James Leonard successfully defended the Master of the Isle of Wight Red Funnell ferry

James Leonard successfully defended the Master of the Isle of Wight Red Funnell ferry in relation to charges brought by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency following a collision in September 2018, just outside Southampton Water, between his vessel, the Red Falcon and a 30 foot motor cruiser named the Phoenix. The collision risked the lives of four people on board the Phoenix but the Court was persuaded that fault for the collision lay with the helm of the Phoenix and that it was satisfied Capt Drummond had kept a proper lookout within the meaning of the International Regulations relating to Collisions at Sea and was not in breach of section 58 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. The Court ordered that Capt Drummond’s costs be paid out of central funds.

James Leonard is a member of Chambers’ specialist crime Marine and Fisheries group and both prosecutes for and defends against criminal proceedings brought by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Media coverage of the case can be read here. 

Should you wish to instruct James or find out more, please contact Nick Levett (+44 (0)20 7427 4908) or or Adam Macdonald (+44 (0)20 7427 4906).

News 12 Dec, 2019