Bush case brings leading QCs for courtroom battle

(CNS): The criminal case against the former Cayman Islands premier McKeeva Bush has attracted a team of lawyers from the UK on both sides of the courtroom battle. Bush who instructed the local firm Travers Thorp Alberga has called on the services of leading international lawyer, Geoffrey Cox QC, (left) who is also a serving Conservative MP in the UK parliament. Meanwhile, the crown has instructed a legal star in the corruption field. Duncan Penny QC hasworked with the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority and was recently involved in the News International phone hacking trial.

Both men have arrived in Cayman with support from their UK chambers for what is expected to be a four week trial. Cox is supported locally by Michael Alberga and has junior counsel William Frain Bell from his London chambers, who is a specialist in international arbitration work.

Cox who became a QC in 2003 is the UK MP for Torridge and West Devon but he continues to practice law as well as being an outspoken advocate in the House of Commons on rural affairs. He was also a member of the Standards and Privileges committee until January of this year. 

Cox has appeared in many high profile cases on the international stage including here in Cayman. Before becoming a QC, Cox was Standing Counsel to the government of Mauritius. Described as “flamboyant” and “extremely persuasive” his experience is covers a wide spectrum of law. His criminal cases include the Cayman Islands’ Eurobank trial and a series of trials of police officers accused of corruption all of whom were acquitted.

On the other side of the bar Duncan Penny was appointed as QC earlier this year. However, his new Silk status does not mean he will not be a formidable opponent for Cox. Instructed by the director of public prosecutions and supported by Toyin Selako from the DPP’s office, Penny has also brought a junior from his London Chambers, Peter Ratliff an expert in corporate crime.

Penny is described as “excellent and extremely bright” with expertise in economic crime including corruption and fraud. Formerly standing counsel to the Department of Trade and Industry, he is currently retained in separate matters by the Serious Fraud Office he is highly regarded in the fields of corruption and fraud.