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Age and Sentencing

In a recent case (Spivey [2022] EWCA Crim 997) a Judge was faced with offenders who had just turned 18 years of age. When sentencing, he made the following observation: “I do have in mind the guidelines in relation to sentencing children and young people.”  However, he concluded that as one of the appellants was… Continue reading Age and Sentencing

Clarity on Suspended Sentences

Several offences, such as those involving offensive weapons and blades, have minimum sentencing provisions, resulting in imprisonment for at least six months for many offenders.   A question arose as to whether such prison sentences could lawfully be suspended.   In the case of Whyte Whyte [2018] EWCA Crim 2437 the court held:   “Although… Continue reading Clarity on Suspended Sentences

The Ryan Giggs Trial

Former footballer Ryan Giggs is on trial for a number of offences including “using controlling and coercive behaviour”. We of course would never comment on an ongoing trial, but in this article, we explore further the elements of this offence. So, what is the offence? Controlling or coercive behaviour does not relate to a single… Continue reading The Ryan Giggs Trial

New Hunting Offences

Sections 63 and 64 of The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 came in to force on 1st August 2022. It created two new offences of trespass with intent to pursue hares (s.63 PCSCA 2022) and being equipped to search for or pursue hares (s.64 PCSCA 2022). The s 63 offence (Trespass with intent… Continue reading New Hunting Offences

A new section for self-driving vehicles has been added to the Highway Code

From the 1st of July 2022, new rules on the use of self-driving vehicles in Great Britain have come into force. The changes are included in a new section in The Highway Code. Currently only vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems are available in the UK. No vehicles in Great Britain have been classed as… Continue reading A new section for self-driving vehicles has been added to the Highway Code

Barristers’ Strike Action

With effect from 27th June 2022, barristers in England & Wales will be taking industrial action in order to protest against what they see as the deteriorating state of the criminal justice system. A form of action, known as “no return” is already in place, but further measures are being taken in order to force… Continue reading Barristers’ Strike Action