Brian has experience of representing Defendants facing a wide range of criminal allegations from terrorism and gangland murder to road traffic offences. He is a Higher Rights Advocate which means he is qualified to represent defendants in all courts, and conducts his own jury trials.

As with all other fee earners in the criminal department, Brian staffs the firms out of hours on call rota, representing Defendants in the Police Station out of hours.  In doing so, the department ensures that our clients receive the best of representation at whatever the hour of day.  Brian is a qualified Duty Solicitor for both court and Police Stations.

Brian graduated in Engineering from the University of Wales before changing to law, completing his studies at the College of Law at York in 1993.  He trained in London, before returning to his native North East in 1998 to join David Gray, Solicitors.

Our criminal department is recognised in Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession as “the premier criminal outfit on Tyneside”, and “Brian Hegarty embodies the quality that flows throughout the firm and is applauded for his ability to demonstrate flair in serious criminal matters”