Justice, the renowned human rights organisation, has published a significant report that examines the prosecution of sexual offences, and in some areas calls for a radical overhaul. Among the authors of the report is Judge Peter Rook QC, a senior Judge at the Central Criminal Court (‘Old Bailey’) and considered an expert authority on this… Continue reading Prosecuting Sexual Offences – Time for a rethink?
A question on many people’s lips since the former Justice Secretary admitted to using cocaine several times earlier in his career. So, Could he Face the Legal Consequences of This? Cocaine is a Class A drug, the most serious category. Drug offences are governed by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and whilst buying a… Continue reading Why Hasn’t Michael Gove Been Arrested?
Recently, three men from Halifax were convicted after one of them was found to have run a company whilst disqualified. The other two were convicted of assisting him. If you’re thinking of trying to evade a director’s ban, be aware that it can lead to a criminal conviction and even prison. Why Was he Disqualified?… Continue reading Disqualified Directors
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
