1990 Downside School
1993 1st Class Honours, Oxford University, Philosophy and Theology
1994 CPE, De Montfort University, Leicester, (placed 1st)
1995 ICSL, called to the Bar

Email: jdebono@3serjeantsinn.com

John is recommended in police law and clinical negligence by leading legal directories Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.

'John de Bono remains a respected expert and an increasingly renowned name in police disciplinary proceedings and judicial review matters. He recently represented Merseyside Police in a corruption trial against two constables accused of offering a prisoner sex/drugs in return for confessing to motor crime offences.'.... Chambers and Partners 2011

"...'first rate', 'responsive' and a 'brilliant advocate'..." Legal 500 2010

John de Bono is considered to be “reliable counsel.” Chambers and Partners 2010

John de Bono continues to build an impressive practice with an emphasis on disciplinary work. He has particular interest in judicial review and public law generally. Chambers and Partners 2010

'...“star of the future” John de Bono has won some challenging medium and high-value cases. He is admired for his “enthusiastic, pleasant style,” and for his “well-prepared advocacy and sound judgement.”' Chambers & Partners 2009 

Medical discipline

John regularly appears on behalf of doctors at the GMC, whether before the Interim Orders Panel, the Investigation Committee or Fitness to Practice Panels.  He has also appeared at the NMC.

John regularly appears for doctors and PCTs at Performers’ List Regulations 2004 hearings and subsequent FHSAA hearings.  He is also instructed to appear for doctors at internal disciplinary hearings.

Police discipline 

John has considerable experience of acting as presenting counsel in disciplinary hearings. In the past 12 months he has appeared in misconduct panels involving issues including corruption, theft and unlawful use of force. John's recent cases include acting on behalf of Merseyside Police in a lengthy corruption investigation against two constables accused of offering a prisoner sex/drugs in return for confessing to motor crime offences. He also provides advice to panels, appears before the PAT, and at Chief Constable’s Reviews. 

Chandrasekera v Nursing & Midwifery Council [2009] EWHC 144 (Admin)  -  having represented Mrs Chandrasekera through the Bar Pro Bono Unit, John subsequently appeared at the appeal to contend that in the particular circumstances of this case, striking off the nurse convicted of manslaughter of her husband was an excessive sanction.

Azzam v GMC (2009) LS Law Medical 28; (2009) 105 BMLR 142 – Having first appeared for Dr Azzam at the GMC, John represented Dr Azzam in his appeal against the GMC's finding of impaired fitness to practise led by M. Forde QC.  As a result of this decision the GMC is now required to take into account steps taken by a doctor to remediate his practice since the matters giving rise to a complaint.

Chief Constable of Merseyside v PCs Heath and Turner [misconduct hearing 2007, PAT 2009] Lengthy corruption hearing against two officers accused of offering a prisoner sex/drugs in return for confessing to motor crime offences.