Martyn Hynes

Prior to coming to the bar, Martyn was Head of Professional Discipline for a nationwide firm of solicitors. Martyn now develops a mixed criminal defence and civil practice.

Martyn is an experienced law lecturer having been involved in training since 2005. In 2023, Martyn was awarded an International PHD Scholarship and currently undertakes a research project into risk management.

Expertise

Crime

Martyn has experience of prosecuting and defending cases in the Magistrates and Crown Courts. 

In 2023, Martyn became a specialist defence practitioner, representing clients charged with a range of serious criminal offences and fatal road traffic offences.

Martyn has particular interest in the application of Criminal Procedures Investigation Act where issues of a fair trial are hindered by disclosure failings.  He is regularly instructed in matters requiring disclosure hearings under s.8 CPIA 1996.

Martyn has 20 years experience in the application of Achieving Best Evidence Guidance, and advanced investigative interviews.  His experience and knowledge of investigative practice often teases out weakness in the prosecution case and can demonstrate evidential and disclosure failings.

Martyn is adept at drafting applications objecting extension of police bail prior to charge, for the exclusion of evidence and abuse of process applications.

Martyn has a busy pro-bono clinic defending veteran service personnel in criminal matters.

Firearms Appeals

Martyn represents both Appellants and Respondents in appeals brought under the Firearms Act 1968.

Professional Discipline

Martyn has a focus on professional discipline and has worked across a wide range of Tribunals.  

His 23 years specialist knowledge means he is often sought out to advise on serious and complex issues in regulatory proceedings following criminal, or civil complaints and conduct matters.

Martyn has experience in matters arising within the NMC, GMC, CQC, DVSA and police His knowledge of case law across regulators has proved invaluable when advancing legal argument in both the tribunal and appeal tribunals.

In addition to drafting regulation notices, formal responses, statements and requests for information, Martyn regularly gives written advice on procedural and technical issues.

Martyn has recently advised on the involvement of a UK Police force in respect of a Netflix documentary.

Martyn often advises both emergency service and civilian driving instructors and has developed a specialist practice in respect of emergency response and military driving.  Martyn is registered on the list of approved driving instructions with the DVSA,

Martyn has appeared in the High Court in complex PII applications where family and criminal investigations overlap and has been led in judicial reviews following regulatory proceedings.

Martyn is regularly asked to advise on employment matters involving regulated professionals.  This includes matters relating to The Equality Act 2010 and matters arising from the Public Interest provisions of the Employment Rights Act.

Coronial Work

Martyn regularly appears on behalf of families and interested persons in the Coroners Court. Martyn specialises in Article 2 jury inquests, and Article 2 compliant inquests and general coronial matters where causation issues arise.  Martyn is regularly instructed following deaths in custody.

PhD Studies

Martyn was awarded a PhD Scholarship in 2023, and currently undertakes research into how service personnel perceive threat, harm and risk in an operational environment where there is an imminent risk to life.  The research is intended to procure a better understanding about perception based on experience that negates criminal liability.

Martyn also works with the University Law Clinic to provide support to students on a specialist pro-bono legal services scheme for cancer and brain tumour sufferers where they endure discrimination because of their illness.

Appointments

• Public Access authorised.
• Authorised to conduct litigation.
• BSB Independent Decision Board member.

Memberships

• Criminal Bar Association
• Association of Regulatory and Discipline Lawyers
• Employment Law Bar Association

Education

• Portsmouth University: Policing Studies
• Cambridge University:  Evidence Based Policing
• University Hertfordshire:  LLB Law
• BPP London:  LLM Law Distinction
• BPTC: Very Competent
• PhD: Law (student)

Awards

• Commended by HHJ Caterson for professionalism
• Higher commendation for bravery
• National Bravery Award 2010
• Robert Lucas Award, 2019
• Anthony Trower Advocacy Award
• BPP Advocacy Scholarship

Testimonials

• "Tactically astute with an eye for detail." Lisa Pharoh, Solicitor, Pharoh Law
• "An expert in criminal investigations and police procedure, not afraid to ask difficult questions." Janita Patel, Solicitor, JP-Law
• "Impeccable attention to detail means he fights every point for his clients through detailed and forensic questioning." James Hennessey, Solicitor, Nobles
• "Straight talking, no nonsense." Hertfordshire Police Federation 
• "A junior with substantial criminal and regulatory knowledge from over 20 years public service means he is a ‘go to’ when needing Counsel who can talk to clients at their level and in their language." Stephen Elliott, Managing Director, FPS Law