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Find out more about our barristers and business support teams here.
Select an area of expertise to find out more about our experience.
Find out more about our barristers and business support teams here.
Mark Thomas specialises in police law, inquests and public / administrative law.
He is ranked as a leading junior in both Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for Police Law and Inquests and Public Inquiries. His practice includes cases which are commercially or politically sensitive, often involving issues of public interest immunity or media coverage.
Mark is regularly instructed in high profile and complex Article 2 and Jury Inquests requiring sensitive handling and with potential reputational impact, often in the context of media coverage or regulatory investigations, for a range of clients including police forces, NHS Trusts, healthcare providers, other public bodies and private sector clients.
Clients say that Mark provides “an energetic and positive presence”, is “thoroughly well prepared” and has “a reassuring and positive manner with witnesses”.
Mark read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at New College, Oxford. Prior to becoming a barrister, he worked for several international investment banks. This business experience enables him to bring clear commercial acumen to his advice and advocacy.
Mark has served as a judicial intern at the Federal Court of Australia to Justice Nicholson and Justice French, the former Chief Justice of Australia.
Mark acted for the Metropolitan Police in DSD & NBV v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2015] EWCA Civ 646 and has acted in scores of Article 3 claims since.
He also regularly acts for police forces in Article 2 claims following inquest proceedings.
He has huge experience in defending civil actions and judicial reviews and is regularly instructed to appear against leading counsel in courts up to and including the Court of Appeal.
Mark also has considerable experience acting for police forces where officers are alleged to have sexually assaulted colleagues or members of the public.
Van Buuren v Chief Constables of (1)Cambridgeshire, (2) Hertfordshire and (3) Bedfordshire Police & (4) Independent Office of Police Conduct [2026] EWCA Civ 391 [2025] EWHC 195 (KB)
Acting in the High Court and Court of Appeal on behalf of the IOPC in defending a multi-million pound claim for damages for misfeasance in public office arising from allegations of police corruption and falsification of an investigation which followed a serious road traffic accident.
Shepherd v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police
Claims for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, wrongful arrest, assault, trespass to property. Subsequently instructed to defend a second claim for breaches of the Data Protection Act 2018 and Article 8 ECHR.
R (on the application of J) v (1) The Chief Constable of West Mercia Police (2) The Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police [2022] EWHC 26 (Admin) [2022] 1 WLUK 29
Jointly instructed by both Chief Constables to defend a judicial review brought by a senior IT professional who failed vetting, having been offered a contract to provide professionals services to both services.
L v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
Claim under Articles 2 and 3 ECHR and in negligence against the Metropolitan Police arising from an incident in which the Claimant was stabbed and seriously injured by a third-party while being escorted handcuffed by Metropolitan Police officers.
James v Commissioner of the City of London Police
Claim for false imprisonment and unlawful arrest following an arrest by officers investigating allegations of blackmail.
Inquest touching the death of Marc Cole (representing Devon & Cornwall Police)
An Article 2 jury inquest following the death of a man shortly after the deployment of a taser. Subsequent Article 2 and FAA claims by his estate and family.
R (on the application of E) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2018] EWHC 2729 (Admin)
Defending a claim challenging disclosures in an Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate
Kandamwala v Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire [2017] EWCA Civ 391
Acted for the Chief Constable before the Court of Appeal, defeating necessity to arrest and fair trial grounds.
MLIA & CLEL v Chief Constable of Hampshire [2017] EWHC 292 (QB)
Acted for the Chief Constable in defending a claim for breach of the Article 3 investigative duty. Led by Dijen Basu QC.
DSD & NBV v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2015] EWCA Civ 646
Led by Jeremy Johnson QC in claim concerning the scope of the investigative duty of the police under Article 3. Acted in the subsequent appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Mark undertakes a wide range of work under the Police Conduct Regulations on behalf of the Appropriate Authority at misconduct hearings and Police Tribunal Appeals.
