Mustapha Hakme

Introduction

Mustapha is a leading junior barrister with a successful criminal defence practice. He specialises mainly in serious violence, fraud, drugs and evasion of duty cases as well as road traffic cases.

Background and expertise

A barrister with a welcoming manner, Mustapha has extensive experience in dealing with complex and sensitive work. He has appeared as junior counsel in murder and rape cases – and has appeared as leading junior counsel in serious and complex cases involving drugs and violence.

Mustapha has accumulated particular experience over the years in relation to driving offences, and frequently argues ‘special reasons’ and ‘exceptional hardship’ in the magistrates’ courts.

Mustapha also has a keen interest in advisory work and will draft comprehensive advices upon request. These are not limited to criminal opinions.

He is standing counsel to several embassies in London and has appeared as counsel for major department stores and hotels across the country.

Notable cases

R v Adel Jaber and Others 2022

leading Drea Becker from chambers in an 8 handed people trafficking case. Only defendant to be acquitted after trial.

R v Renee Saint Ange 2021

Successfully defended in a 4 week 5 handed murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. Led by Jane Bickerstaff KC

R v Imran Boudjellel 2020

Junior in a 9 week, 6 handed murder trial.

R v Bejerano

Successfully defended a male nurse accused of sexual assault at Croydon Crown Court.

R v Shawi Attie and others

Appeared as leading junior counsel and secured the only acquittal in the biggest chem sex supply case in the history of the UK.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/gang-delivered-drugs-to-order-in-10-minutes-with-fleet-of-couriers-a4048621.html

https://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/news/crime-court/chemsex-drug-dealer-bernardo-henrique-salles-guilty-1-5952821

R v Elliot

Aylesbury Crown Court Attempted murder case. Defendant attacked another male with a ‘Rambo’-style hunting knife.

R v Marwan Fatah, 2018

Instructed as Leading Junior Counsel leading Drea Becker from chambers representing the leading defendant in an undercover operation launched by HM Customs and Excise which lasted several months. The group were involved in a complex operation to receive raw tobacco leaf from abroad before processing and distributing it to a network of purchasers without paying the duty due thereon. Evidence demonstrated a sophisticated enterprise involving tobacco processing plants, multiple workers, including processors and couriers, and ties to other organised crime groups.

R v Sangak and others

Maidstone Crown Court: conspiracy involving ‘crash for cash’ insurance frauds.

See article in the Daily Mail.