Mr Withers was instructed to appear for the prosecution in an appeal against sentence by Crystal Palace footballer Jason Puncheon, following his conviction for a public order offence in June 2018. Mr Puncheon sought to challenge the sentence given by the Magistrates Court.

Mr Withers appeared before Guildford Crown Court, where Mr Puncheon’s QC sought leave to withdraw the appeal, on the basis that Mr Puncheon sought only to vary the requirement to complete 210 hours of unpaid work, but having considered the indication from the Crown Court that the whole sentence would be considered again, the appeal was not pursued.

Mr Puncheon was ordered to pay the prosecution costs of the appeal following Matthew’s successful application.

Mr Withers was instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service.