Mark is particularly experienced at advising on complex abuse of process arguments in regulatory proceedings.
Mark has extensive and wide-ranging inquest experience. He regularly appears in Article 2 inquests before juries on behalf of Chief Constables, care homes, private hospitals, insurers and individual clinicians.
He is sought after by clients for his proactive, hands-on approach and reassuring manner with witnesses.
Chambers UK says, “whenever Mark’s services are offered to me, I stop what I am doing to ensure that nobody else beats me to it. I know that his involvement in a case means that my client will get the best service there is” and “he delivers submissions with grace and poise and represents his clients’ interests fearlessly”.
Inquest touching the death of Steven Hart (representing Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust)
Article 2 jury inquest following the death of a prisoner at HMP Bedford who ligatured whilst he was under enhanced observations and detained in a ‘ligature proof’ safer cell.
Inquest touching the death of Simeon Francis (representing Devon & Cornwall Police)
Article 2 jury inquest after the deceased died from ‘Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy’ in police custody. A complex inquest which heard from 4 medical experts on the issue of causation.
Inquest touching the death of Godrick Osei (representing Devon & Cornwall Police)
Article 2 jury inquest following an ABD incident where the deceased broke into a care home and was subsequently restrained by police officers.
Inquest touching the death of Lewis Dent (representing the Hertfordshire Constabulary)
Article 2 jury inquest where the deceased swallowed a large quantity of class A drugs when he was stopped by police officers.
Inquest touching the death of Helen Tarry (representing the Priory Hospital)
Article 2 jury inquest after a patient walked out of a secure mental health ward. Succcessfully resisted arguments that a neglect rider and unlawful killing (by virtue of Corporate Manslaughter) be left to the jury.
Inquest touching the death of Lucy Ann Dyson (representing the Hampshire Constabulary)
Article 2 jury inquest following the murder of the deceased by her estranged husband.
Inquest touching the death of Marta Vento (representing Hampshire Constabulary)
Article 2 jury inquest following the killing of a hotel worker by a registered sex offender who was released from prison into hotel accommodation.
Inquest touching the death of Daniel Tilley (representing the Devon & Cornwall Police)
Article 2 jury inquest following a delayed response by police to a threatened suicide. The inquest considered the practical ramifications of a reduction in police funding where the PCC was called to give evidence.
Inquest touching the death of Ivan Ignatov (representing the Dorset Police)
Article 2 jury inquest following a decision to not detain the deceased for assessment under the Mental Health Act who then subsequently walked into the sea and drowned.
The inquest had a particularly wide scope considering police custody procedures, mental health assessments, the interplay between police and medical professionals and the actions of agencies involved in the search and rescue effort at sea.
Inquest touching the death of Spencer Beynon (representing the IOPC)
Inquest following the death of a veteran with complex mental health needs who was found in public in a distressed state suffering from a severe neck wound and who was subsequently tasered by attending police officers.
Inquest touching the death of Gaia Pope (representing the IOPC)
10-week Article 2 jury inquest examining complex mental health needs, the treatment of epilepsy and the efficacy of a police missing person investigation.
Inquest touching the death of Mark Dainty (representing the Hampshire Constabulary)
Article 2 jury inquest into to the death of a man who ligatured following a transfer from police custody into prison. Complex inquest exploring causation, safeguarding, monitoring and data-sharing between agencies.
Inquest touching the death of Will Bargate (representing the family)
Inquest following the death of a student at Warwick University who had disengaged with the university during the course of the Covid pandemic.
The primary focus of the inquest was exploring the university’s alleged failures to maintain contact with the deceased or to contact his family when they received no response.
Inquest touching the death of Lewis Francis (representing Avon & Somerset Police)
Article 2 jury inquest following the death of a man who took his own life whilst held on remand following a psychotic episode when he attacked his own grandmother with a kitchen knife.
Inquest touching the death of Paul Taylor (representing West Mercia Police)
Article 2 jury inquest following the death of a man shortly after a kinetic traffic stop on a motorway. Following conflicting reports as to whether he had swallowed drugs, he collapsed in police custody.
