John joined Nicholls & Nicholls in late 2025 as a Partner and Co-Head of Prisoner
Rights. He was admitted as a solicitor in 2008 and has specialised exclusively in
prison law throughout his career. He is an experienced and highly respected
advocate, with a particular expertise in parole and sentence progression matters. He
is known for his robust, forthright and effective approach, and has developed an
excellent reputation among Parole Board members across the country.

John regularly represents high-profile prisoners and has considerable experience
handling sensitive, complex and challenging cases. His practice encompasses the
full range of prison law issues, with particular expertise in advocacy before the
Parole Board. His notable cases include representing and securing the release of
John Massey, one of Britain’s longest-serving prisoners.

John is recognised for developing strong and trusting relationships with his clients.
He provides clear, pragmatic and robust advice and representation throughout what
can be a demanding and often highly complex process, ensuring that clients’ cases
are presented effectively and their interests are rigorously advanced.

He is well known and highly regarded within the prison law profession. John served
as Chair of the Association of Prison Lawyers (APL) for six years and remains a
member of its Executive Committee, where he acts as Parole Board liaison
alongside Dean. He has delivered training to fellow practitioners on advocacy and a
range of issues affecting prisoners within the high-security estate. He has also
regularly represented the APL in discussions and meetings with the Parole Board
and the Ministry of Justice.

Originally from the North East, John has extensive experience representing
prisoners across the region and within its prisons. His practice is nationwide, and he
regularly represents prisoners throughout England and Wales. He also undertakes
work in Scotland on behalf of Scottish prisoners convicted in England and Wales
who have subsequently been transferred to Scotland under the cross-border transfer
scheme.

Notable Cases:
Dickins v Parole Board for England and Wales
A significant judicial review concerning the Parole Board’s jurisdiction following the
making and notification of a decision. The High Court concluded that the Board
becomes functus officio once its decision has been made and steps have been taken
to intimate it.

R (Hassett and Price) v Secretary of State for Justice
A leading case concerning the review of Category A prisoners and the application of
the relevant statutory and policy framework to such reviews.

Hutchinson v the United Kingdom                                                                                                                                                             A significant decision of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the
compatibility of whole-life sentences with the requirements of Article 3 of the
European Convention on Human Rights.

R (Richards) v Teesside Magistrates’ Court & Anor
A Court of Appeal decision considering the scope of a Sexual Offences Prevention
Order and, in particular, whether such an order could impose a positive obligation
requiring an individual to wear an electronic monitoring device.