It is hard not to feel a sense of ennui. If the reaction by the courts following the ‘riots’ is anything to go by, the suggestions that ‘feral’ families are at fault and that the riots were just about lawless looters are difficult to ignore. The courts have certainly approached things in that way, and have handed … Continued
Defendants Costs Orders in the Crown Court are to go. Yesterday, there was a debate. You can read it all here. A removal of Civil Legal in all but a few scenarios is part of the proposed changes, and the removal of what are known as Defendants Costs Orders the remainder. Tomorrow will see the infamous Clause … Continued
Partner Jonathan Black , along with Michael Magarian QC successfully represented a university lecturer who was found not guilty of sexually assaulting a student . The client, who had a young family and was highly regarded in his academic field praised BSB Solicitors for the “humane manner in which you had handled my case , coupled with the care in ensuring … Continued
It is clear the courts’ have approached bail and sentencing in a different way following the recent disorder. Jon Black appeared on BBC London News to explain why. The Prison Governor Association head has called it a ‘feeding frenzy’ which provoked an angry reaction from the Head of the Magistrates Association, who felt concerned at such comments, … Continued
The disturbances that initially started in Tottenham on Saturday 6th August and then spread to various areas of London as well as other parts of the country have divided the nation as to how and why they began, and who was responsible. Within a short period of time, there have been an unprecedented number of … Continued
Public Order offences are unusual in that words and behaviour can be sufficient to secure a conviction without any violence being involved as well as requiring interpretation as to whether you were acting as a part of a group or not. The Public Order Act contains most offences involving behaviour which affects order in public … Continued
A topical piece on Phone Hacking and Police corruption. In this months’ issue of the Advocate, the LCCSAs’ periodical, Paul has written a review of the law on Phone Hacking and police corruption.
If you, or someone you know, has been accused of any offences in the context of the recent disorder we can offer specialist representation at the Police Station and Court. The disturbances that initially started in Tottenham on Saturday 6th August and then spread to various of London as well as other parts of the country … Continued
BSB are currently acting for several defendants charged in connection with the recent London Disorder. Manjit Dogra, James Skelsey and Jonathan Black have recently persuaded courts to grant bail for individuals charged with Burglary , Robbery and Violent disorder in connection with the disorder in Notting Hill, East London and Colliers Wood. They are all contesting the charges. … Continued
Following various pressures after police ‘leaks’ of phone hacking, NoTW is to close It seems as if there are forces at work. The News of the World has finally succumbed to clamours for action, by announcing it will close, and this Sunday 11th July will see it’s last edition. Andy Coulson is in custody, Clive Goodman too, the … Continued
Jon has penned a piece which illustrates the nature of our work, and some of the funnier sides of what we do. In the July issue of The Advocate, the LCCSAs’ periodical, Jon produces a typical piece which highlights some of the hurdles we face, day to day.
Chris Graham, the Information Commissioner appeared on Radio 4 and denounced the failure to clamp down on ‘blagging’, as former NoTW Executive arrested. In view of the recent NoTW developments, the ICO intervention as it’s annual report was published was timely. Chris Graham spoke on the Today programme of the impasse between the Press and policitians for failing to … Continued
