Paul Harris acted for Salman Butt in ‘spot-fixing’ trial
Who? Paul Harris, 44, managing partner of Edward Fail Bradshaw & Waterson, and former president of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association.
Why is he in the news? Represented Pakistan’s former cricket captain Salman Butt, 27, convicted for his part in a ‘spot-fixing’ scam during a Lord’s Test match. Butt, along with bowler Mohammad Asif, was found guilty of conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments. Butt intends to appeal against his 30-month sentence.
Thoughts on the case: ‘It was very exciting because the allegations of match fixing were so high-profile and because the prosecution effectively originated from a sting by the News of the World.
‘The motive and the end game [for the media] are not the same - an investigation carried out by the press is designed to get a story and sell newspapers. It would be a concern if there are not the safeguards in place that apply to a police investigation.
‘We couldn’t dispute that no-balls took place as the footage was there - in fact one day of the trial basically consisted of us watching cricket in court.
'What led to them being bowled and the involvement of particular parties was the question in hand. It seems [Butt] was being punished for being the captain.’
Dealing with the media: ‘One of the most interesting issues was the use of Twitter in court. It meant there were occasions when material came up in court which might have been the subject of application for press restrictions on reporting, but by the time that application was going to be made it was effectively too late.
‘I’m in favour of more open justice. Perhaps one way round this problem might be to say tweets can only be made in respect of evidence given.’
Career high: ‘Another by the News of the World’s “fake sheikh”, this time over red mercury. The trial lasted three months and all three were acquitted - that was the most satisfying case.
‘My presidency was also a very proud moment for me.’
Career lows: ‘Occasionally, you have cases where you have a strong feeling someone you’re representing should be acquitted or receive substantial mitigation. When that doesn’t happen it’s very disappointing.’
