Areas of Practice

Crime
Derek is regularly instructed by both Defence and Prosecution in a wide range of criminal cases.  He has experience of cases involving violence, public order, offensive weapons, theft, deception, possession / supply of drugs, sexual offences, dangerous dogs, and road traffic matters.  He has undertaken a number of cases relating to harassment and restraining orders, and has particular experience of cases involving racial aggravation.  Derek frequently appears for both Prosecution and Defence in the Youth Court, and has regularly represented clients with learning disabilities.

Civil

Personal Injury
Derek accepts instructions in personal injury matters, including Road Traffic Accidents, Employers Liability, Occupiers Liability, Defective Premises and Highway Trips.  Conditional Fee Agreements are accepted.  Written work is promptly returned by E-mail and DX, and special arrangements can be made for the return of work within short timescales to suit instructing solicitors’ requirements..

Contract
Derek is experienced in dealing with contract cases, including claims relating to both consumer and commercial sale of goods. He also regularly deals with claims arising out of consumer credit agreements, including return of goods applications and actions for recovery of debt.

Property
Derek accepts regular instructions in claims relating to possession of domestic and commercial property.  He provides representation and advice on possession claims under mortgage and tenancy agreements, application for orders for sale, as well as security of debt by way of charging orders over property.  He has particular experience in cases involving contested applications for charging orders, including cases where an interest is held on trust.

Company
Derek has represented Companies House in civil actions against Limited companies for failing to deliver accounts to The Registrar of Companies.  Derek will accept instructions to advise and represent Defendants in such actions, and also to represent directors of companies who are Defendants in prosecutions brought under the parallel criminal provisions of the Companies Act. 

Insolvency
Derek is experienced in both personal and commercial insolvency matters, with experience in setting aside statutory demands, presentation of bankruptcy petitions and of winding up orders.

Alternative Dispute Resolution / Mediation
Derek has a keen interest in the increasingly popular field of alternative dispute resolution.  Having undertaken a course of study on ADR, Derek is aware of the potential benefits to clients of early negotiated settlement, particularly in cases such as nuisance claims, boundary disputes and commercial disputes where the preservation of an ongoing relationship between parties is as important as a successful outcome to litigation.  Derek is familiar with the procedures and processes of mediation and, will accept instructions to advise in relation to proposed Alternative Dispute Resolution, and to represent clients in Mediation.

Interests

Derek is a keen sportsman, regularly playing cricket, snooker, football and badminton. He enjoys walking, and is currently preparing to undertake the three peaks challenge.  

Email:dperry@octagonchambers.co.uk