British lawyer to the rich and famous dies in Gibraltar 'after getting into difficulty while body surfing'

  • Timothy Lawson-Cruttenden, 64, was discovered by police on Wednesday
  • The former triathlete and army lieutenant was reportedly visiting his daughter
  • Mr Lawson-Cruttenden had represented David Walliams and The Clash
  • Cambridge graduate had a 40-year career specialising in harassment claims 

Timothy Lawson-Cruttenden speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice while representing Oxford University in 2004

Timothy Lawson-Cruttenden speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice while representing Oxford University in 2004

A British lawyer to the rich and famous died after he was found in the water off of Gibraltar on Wednesday morning.

Timothy Lawson-Cruttenden, 64, reportedly got into difficulty while body surfing off the coast of the British overseas territory.

The former triathlete and army lieutenant was hauled from the waves by traffic police after he was seen in the water at the East Side Reclamation, by Catalan Bay.

Attempts were made to revive him but he could not be saved. 

Mr Lawson-Cruttenden had represented the Sex Pistols' John Lydon (Johnny Rotten), David Walliams, as well as rock bands The Clash and The Blockheads in his 40-year career specialising in harassment claims.

On his LinkedIn profile he describes how he set up a 'punk rock practice' following his representing Johnny Rotten in 1980.

The Harrovian and Cambridge graduate had been visiting his daughter, The Sun reported.

Mr Lawson-Cruttenden conducted cases involving harassment on social media, 'revenge pornography,' and 'passing off.' 

His profile on the DG Law website says: 'In his free time he is an enthusiastic squash player and loves to swim in open water.' 

The Royal Gibraltar Police confirmed they had found Mr Lawson-Cruttenden at the East Side Reclamation, by Catalan Bay

The Royal Gibraltar Police confirmed they had found Mr Lawson-Cruttenden at the East Side Reclamation, by Catalan Bay

A statement from the Royal Gibraltar Police said: 'Arthur Timothy Lawson-Cruttenden, an ex-triathlete who was visiting family in Gibraltar, got into difficulties after going body surfing at the East Side this morning, having to be pulled out of the sea by Traffic officers who were the first on scene. 

'Despite intense and protracted efforts by the officers, GHA Ambulance Service personnel and the staff in the A&E Department at St Bernard’s Hospital Mr Lawson could not be revived.'

They confirmed that Mr Lawson-Cruttenden's body was with the coroner and said: 'The RGP wishes to convey to Mr Lawson’s family and friends its most sincere condolences for their loss.'

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