Philippa Matthews

Philippa has a wealth of experience and is passionate and dedicated to this area of law. She represents clients who seek to hold to account those acting on behalf of the state.

Philippa is particularly interested in data protection issues such as disclosure on DBS certificates (formerly CRB certificates)

She has expertise in the following areas: False imprisonment and malicious prosecution, Judicial Review challenges against Police and other state bodies, complaints against the Police, Inquests and Deaths in custody, claims under the Human Rights Act.

Notable cases

– R on the application of John Simpson v South Yorkshire Police

– Successful Judicial Review Challenge against South Yorkshire Police following a decision by South Yorkshire Police to investigate a complaint by way of local resolution. It was felt that the complaint made merited a full investigation. Despite attempts made to South Yorkshire Police asking them to re-consider their decision they failed to do so. Judicial Review Proceedings were then commenced which resulted in the High Court quashing the decision of South Yorkshire Police.

– Acted for the claimant in JB V Secretary of State 2013 EWCA Civ 25 and (2014) UKSC 35 – case involving challenge to disclosure of a caution – Court of Appeal ruled that a there be a declaration that Part V of the Police Act 1997 is incompatible with Article 8 – following the ruling emergency legislation was brought into amend the CRB system to end blanket disclosure of all convictions and cautions. Successfully defended in the Supreme Court – see judgment

– Acted for the respondent in Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Appellant) v Gubeladze (Respondent) [2019] UKSC 31 in successfully defending in the Supreme Court a benefit related appeal that stemmed from a refusal by the DWP to award her pension credit. The client’s claim had been upheld by the Court of Appeal and amongst other things considered the legality of the extension to the Workers’ Right Scheme that allowed workers from certain European countries the right to work in the UK.

– Acted for the family of Michael Clegg – 5 week inquest resulting in unlawful killing verdict.

– Acted in an article 8 ECHR claim against Derbyshire Constabulary following a strip search in custody – substantial damages awarded.