Category: Latest News

The outgoing Chief Inspector of Probation has issued a damning report. He is calling for an independent review of whether the Probation Service should return to local control two years on from unification into a national service. The Chief Inspector reports, in an overall assessment that: ‘The Probation Service is struggling. It’s more than two… Continue reading Chief Inspector Calls for an Independent Review of the Probation Service

On the 12th September 2023, Andrea Leadsom MP posed this question to Edward Argar MP who is a Minister of State in the Ministry of Justice: ‘What conversations have my right hon. Friend across the government to make sure that the sentencing for those convicted of dangerous cycling is equalised with the sentencing guidelines for… Continue reading Cyclists in the Spotlight

Cross-party legal reform charity, JUSTICE has this week published a landmark report describing how the rule of law in the UK has “regressed significantly on multiple fronts” and threatens the very democratic fabric of our nation. The rule of law is a set of principles, fundamental to our constitution, that seeks to ensure that everyone,… Continue reading Rule of Law Is under “Grave Threat”

Possession of nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, will be illegal by the end of the year. The ban was promised as part of the Government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, with the Home Secretary urging police forces to get tougher on flagrant drug taking in the streets, which is said to blight communities. Secondary… Continue reading Nitrous Oxide – Government Acts to Make Possession Illegal

A feature of many miscarriages of justice cases is the malign influence of dishonest police officers who have managed to stay in post despite many years of red flags having been raised in some cases. Recent tragic cases, such as the murder of Sarah Everard, have brought this issue to the forefront of policing. Now,… Continue reading Proposals to Make It Easier to Sack Rogue Police Officers

Much has been written this week on government plans to “ban” machetes and zombie knives, and claims that possession would be made “illegal”. The government said: “Machetes and zombie-style knives with no practical use will be banned and police will have more powers to seize them in a bid to crack down on their use… Continue reading Government Bans Machetes and Zombie Knives

Appeals in relation to the removal of firearms licenses are heard in the Crown Court and the practice and procedure surrounding such hearings has been settled for many decades. In a recent case the question arose as to whether a Crown Court has the power to receive evidence in secret.   The Facts   Trevor… Continue reading Firearms Licensing – Court Authorises Secret Evidence

Fans are being warned they face being banned from football matches – and next year’s Men’s European Championships – if they commit tragedy-related abuse as prosecutors publish additional guidance this week. The Crown Prosecution Service has updated its prosecution guidance on football related offences which reconfirms that tragedy-related abuse can be prosecuted as a public… Continue reading Prosecutors Crack Down on Football Tragedy Abuse

A public consultation invites views on the operational impact and workability of the newly drafted Code of Practice for the statutory two-tier framework of Out of Court Disposals, as set out in The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act 2022. Out of Court Disposals (OOCDs) is the term used for a range of pre-charge… Continue reading Out of Court Disposals – Government Consults on Changes

In the early hours of 17 October 2022 Morgan Trowland, who is now 40 years old, and Marcus Decker, who is now 34 years old, scaled the Queen Elizabeth II bridge on the M25 carriageway.  They hoisted a “Just Stop Oil” banner across the bridge, and suspended themselves in hammocks. There they remained until arrested… Continue reading Bridge Protestors Get No Sympathy From Court of Appeal