[5]

References