Mohammed Omar LLB (Hons) – Criminal Defence Solicitor & Higher Court Advocate

With 16 years of post-qualification experience dedicated entirely to criminal defence, Mohammad Omar is widely regarded as a leading advocate in the field. Known for his sharp legal mind and tireless work ethic, Omar is uncompromising in his dedication to uncovering every nuance of a case. He has successfully defended individuals facing some of the most serious and complex criminal allegations across the country.

Qualifying as a solicitor in 2010, Omar has gone on to specialise in cases that demand more than routine defence: serious fraud, organised crime, deep conspiracies, and offences with complex evidentiary challenges. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation not only for his advocacy but for a forensic attention to detail—delving into witness statements, cross-examining forensic reports, probing procedural fairness, and exposing flaws that others often overlook.

Mohammad Omar - Criminal Defence Solicitor

Notable Cases

Acting as Advocate in the Crown Court

Acted as advocate in a complex, multi-handed case involving seven co-defendants charged with modern slavery and money laundering offences.

Case involved extensive forensic and financial evidence, with material obtained from Slovakia and witnesses giving live evidence from abroad.
Trial listed for 12 weeks, involving detailed cross-border and translated evidence.

After seven weeks, the Crown was compelled to offer no evidence following cross-examination of key witnesses.

 

All defendants acquitted in a large-scale case with significant international elements.

Acted as junior counsel in a multi-handed gangland prosecution arising from a drug-related shooting in Cheetham Hill, Manchester.

Seven-week trial at Manchester Crown Court involving complex evidence, including telecoms, forensics, and witness testimony.

Case concerned serious allegations of organised criminal activity and firearms use. Trial one led to a hung jury on the lead count of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Prior to a re-trial defence negotiations led to the crown offering a plea bargain to possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence. Successful outcome in a high-stakes, factually complex Crown Court trial.

Represented a defendant in a high-profile serious assault described as a “cocaine-fuelled boxer” attack.

Prosecution advanced the case as warranting immediate custodial sentence due to significant violence.

Matter required careful handling of aggravating features and overall context of the offending.
Following detailed mitigation, a structured plea was advanced at sentence.

Suspended sentence imposed, avoiding immediate custody.

Defended as advocate the lead defendant in this 5 handed Affray taking place in a busy steakhouse restaurant. Defendant was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon namely a meat clever used in the attack. Incident largely captured on CCTV. Almost 2 years after the incident the matter concluded. Mitigated before the Crown Court Judge to spare the defendant imprisonment successfully and a suspended sentence was imposed.

Represented as advocate in the Crown Court this defendant in a money laundering case involving £70,095 seized from a vehicle and £8,888.29 from a linked address.

Prosecution alleged involvement in  conceal/disguise/convert/transfer/remove criminal property.

Successfully advanced case that defendant acted only as a courier in transit.

Established that cash seized from the home address was from legitimate sources and the offence to lie on file in a plea bargain.
Sentenced to a conditional discharge with no POCA proceedings initiated.

Acting as Principal Solicitor

Acted in an 18-handed prosecution involving allegations of large-scale “county lines” Class A drug supply across Derbyshire and Oxford.
Case included “cuckooing” of addresses and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, with evidence of 30 burner phones and 11 identified victims.
Prosecution relied on extensive telephony data, drug seizures, and coordinated OCG activity.

On day five of trial, the Crown was compelled to offer no evidence against the defendant.
Only defendant acquitted in a complex, multi-handed conspiracy case.

Represented a defendant in a 15-handed violent disorder prosecution.

Case involved serious violence, including use of vehicles, knives, and other weapons.

Evidence included CCTV, witness testimony, and mobile phone material.

Trial lasted 13 weeks, with 10 co-defendants convicted.

Defence case successfully distinguished from others in a large-scale, high-violence trial and sentenced to 10 months custody.

Conspiracy to possess shotguns linked to the burglary of 18 firearms and 1000.

Eleven defendants alleged to be involved in the possession and distribution of the weapons.

Client alleged to have acted in concert with others in the conspiracy.

First trial involving seven defendants collapsed due to COVID-19 disruption.

Retrial the following year resulted in the acquittal of all defendants.

Represented a defendant facing “three strike” sentencing provisions with four prior convictions for drug supply.

New proceedings involved conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs as part of a county lines operation involving five others.

Prosecution alleged a leading role in the organisation of the supply network.

Negotiated and secured an agreed basis of plea reflecting a reduced level of culpability.

Outcome significantly mitigated in a serious repeat offending case. Sentenced to 7 years.

Defended in proceedings arising from operation Venetic aka Encrochat. The National Crime Agency investigation involving encrypted mobile phones led to the arrest of the defendant I represented. Allegations involving conspiracy to supply wholesale amount of Class A drugs and sell/transfer prohibited weapons (Firearms). Defence and crown agreed on a plea bargain on a favourable basis for the defendant. Sentenced to 9 years.

Principal solicitor in a complex child sexual exploitation case linked to historic Rochdale grooming investigations (Cohort 1).

Represented defendant from police station through to Crown Court in a long-running investigation spanning several years.

Case involved an 82-count indictment and a trial exceeding 13 weeks at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Extensive evidence including historic allegations, witness accounts, and disclosure material.

Defendant acquitted of all charges following trial.

Defended in a case to supply Class A drugs namely crack cocaine and diamorphine (heroine). After success in a Newton Hearing the defendant received a suspended prison sentence.

Defended in serious sexual allegations including rape. The prosecution case was that the complainant was too drunk and not in full consciousness therefore rendering her incapable of consenting. Defence case was that any sexual contact was consensual and the complainants account was fabricated. After almost a two week trial the defendant was acquitted by the jury.

Police Station Representation

Defended in a 30-year-old cold case murder investigation in Nottingham.

Attended and advised during two days of police station interviews.

Investigation involved historic allegations revived through major police appeals and a £50,000 reward. Granted police bail whilst under investigation for several months.

No further action taken against the accused.

Personal Interests

Outside of Law, Omar is a keen cyclist, having ridden the 500km Hijrah Ride in 3 days, and an enthusiastic hiker who enjoys exploring challenging landscapes including successfully completing the national 3 peaks challenge within 24 hours.

A lifelong lover and player of cricket, he also maintains a strong passion for endurance running.

He has successfully completed both the London and Manchester Marathons and continues to run regularly as part of his active lifestyle.

Criminal Defence Solicitor