Angus MacDonald has a successful practice both prosecuting and defending in serious crime, with particular expertise in large scale and complex frauds.

Angus has been instructed in some of the country’s largest criminal cases, most notably the prosecution arising out of the Hillsborough Disaster and its aftermath, which has been described as “the largest in English Criminal history”.

Angus is renowned for his work ethic and his ability to analyse masses of evidence generated by large-scale investigations. He is able to quickly grasp complex matters and communicates persuasively with juries. He is described by those who regularly instruct him as “unflappable” and “brilliant”.

Expertise

Notable Serious Crime cases


Hillsborough Prosecutions (2015-current)

Lead disclosure Counsel in the prosecution of former police officers for their alleged involvement in the events arising out of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.


Operation Noil (2020])

Leading Prosecution Counsel in the successful prosecution of multiple defendants convicted of their involvement in a conspiracy to evade excise duty totalling over two million pounds.


Operation Fencestoke (2018)

Leading Prosecution Counsel in the successful prosecution of multiple defendants convicted for their involvement in a conspiracy to supply industrial levels of cocaine.


R v Williams (2018)

Junior Counsel acting for a Defendant acquitted of conspiracy to murder.


R v Khan (2017)

Junior Counsel acting for a Defendant charged with an attempted murder involving the use of firearms.


Operation Mottram (2014)

Junior Counsel in the successful prosecution of multiple defendants convicted of a conspiracy to commit armed robberies against a number of jewellers.


R v Abela & Others (2013)

Junior Counsel acting for a Defendant charged with a conspiracy to supply industrial quantities of cannabis.

Notable Fraud cases


Operation Juniper (2019)

Leading Prosecution Counsel in the successful prosecution of multiple defendants on behalf of West Yorkshire Trading Standards.


Operation Steak (2018)

Leading Prosecution Counsel in the successful prosecution of defendants responsible for a multi-million pound fraud targeting HMRC.


R v Hirst, Mitchell & Buttle (2017)

Successful prosecution of a large-scale fraud targeting HMRC.


Operation Tarlac (2016)

Junior Counsel in the successful prosecution of multiple defendants for their role in a multi-million pound divert fraud committed against public institutions. The targeted institutions included NHS Trusts, public schools and local councils.


Operation Circus (2016)

Junior Counsel for a Defendant charged with a complex investment fraud.


Operation Valance (2016)

Junior Counsel in the successful prosecution of multiple defendants for their role in defrauding corporate client accounts and innocent third parties of significant sums of money.


R v Carol Bainbridge (2015)

Junior Counsel in the successful prosecution of a defendant convicted of defrauding a large scale European Union development agency in the North East of England.


Operation Coil (2015)

Junior Counsel in the successful prosecution of multiple defendants convicted of a multi-million pound conspiracy to defraud financial institutions on an industrial scale.


R v Omar & Others (2013)

Junior Counsel for a Defendant charged with a complex and sophisticated mortgage fraud committed against multiple financial institutions.

Angus successfully represents privately funded individuals charged in relation to serious driving matters in cases leading to serious injury and death. Angus often deals with evidence from pathologists, road collision investigator and vehicle examiners.

Angus has wide experience in matters relating to confiscation proceedings, cash seizure/forfeiture, restraint orders, property freezing orders and civil recovery orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Notable Proceeds of Crime Act cases


Operation Fencestoke (2020)


Operation Valance (2016)


Operation Coil (2015)


Operation Mottram (2014)


R v Abela (2013)

Regularly advises on the merits of different actions for local municipal bodies. Advices are returned promptly with full requests for further evidence, subsequent trial preparation and appearances for trial.

News & Insights

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"Angus is a well-prepared prosecutor and tenacious but also sensible and reasonable. He is liked and respected by his opponents, judges and juries."

The Legal 500 2025 - Crime (General and Fraud)

"He is completely unflappable - a calm and effective presence in any trial. Judges and jurors regard him as a voice of reason"

The Legal 500 2024 - Crime (General and Fraud)

Angus Macdonald's "attention to detail means he is an excellent prosecutor"

The Legal 500 2024 - Crime (General and Fraud)

"Angus has an astute mind and a warm, engaging advocacy style that puts juries at ease. He is tenacious and determined."

The Legal 500 2023 - Crime (General and Fraud)

"Angus is a tenacious and determined advocate. His attention to detail is unsurpassed. He expresses himself in a succinct and measured way. His judgement is sound."

The Legal 500 2022 - Crime (General and Fraud)

Appointments

  • CPS Specialist Panel Advocate for General Crime – Grade 4
  • CPS Specialist Panel Advocate for Serious Crime – Grade 4
  • CPS Specialist Panel Advocate for Fraud – Grade 4
  • Serious Fraud Office Advocate – Panel B

News & Insights

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Contact Us

Chambers is centrally located within walking distance of the train station, secure car parks and the Courts.

Contact Us

St Pauls Chambers
Park Row House
19-20 Park Row
Leeds
LS1 5JF

For out of hours assistance please call the senior clerk on 07854170429.

The switchboard will open from 08:30 until 17:30

Phone: +44 (0)1132 455 866
Email: [email protected]
CJSM: [email protected]

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