Austin Anderson-Brettell

Associate

Austin joined Olliers in 2025, having trained and qualified as a solicitor at a leading firm in the Manchester area. Austin brings with him a wealth of experience in road traffic law. Originally from Canada, Austin completed his undergraduate degree at Laurentian University before relocating to Manchester. Austin has since undertaken and passed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, qualifying as a solicitor in 2023.

Specialist Road Traffic Lawyer

Austin has over eight years of experience in road traffic law, which perfectly complements Olliers’ well-established motoring team.

Austin deals with the following motoring allegations:

Drink driving
Drunk in charge of a motor vehicle
Drug driving
Dangerous driving
Death by dangerous driving
Careless driving
Death by careless driving
Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
Failing to provide a specimen
Failing to stop
Speeding
No insurance
Exceptional hardship arguments
Special Reasons hearings

Over the course of his career, Austin has built trusted relationships with leading experts and fellow professionals, many of whom have helped pioneer this niche sector of criminal defence. Through this experience, Austin has developed his expertise and intimate knowledge of the law surrounding driving offences which has resulted in hundreds of successful cases in both the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.

In addition to trial preparation, Austin has experience with cases progressing to the High Court by way of Judicial Review and Case Stated proceedings. His ability to identify technical arguments and scrutinise every detail ensures that his client’s cases are meticulously prepared and persuasively presented.

Austin is recognised for his calm, thorough, and client-focused approach. He prides himself on being honest, patient, and straightforward in his advice, qualities that clients value highly when navigating the stressful landscape of a criminal motoring allegation. Austin also appears before the Magistrates’ Court representing clients at preliminary hearings and trials. His reassuring presence in court helps to put clients at ease, while his advocacy ensures their case is argued with strength and clarity.

Criminal Defence Lawyer

Austin has successfully completed his Police Station Accreditation with Olliers, thereby broadening the support he can provide across the entire spectrum of criminal law. He frequently attends police interviews under caution, especially voluntary interviews arranged with the police. Austin prioritises obtaining early disclosure of allegations against his clients to enable thorough preparation for the interview, ensuring that the most effective strategies are employed at the police station. When clients are released pending further investigation, he diligently considers the best approach to secure a successful outcome.

Representation during criminal investigations

Austin is recognised for his proactive stance during the investigation phase of a case. While an interview under caution is a crucial part of the process, the real work often begins afterward. Austin’s primary goal is to conclude investigations favourably without leading to prosecution. He is known for his strategic collaboration with investigators throughout the process. By combining formal and informal pre-charge engagement to both police and prosecutors, he significantly reduces the likelihood of prosecution.

Recent Cases

R v NF – 2026 – Represented a client in an appeal against sentence (length of disqualification) for failing to stop following a road traffic accident. The appeal was allowed with the original disqualification being halved.
R v JF – 2026 – Represented a client who plead guilty to an offence of failing to provide a specimen of breath. Successfully argued defendant fell within the lowest sentencing category despite evidence of poor driving and apparent deliberate refusal.
R v ME – 2026 – Represented a client charged with Fraud (by false representation). Successfully advanced written representations to the Council to withdraw the offence in lieu of an out of court caution.
R v MM – 2026 – Represented a client being investigated for Misuse of a Blue Badge. Following written representations, the Council agreed to proceed by way of a warning letter and the client’s interview was cancelled.
R v OO – 2026 – Represented a client being investigated for Fraud (by false representation). Following advice and representation at interview, the Council agreed to take no further action against the client.
R v SR – 2026 – Represented a client charged with Failing to Furnish Driver Details and Speeding. Following representations and liaison with the Police, the Police agreed to withdraw the Failing to Furnish allegation which avoided the necessity to attend court.
R v SW – 2026 – Represented a client charged with Failing to Furnish Driver Details and Speeding. Following representations and liaison with the Police, the Police agreed to withdraw the Failing to Furnish allegation which avoided the necessity to attend court.

Police Station

R v JH – 2025 – Represented a client at the police station in relation to an allegation of Common Assault. No further action taken following advice and representation.
R v SB – 2025 – Represented a client at the police station in relation to an allegation of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. No further action taken following advice and representation.
R v DT – 2025 – Represented a client at the police station in relation to allegation(s) of Controlling and Coercive Behavior, Assault, Theft, and False Imprisonment . No further action taken following advice and representation.
R v LE – 2026 – Represented a client at the police station in relation to an allegation of Common Assault and Non-Fatal Strangulation. No further action taken following advice and representation.
R v CA – 2026 – Represented a client at the police station in relation to an allegation of Common Assault. Case dealt with by way of Restorative Justice following advice and representation.
R v JM – 2026 – Represented a client at the police station in relation to an allegation of Criminal Damage, Theft, and Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. No further action taken following advice and representation.
R v FO – 2026 – Represented a client at the police station in relation to an allegation of Sexual Assault. Client originally bailed with strict bail conditions. Written representations were made on the client’s behalf and submitted to the police investigator. Following representations the police confirmed no further action would be taken and the client’s bail was cancelled.
R v ZK – 2026 – Represented a client at the police station in relation to an allegation of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. No further action taken following advice and representation.