JOHN HURLOCK · Proceeds-of-crime barrister
John Hurlock advises and represents clients in confiscation and asset-recovery proceedings, including disputes about benefit, available assets and property held in the UK or overseas.
SELECTED EXPERIENCE
His work includes contested confiscation proceedings and representations that secured the return of seized jewellery.
Following guilty pleas to drug trafficking offences and conspiracies, John contested the Crown’s claimed benefit of over £20.9 million. The court rejected the alleged hidden assets and determined the benefit at £350,000 — more than £20.6 million below the figure sought. This was a confiscation result following conviction, not an acquittal.
View caseAfter guilty pleas to drug-supply conspiracies and acquiring criminal property, John successfully challenged the role alleged by the prosecution at a Newton hearing. His client was sentenced on the accepted defence basis. In subsequent contested confiscation proceedings involving UK and overseas property, vehicles and bank funds, no money or assets were confiscated. These results concern sentencing and confiscation, not an acquittal.
View caseInstructed through Direct Access, John made written representations concerning jewellery seized in a proceeds-of-crime investigation. Police withdrew the forfeiture case and returned items valued at £27,000.
Read case summaryTHE PRACTICE
Proceeds-of-crime proceedings can raise detailed questions about ownership, transactions and the assets said to be available. His work includes contested confiscation hearings and applications concerning seized property.
He can assess the financial evidence and the basis of the allegations, including claims that a person holds undisclosed assets. The scope of the work will reflect the particular order or application.
Advice and representation concerning alleged benefit, available assets and the financial evidence relied on.
Challenges to assertions about undisclosed assets and property held in other jurisdictions.
Advice and representations concerning seized property and applications for forfeiture.
Advice on issues arising from restraint and financial investigations, including links to ongoing criminal proceedings.
BEFORE YOU ENQUIRE
He can assess the notice or application and the evidence supporting your interest in the property. Send the documents, the authority involved and any hearing or response deadline.
Enquire about seized propertyHis confiscation work includes disputes involving property in the UK and abroad. Explain where the assets are held and provide the relevant ownership and financial records. Any need for local legal advice will be considered.
Matters with an international elementYes, where Direct Access is suitable. He is a registered litigator and can provide agreed litigation services as well as advice and representation. The scope, responsibilities and fee will be confirmed before work starts.
Direct Access and litigation servicesTHE NEXT STEP
Email him directly about your case or call the clerks at 2 Bedford Row. Evening and weekend attendance is offered, with availability and fees confirmed when arranging instructions.
SELECTED EXPERIENCE
His work includes contested confiscation proceedings and representations that secured the return of seized jewellery.
Following guilty pleas to drug trafficking offences and conspiracies, John contested the Crown’s claimed benefit of over £20.9 million. The court rejected the alleged hidden assets and determined the benefit at £350,000 — more than £20.6 million below the figure sought. This was a confiscation result following conviction, not an acquittal.
View caseAfter guilty pleas to drug-supply conspiracies and acquiring criminal property, John successfully challenged the role alleged by the prosecution at a Newton hearing. His client was sentenced on the accepted defence basis. In subsequent contested confiscation proceedings involving UK and overseas property, vehicles and bank funds, no money or assets were confiscated. These results concern sentencing and confiscation, not an acquittal.
View caseInstructed through Direct Access, John made written representations concerning jewellery seized in a proceeds-of-crime investigation. Police withdrew the forfeiture case and returned items valued at £27,000.
Read case summaryTHE PRACTICE
Proceeds-of-crime proceedings can raise detailed questions about ownership, transactions and the assets said to be available. His work includes contested confiscation hearings and applications concerning seized property.
He can assess the financial evidence and the basis of the allegations, including claims that a person holds undisclosed assets. The scope of the work will reflect the particular order or application.
Advice and representation concerning alleged benefit, available assets and the financial evidence relied on.
Challenges to assertions about undisclosed assets and property held in other jurisdictions.
Advice and representations concerning seized property and applications for forfeiture.
Advice on issues arising from restraint and financial investigations, including links to ongoing criminal proceedings.
BEFORE YOU ENQUIRE
He can assess the notice or application and the evidence supporting your interest in the property. Send the documents, the authority involved and any hearing or response deadline.
Enquire about seized propertyHis confiscation work includes disputes involving property in the UK and abroad. Explain where the assets are held and provide the relevant ownership and financial records. Any need for local legal advice will be considered.
Matters with an international elementYes, where Direct Access is suitable. He is a registered litigator and can provide agreed litigation services as well as advice and representation. The scope, responsibilities and fee will be confirmed before work starts.
Direct Access and litigation servicesEvening and weekend attendance is offered. For availability and fees, contact the clerks.
