Barrister Porsche Tragedy: Driver Charged

Michael Sunnooman

A property investor, charged over the death of 64 year-old barrister David Batcup, who was struck by a Porsche as he left a legal charity gig, appeared in court for the first time today.

Michael Sunnooman, 52, of Deal Road, Tooting was bailed unconditionally by Wimbledon Magistrates Court to appear at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing on November 22.

He indicated a not guilty plea to one charge of causing death by dangerously driving a white 3.4 litre Porsche 911 in Bedford Hill, Balham on September 13, last year. 

Part-time judge Mr. Batcup had just left the Law Rocks battle-of-the-bands event at the Bedford pub, where staff from firms including Harbottle and Lewis, Mishcon de Reya and 1ITL performed.

He was struck at 10.18pm and thrown twenty feet as he crossed the road and was pronounced dead at the scene

David Batcup

The 16 year-old vehicle, worth around £18,000, was found abandoned nearby.

Mr. Batcup worked for over thirty-five years in criminal courts on high-profile cases including murder, money-laundering, drug dealing and sexual abuse.

He graduated from University College London and was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 1974, where he retied from role of head of chambers in 2000 to take up his Crown Court judge role.