Ian Broughton – Drug, Firearms and Street Slang Expert Witness
Founder and Director, Expert Witness Services
Areas of Expertise
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Illicit drug trafficking and supply
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Drug valuation and quantum reports
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Drug Lines
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County Lines
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Child Criminal Exploitation
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EncroChat, Sky ECC and other encrypted communications
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Organised Crime Groups and criminal methodologies
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Drug trafficking - importation/exportation
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Cover loads and concealments
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Rip on / rip off
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Cannabis cultivation
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Drug production & Illicit drug laboratories
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Firearms trafficking and the criminal use of firearms
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Urban street gangs and street slang
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Interpretation of communications data including social media posts and musical lyrics
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Proceeds of Crime Act matters
Professional Experience
With over 37 years of experience, Ian has cultivated extensive expertise in illicit drugs and firearms offending, developed through his time served in some of London's toughest neighbourhoods and on infamous units such as the Trident Area Crime Command and the Serious & Organised Crime Directorate at New Scotland Yard.
Trained and recognised by the NCA as 'Expert', Ian is a seasoned expert witness who provides clear and concise reports and compelling live witness testimony. He has assisted in criminal trials across England and Wales.
Ian led the Met's expert evidence response to 'Operation Venetic', the investigation into the encrypted communications platform 'Encrochat', demonstrating his deep understanding of Organised Criminal Groups' methodologies, tactics, language, structure, and hierarchies. His coordination, management and supervision of expert witnesses during this period of unprecedented demand ensured the safe and correct use of expert evidence.
In 2021, Ian pioneered the UK's first Expert Evidence course in Urban Street Gangs and Slang, training expert witnesses to interpret street slang in cases of serious violence and murder.
He has been awarded numerous official commendations for his work in his specialist fields from trial Judges, Senior Police Officers and the National Crime Agency.
He has mentored numerous expert witnesses, ensuring compliance with CrimPD, CrimPR, CPIA, and CPS guidance, and has advised on national drug-related committees.
Driven by a belief in the transformative power of expert evidence, training, and report writing, Ian founded Expert Witness Services in 2021, delivering impactful programs to Law Enforcement, Government Agencies, and professionals across the UK and providing highly credible expert evidence in criminal trials.
Types of Instruction Accepted
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Independent expert reports for criminal proceedings
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Instructions from prosecution and defence teams
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Review of existing prosecution or defence expert evidence
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Drug valuation and quantum reports
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Analysis and interpretation of communications & data
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Case conferences with solicitors, counsel and investigators
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Peer review and quality assurance of expert reports
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Oral expert evidence in court
Legal Aid Agency funded cases are accepted, subject to the nature of the instruction and the required funding authority.
Independence and Professional Standards
Ian’s overriding duty as an expert witness is to assist the court. His opinions are independent, impartial and limited to matters within his expertise, regardless of which party provides the instruction.
Reports are prepared in accordance with the applicable Criminal Procedure Rules, Criminal Practice Directions and disclosure requirements. Conclusions are explained clearly, with any limitations or areas of uncertainty identified.
Expert Witness Services applies a quality-assurance process to completed reports before they are issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ian accept instructions from both the prosecution and defence?
Yes. Ian accepts appropriate instructions from both prosecution and defence teams. His duty is to provide an independent and impartial opinion within his areas of expertise.
What information is needed for an initial enquiry?
Please provide a short case summary, the alleged offences, the court, relevant deadlines, the questions the expert may need to address and how the work will be funded. Case material can be requested after the initial discussion.
Are Legal Aid Agency funded cases accepted?
Yes, Legal Aid Agency funded cases can be considered. A copy of the relevant funding authority will normally be required before work begins.
Can Ian review another expert’s report?
Yes. Ian can review existing expert evidence within his specialist fields and identify areas requiring clarification, further analysis or challenge.
How long does an expert report take?
Timescales depend on the volume and complexity of the evidence and any court deadline. With a team of experienced experts, we are used to completing reports at short notice if required. An estimated delivery date will be provided after the initial material has been reviewed.
Discuss an Instruction
To discuss whether Ian’s expertise is suitable for your case, send a brief initial enquiry. Please include the alleged offences, the court, relevant deadlines and whether the matter is privately or publicly funded. Do not send confidential case material until suitable transfer arrangements have been agreed.