Public Law & Regulatory

Guy Opperman practises in a number of areas of public and regulatory law. He is also a regular lecturer on these topics, notably on education work.

Health and Safety

Has prosecuted for the HSE but mainly defends. Has done a lot of construction, scaffolding and roofing H & S work.

Recent cases:

• Peckham rail disaster (R v Railtrack & BCM Construction) – Health and Safety prosecution in Blackfriars Crown court. Fines up to 250k (death of passenger). Case heard in Crown court & then represented on the civil claim
• Witham Magistrates Court: successfully mitigated on behalf of a garage after a fuel spillage resulted in a fire and an explosion as the fuel caught fire
• H&S v Owen Roofing : serious injuries caused as a result of roofing accident when employee fell through glass roof; represented the defendant firm in the Bedford Magistrates Court
• Masons: inquest and prosecution into the Lowry Centre fatality

Police work

Numerous civil jury trials representing Claimants against the Police for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution; have also represented defendant bus company on allegations of false imprisonment in a civil jury trial.

Education

Extensive work on behalf of schools in the London and South East. Has represented schools and clients on exclusion appeals, admissions appeals and have drafted discipline policies.

Judicial Review

Numerous cases taken to the High Court on judicial review of education decisions, the decisions of the GMC and other statutory bodies.

Licensing

Extensive work on the old law – including contested applications in all areas of the licensing fields. Advice only on the new law as yet.

Proceeds of Crime

Has worked in the past on behalf of Customs & Excise. Has conducted several High Court actions revising earlier Crown Court Confiscation orders. Experience of overseas offshore jurisdictions.

Election law

Extensive personal experience of elections and have both advised and represented in cases following contested election results.

Planning/rights of way

Several cases fought on contested rights of way all the way to trial in a variety of County Courts.

Standards Board of Great Britain

I recently conducted one of the first contested hearings under the recent local Government Act on behalf of a councilor who was accused of wrongdoing – namely a failure to declare an interest at a public meeting and conduct unbecoming of a councilor.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

Numerous appearances before the CICA including a maximum award case in 2003.