A complex case involving conflicting evidence between police officers, alleged failings the in the custody suite and conflicting evidence from three medical experts.
Inquest touching the death of Katie Locke (representing Hertfordshire Constabulary)
Inquest into the death of woman brutally assaulted and murdered by Carl Langdell on a first date. Langdell was serving a suspended sentence order at the time, was known to two police forces, two mental health trusts and the probation service.
Inquest touching the death of Marc Cole (representing Devon & Cornwall Police)
Article 2 jury inquest following the death of a man shortly after the deployment of a taser.
Inquest touching the death Douglas Oak (representing Dorset Police)
Article 2 jury inquest following the death of a man suffering from Acute Behavioural Disorder, examining the response of the police and ambulance service.
Inquest touching the death of Suleyman Yalcin (representing the Metropolitan Police)
Article 2 jury inquest following the death of a pedestrian following a collision with a police van travelling on an emergency response.
Mark served on the Welsh Government panel of counsel from 2017-2021 and was instructed to provide ministers with advice and representation in the fields of public law, employment and personal injury.
He undertakes all areas of public law work, including judicial review, human rights and inquests.
Mark regularly advises and represents Chief Constables on judicial review claims, including claims relating to failures to investigate and records crimes, the use of police powers under PACE and the DBS vetting and recording regime.
Mark has also provided extensive advice Police and Crime Commissioners concerning their duties and powers to hold Chief Constables to account.
R (on the application of J) v (1) The Chief Constable of West Mercia Police (2) The Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police [2022] EWHC 26 (Admin) [2022] 1 WLUK 29
Jointly instructed by both Chief Constables to defend a judicial review brought by a senior IT professional who failed vetting, having been offered a contract to provide professionals services to both services.
R (on the application of Khashaba) V Chief Constable of Lancashire Police
Claim for Judicial Review where the Claimant sought the removal of an harassment warning notice from the PNC.
R (on the application of Chima) v Chief Constable of Lancashire Police
Claim for Judicial Review where Claimant sought removal from the PNC of information relating to multiple arrests.
R (on the application of E) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2018] EWHC 2729 (Admin)
Defending a claim challenging disclosures in an Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate
R (on the application of Scardfield) v Police Medical Appeals Board & Hampshire Police Authority [2013] EWHC 3822 (Admin)
Successfully defended the Chief Constable in Judicial Review proceedings relating to correct definition of disabled under Police Pension Regulations.
Mark is an information law specialist. He routinely acts for clients with complex information law issues. Mark’s advisory work includes reviews of multiple data sharing agreements between public bodies and the structure and implementation of the regime of police certificates which are issued to over 120,000 people annually.
Mark has also provided time sensitive crisis management advice following major data breaches in high profile situations.
Mark regularly provides advice and representation in cases involving health and clinical issues. He has acted for NHS Trusts, private healthcare providers, care homes and individual clinicians.
Advising in clinical negligence proceedings following the repeated cancellation of clinical procedures and allegations that sterilisation procedures had not been adhered to.
Advising in relation to an accident at work suffered by an employee of a national private healthcare provider.
Representing a third sector care provider in inquest proceedings following the death of a young man suffering from epilepsy. Includes issues of the correct deployment of assistive technology within assisted accommodation.
Representing an individual carer at an inquest following the death of a young man suffering severe disabilities who died when his tracheostomy became dislodged and was not reinserted. Included detailed examination of issues surrounding tracheostomy care.
Representing a police force at inquest proceedings following the death of a member of the public after an episode of Acute Behavioural Disturbance.
Advising a private care home provider in defence of a claim for breaches of Articles 2, 3 and 8 ECHR following a number of alleged failures and omissions in relation to residential nursing care.
Advising a private care home provider in relation to breach of contract and negligence claims following allegations of lack of treatment and care given to an elderly dementia patient.
