Category: Latest News

The press has recently reported that children who were victims of serious sexual abuse have received paltry sums, £20 for example, as compensation from the courts. The court has a duty to consider making a compensation order in any case where personal injury, loss, or damage has resulted from the offence. If it does not… Continue reading What is a Criminal Compensation Order?

Forensic evidence has dominated some of the news agenda this week, with outrage over the interrogation of complainant’s phones in sexual offence and other cases. In reality of course, if a police officer is to investigate a criminal offence fairly, the interrogation of phones, computers and other devices may well be necessary, despite the potential… Continue reading Focus On Forensics

Today the Sentencing Council published new guidelines covering arson and criminal damage of all kinds, as well as threats to destroy property. There were existing guidelines, but they were thought to be very limited and only covered the Magistrates Court, there were no guidelines for the Crown Court, which deals with the more serious offences.… Continue reading Sentencing Council Guidlines

Gavin Williamson MP has been sacked from the Cabinet for leaking confidential information from the National Security Council regarding Huawei. Theresa May considers that the matter is closed and won’t refer him to the police. However, they can investigate anyway, but would need the cooperation of the Cabinet Office. There are some sensitivities when it… Continue reading Listen, do You Want to Know a Secret?

We have all read newspaper articles reporting that a drug dealer or fraudster made hundreds of thousands from their offending but was ordered to pay back a much smaller amount. That is not always the end of the matter. What are the proceeds of crime? If a defendant is determined to have had a ‘criminal… Continue reading Proceeds of Crime – when does it all end?

If a relationship breaks down, it can often be the case that the grandparents also suffer, with little or no contact with their grandchildren. Whilst there is no automatic right for grandparents to have access to their grandchildren, the court does recognise the often poignant role grandparents play. In the latest post from Broadbents Solicitors,… Continue reading Grandparents’ Rights

Registering a lasting power of attorney means that you give someone you trust the power to make decisions related to money, finances and property or health and care on your behalf. If you wish to make a lasting power of attorney that can handle both aspects related to your finances and health and care, you… Continue reading Your Guide To Lasting Powers of Attorney

The idea of speed limits causes immense confusion, with many people believing that the speed limit is at least the minimum speed you should ordinarily drive at. Most of us have experienced the rage of a motorist behind us if we adhere to the limit, and a step below it to any degree can cause… Continue reading Speeding – How Fast is Too Fast?

The Government has published new plans to make the roads safer for everyone. The plans include several changes for people at every stage of life, and also for more specialised drivers like HGV drivers and motorcycle riders. Children The Department for Transport has granted funding of £225,000 to Good Egg Safety to develop a training… Continue reading Road Safety Review – More New Laws?

This perennial question was back in the news following a ministry of justice announcement that further steps would be taken to root out dishonest prison officers and others working in custodial institutions. A new counter-corruption unit will be tasked with ‘proactively [purusing] those suspected of corrupt activity in prison and probation services across England and… Continue reading Who Guards the Guards?