Doctors in the Dock

Many in the medical profession are up in arms following a recent High Court case involving Dr Bawa-Garba (General Medical Council v Bawa-Garba [2018] EWHC 76 (Admin). The case followed on from proceedings before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal which had rules that Bawa-Garba should be suspended from practice for a period of one-year. That ruling … Continued

The Disclosure Timebomb

BSB Partner Jonathan Black writes for Legal Voice on why disclosure must remain in the news. Disclosure was a ticking bomb ready to explode. For years lawyers campaigning against legal aid cuts were advised by sympathetic reporters that they needed real examples about real people. Whilst we all had clients who could say that their … Continued

Is it lawful to hit a child ?

Laws that criminalise unlawful violence date back to 1861 and are used every day in criminal courts to support prosecutions. Despite what might appear to be an obvious legal position, the question is often asked as to whether, despite those laws, it is permissible to ‘smack’ a child. The simple answer is that it is … Continued

Sexting between teens and the legal consequences

A phone call and a summons into school about a Child’s “sexting behaviour “ can be deeply traumatic for all involved and have potentially life and prospective career changing consequences for the child and is obviously distressing for the parents. The Law as it stands Making, distributing, and possession of indecent images of children is … Continued

Driving Disqualification: How to Get Your Licence Back?

In some instances, it is possible to apply to a court and ask that a driving ban is ended early. Therefore, if your circumstances have changed since being disqualified, it is worth discussing with one of our criminal law specialists whether or not you can take advantage of this legal provision. If you have been … Continued

Doing Stir fry instead of Porridge

For 13 burglaries, with a value totalling over £100,000, Mr N, 20, walked free from court yesterday with a 22-month sentence suspended for 2 years – thanks to BSB Solicitors. Prosecuting Counsel  told Ms Recorder Jones at Southwark Crown Court that in some of the burglaries knives and baseball bats had “been displaced, doubtless for … Continued

Taxi driver accused of refusing to take an assistance dog acquitted

At Stevenage Magistrates’ court last week BSB solicitors in-house barrister Craig Crosbie secured the acquittal of a Bishops Stortford taxi driver and father of 6, KU, accused of refusing to carry an assistance dog – and so saving his licence and livelihood! Ms C gave her evidence sitting, with her golden labrador guide dog, Jess, beside her. She told … Continued

Are Rail Penalty Fares Fair?

Eighty six percent of people in the UK do not fully understand the rules on rail penalty fares, and as a result and could have criminal sanctions made on them inappropriately, according to a new national survey. In the online survey commissioned by BSB Solicitors, respondents were presented with three statements portraying circumstances in which … Continued

Drones will be literally flying off the shelves this Christmas

Given the increase in drone ownership, and as people are considering their seasonal gift shopping, we set out in this article how you can ensure that you can avoid falling foul of the law. You can be prosecuted and fined for improper use or even face a custodial sentence if guilty of endangering aircraft. Drones … Continued

Clown Caught?

There have been a series of involving people dressed as clowns frightening children as well as adults in London and across the Country.This is known as the “killer clown” craze which originated in the USA. One of the most significantly reported  “clown incidents” occurred on Friday 7th October when an individual dressed as a clown carrying … Continued