Mark is a hugely experienced in public law, having represented numerous public authorities, education and healthcare providers and almost every police force in England and Wales on public law matters.
He has represented both public and private organisations in public law before courts and tribunals nationally up to and including the Court of Appeal. As an inquest and public inquiry specialist, he is particularly experienced in the style of inquisitorial advocacy required in public inquiries.
Mark is ranked for Inquests and Public Inquiries in Chambers UK and The Legal 500, which states he is “highly professional – he brings a humane approach to the task”. Chambers UK says he “provides a first-class service at all times” and is “very engaged with the work he does and is highly efficient”.
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Instructing Mark
Please contact James Cole if you have any questions or wish to instruct us.
Inquests and Public Inquiries
“Mark dealt admirably with a very difficult situation that arose. He delivers submissions with grace and poise and represents his clients’ interests fearlessly.”
“Mark is helpful and supportive throughout the inquest.”
“Mark is a well-prepared and dogged advocate for his clients but has real strategic insight.”
Police Law
“Mark has an incredibly strategic mind, a real talent for looking at a case at a high level and making judgement calls about the best approach. He has very in-depth knowledge about police forces.”
“Whenever Mark’s services are offered to me, I stop what I am doing to ensure nobody else beats me to it. I know that his involvement in a case means that my client will get the best service there is.”
“Mark Thomas can look forward and decide on a best approach. He is a very confident advocate, he is well liked by coroner, and he is a pleasure to work with.”
“Mark Thomas is a delightful colleague even in a very fraught case; he is very sensible, measured in his approach and is mindful of the evidence’s impact on the family.”
Inquests and Public Inquiries
“Mark is a very thorough, calm and incisive advocate.”
Police Law
“Mark brings very thorough case preparation, and he is a calm and incisive advocate.”
Inquests and Public Inquiries:
“Mark is brilliant at balancing the needs of clients with the needs of the court. He is diligent and thorough.”
“Mark is a very effective advocate. He argues his case well on paper and orally.”
Police Law:
“When I instruct Mark, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that our client is in the best hands. He is affable, hard-working, very intelligent, creative and committed.”
“Mark is an excellent all-rounder – approachable, pragmatic, thorough in his advice and very commercially astute.”
“Mark Thomas constructively analysed the evidence to maximise the position for the client. He was fair and respectful of his opponent’s position.”
Inquests and Public Inquiries:
‘Mark has a talent for calmly presenting intricate legal arguments in a manner that resonates with judges and juries.’
Police Law:
‘Mark is excellent in every respect. He is personable, affable and his intellect and attention to detail are hugely impressive.’
“Mark is a hugely likeable and diligent barrister who is at the top of my list whenever I need to instruct in relation to a difficult case.”
“Mark is a solid, reliable and conscientious lawyer, who takes time to listen and take on board one’s ideas and concerns.”
“You can always rely on Mark to give strong practical advice.”
“Mark is a great all-round advisor.”
‘Mark is a tactical genius- a first choice counsel for the police and regulators in high-profile and difficult inquests and inquiries. He has a calm yet persuasive advocacy style, which immediately reassures the witnesses and court. His demeanour is approachable and calm, while also being decisive and forthright.’
‘Mark is a tactical genius- a first choice counsel for the police and regulators in high-profile and difficult inquests and inquiries. He has a calm yet persuasive advocacy style, which immediately reassures the witnesses and court. His demeanour is approachable and calm, while also being decisive and forthright.’
‘When you’re against him, you can place complete trust in his judgement. He is scrupulously fair.’
“Very engaged with the work he does and highly efficient.” (Police Law)
“Mark’s approach to inquests and families is highly professional – he brings a humane approach to the task.” (Inquest and Inquiries)
“A measured and affable advocate.” (Police Law – Defendant)
‘A measured and affable advocate.’
‘ He provides a first-class service at all times. ’ (Police Law)
‘He handles Court of Appeal matters, unled, for forces.’ (Police Law – Defendant)
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