Year of Call: 1996
Clerk: Nigel East
As a member of the Criminal Bar Association, Heath is a criminal specialist with particular expertise defending and prosecuting large drug and white-collar crime cases along with the associated restraint and confiscation proceedings.
The Legal 500 2021 edition list Heath as a Leading Junior "recommended for cases involving complex digital evidence or forensic accountancy." Previous editions have commented of his "multi-handed drugs conspiracies cases" and "very experienced in murder, gang-related violence and drug trafficking cases" and that he is ‘a first-rate advocate who provides support and assistance every step of the way.’
Chambers UK 2022 describes Heath as a broadly experienced criminal barrister who defends and prosecutes serious criminal cases. They comment: "He regularly handles large-scale drug and fraud matters. He is well versed in cases concerning homicides and historic sexual offences. His expertise also includes proceeds of crime matters." Previous editions report that "he's keen and eager, he prepares well, and he has very good people skills," that "he anticipates things that will come up and has answers at the ready" and that"he is a very personable and very good advocate. He is a safe pair of hands. He is highly impressive in court."
Chambers UK 2022 further comments "He is very pleasant with juries and is a great opponent. He is very confident with an understated style."
In recent years, Heath has defended in an NHS fraud and prosecuted for the Organised Crime Division in association with the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the Special Casework Unit of the CPS. He has also worked with and against the Confiscation Unit (CPS) and the Regional Assets Recovery Team (RART). He is a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor and is on the panel of approved advocates for prosecuting rape cases.
Heath’s most notable cases include three high profile drug trafficking prosecutions and associated confiscation proceedings that led to the conviction of over 100 defendants. He has also defended in a mortgage fraud, an armed robbery and a rape trial involving a deaf and dumb defendant and complainant.
Educated at Warwick University and Inns Court School of Law, Heath is commended for his expertise in fraud and enjoys a strong reputation for being an energetic, committed and persuasive advocate who is able to quickly build a good rapport with clients. He is a category four graded CPS advocate and an independent advisor to the South Wales Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel.
