YEAR OF CALL: 2023

 

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family law

Criminal law

 

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

LLB (Hons), First Class

BPC

Awards:

2022 - Lord Denning Scholarship, Lincolns Inn
2020 - University of Hull Medical Law Prize
2019 - University of Hull Prize for Equity and Trusts
2017 - University of Hull Merit Sponsorship

 

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn

FLBA

CBA

CPS Grade 2 Prosecutor

 

ABOUT BLAISE

Blaise became a tenant at Crown Chambers in October 2024 after completing his pupillage under the supervision of Joanna Hawkett.

 

Crime

Blaise is developing a thriving Crown Court practice representing both the defence and prosecution. He is frequently instructed to appear in cases of assault, offensive weapons, drugs, acts of dishonesty and domestic related offences. 

He is a passionate advocate who leaves no stone unturned in preparing cases meticulously to achieve the very best outcome. His down to earth manner instantly puts clients at ease which allows for effective communication. Senior members of the Bar have commented on his confident and calm approach beyond his year of call.

Prior to the Bar, Blaise worked as an administrator within a criminal defence law firm and undertook voluntary pro-bono work as an Appropriate Adult for vulnerable suspects in police custody.

 

Notable cases:

Dishonesty 

R v HH, TJW, SG, TD and others (2025) Hull Crown Court. Multi-handed 21 count indictment consisting of burglaries and thefts of high value vehicles in rural villages across East Yorkshire. Guilty pleas were entered after a detailed case summary outlining all of the evidence against each defendant for each count was drafted by Blaise.

R v MB and others (2025) Hull Crown Court. Trial counsel – multi handed robbery of a watch by use of violence.

R v AA (2025) – Grimsby Crown Court. Defence sentence: Suspended sentence for cleaner who burgled her elderly client suffering with dementia late at night. Despite the offending being described as “the most egregious breach of trust” by HHJ, the Court was persuaded to draw back from immediate custody.

R v BL (2024) – Lincoln Crown Court. Defence of BL charged with theft and common assault. The Crown sought to amend the charge to robbery at the PTPH but subsequently offered no evidence.

Violence 

R v RR (2025) Hull Crown Court. Defence; s18 GBH. A plea to a s20 was acceptable to the Crown.

R v TJ (2025) Lincoln Crown Court. Trial – defendant entered acceptable guilty pleas to strangulation, assaults on two separate days against the same complainant and threats with an offensive weapon shortly before a jury was sworn.

R v DW & others (2025)  Hull Crown Court. Successful prosecution of 3 defendants charged with affray.

R v AE (2024) Hull Crown Court. Represented the Defendant at sentence for non-fatal strangulation following a trial in their absence.

R v BR (2024)  Grimsby Magistrates' Court. Instructed to defend in a prolonged s47 ABH trial involving a weapon. Successfully opposed the prosecution's adjournment application to obtain the complainant's attendance. This resulted in the Crown offering no evidence and the charge being dismissed.

Sexual Offences 

R v KH (2024): Defence; exposure.

R v JG: Prosecution: Conviction following a trial for a sexual assault on a 16-year-old female in broad daylight at a bus stop. The Defendant admitted touching the Complainant in cross-examination after maintaining in his police interview and examination in chief that he had never touched her.

R v LJ: Counsel for the Prosecution at sentence for a defendant who had pleaded guilty to making over 8,000 indecent images.

Drugs 

R v NG (2025)  Hull Crown Court. Defence; cultivation of cannabis. Persuaded the Court that the offending fell into lesser role.

R v LP (2025) Hull Crown Court. Defence; cultivation of cannabis. Limited basis acceptable to the Crown which placed the Defendant in lesser role.

R v RP (2025) Hull Crown Court. Prosecution; concerned in the supply of Class A drugs across Hull.

Arson

R v TN (2025) Grimsby Crown Court. Defence; arson reckless as to whether life was endangered.

R v DH (2025) Hull Crown Court. Defence; arson. Defendant set fire to a shop in Beverley. Blaise obtained a psychiatric report in which the author opined that the Defendant was suffering with a mental disorder which reduced his culpability owing to impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. The Defendant had a previous conviction for arson in identical circumstances which aggravated the sentence of 9 months’ custody which led to the his release as time served.

 

Family

Blaise has a rapidly developing private and public family law practice, regularly appearing for parents and local authorities. He has experience in representing parties from initial removal hearing through to the final hearing. Blaise also represents applicants and respondents in proceedings under the Family Law Act 1996.