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Category: Latest News

The Parole Board – A Period of Rapid Change

Following the Parole Board decision to release John Worboys, the taxi driver rapist, there has been a review of its functions, in particular, a review of Rule 25 of the Parole Board Rules 2016 that prevented the Parole Board disclosing any information relating to its hearings. That rule was found to be unlawful in a… Continue reading The Parole Board – A Period of Rapid Change

Dogs – Avoiding a Death Penalty

It is often said that there is no such thing as a dangerous dog, only a dangerous owner. While we often refer to ‘dangerous dogs’ in criminal law, the actual offences relate to dogs ‘dangerously out of control’. Section 10 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 states that: ‘a dog shall be regarded as dangerously… Continue reading Dogs – Avoiding a Death Penalty

Getting Tough on Public Disorder

The Sentencing Council, which is the body responsible for setting sentencing guidelines in England and Wales, has published proposed new guidelines in respect to public order offences. What Offences Are Covered? The guidelines will apply to the following offences, all of which are to be found in the Public Order Act 1986: • Riot •… Continue reading Getting Tough on Public Disorder

What Happens in Rome, May Not Stay in Rome

Most people know that if you commit a criminal offence in the UK, the police will record details of that offence and any subsequent sentence so that it is revealed during any future PNC (Police National Computer) check. What about offending abroad, can that be kept a secret? The answer depends on where the offence… Continue reading What Happens in Rome, May Not Stay in Rome

Drugs Importation

It is common for officers at airports and other ports of entry to intercept people carrying controlled drugs in their luggage, clothing or inside their bodies on behalf of suppliers in foreign jurisdictions. The colloquial term for such people is ‘mule’. They may have been pressured into carrying the drugs or have done so for… Continue reading Drugs Importation

Hillsborough Prosecutions

A former senior police officer, David Duckenfield, who was in charge on the day of the Hillsborough disaster, will this week find out whether prosecution proceedings against him can continue. Prosecutions against others allegedly involved in the Hillsborough tragedy began in July 2017, but Duckenfield’s case is different as earlier proceedings against him were stayed… Continue reading Hillsborough Prosecutions

Noisy Neighbours Causing A Nuisance?

Everyone needs a good night’s sleep, however, if you are burdened by noisy neighbours, you may find it hard to relax in your own home. In the latest blog post by Broadbents Solicitors, we discuss regulations surrounding late night noise and potential steps you can take to remedy the situation. Late night hours are considered… Continue reading Noisy Neighbours Causing A Nuisance?

Knife Crime – Sentencing Changes

Knife crime is very much on the political agenda, with a number of stabbings having taken place over the last few weeks, resulting in deaths and injury, and no doubt the loss of liberty in due course for those responsible. Attention is now focussed on using deterrent sentences to discourage knife possession. The Sentencing Council,… Continue reading Knife Crime – Sentencing Changes

Targeting Drink Drivers

The government has announced its intention to use new roadside breathalysers, in a move that could see a further 6,000 convictions per year for drink driving. At the moment, the breath test procedure is in 2 stages, a person who tests positive at the roadside will be arrested and taken to a police station for… Continue reading Targeting Drink Drivers

Shaken Baby Syndrome

The unlawful death of a child is always a deeply traumatic act and one that shakes any society to its core. For some parents, it represents not only a deeply personal and tragic loss but the beginning of a nightmare. The reality in most murder and manslaughter cases is that the perpetrator is known, and… Continue reading Shaken Baby Syndrome