Keith Thomas

I continue to practise in common law Chambers and latterly in these Chambers, based in Liverpool and Preston, where I am currently Head of Chambers. In recent years, I have tended to specialise in criminal cases, plus some personal injury and accident litigation.

My criminal practice is mainly defence work. On occasions, I have acted as leading junior for the defence, and I have also been instructed to prosecute or defend in farm animal cruelty and welfare cases.

My civil practice centres on litigation and accidents involving horses and livestock, together with claims involving negligent veterinary treatment.

Such work enables me to use my extensive personal knowledge of equine and agricultural matters. I ride regularly and a small stock farm, with a small flock of pedigree Shetland sheep. I also breed and train horses for racing as a hobby.

My long-standing involvement as Chairman and Secretary of the Vale of Lune Point-to-Point Races (featured on BBC’s Radio 5 Live programme) has given me a detailed practical knowledge of health and safety issues at such events and occasions. I completed the Assistant Trainer’s course at Worcester College of Agriculture and have lectured on various aspects of animal welfare legislation and litigation.

I have represented jockeys, riders and owners. I hold an NVQ Level 3 in Racehorse Care and Management and am a successful National Hunt trainer having a permit from the Jockey Club to train 6 horses.

High profile cases: fraud (including a case which arose from a Granada TV ‘World in Action’ investigation; the riots at Risley Centre and Strangeways Prison; murder cases including those at Lancaster and Garth Prisons.

My internet sites are www.keiththomas.co.uk and www.farmlaw.co.uk

I can be contacted at keiththomas@equilaw.co.uk or through the Clerks at Chambers.