Westminster Magistrates’ Court has refused to extradite a woman to Belgium to face offences pertaining to fraud and bankruptcy. Represented by Chloe Hingley, Consultant Solicitor at BSB Solicitors, and Saoirse Townshend, Barrister at Temple Garden Chambers, the Requested Person, and her partner, were each arrested on two European Arrest Warrants for ten offences. It was … Continued
The National Crime Agency this week announced that it had infiltrated the secure messaging system ‘Encrochat’, said to be used exclusively by people engaging in criminal activity. Operation Venetic has so far resulted in 746 arrests, and the seizure of: Over £54million in cash 77 firearms, including an AK47 assault rifle, submachine guns, handguns, four … Continued
Before a pprosecution is commenced, the Crown Prosecution Service must apply two distinct tests. The first is whether there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction; If not, the case does not proceed further. If there is sufficient evidence, the second question must be answered, namely whether a prosecution is in the … Continued
At the time of posting this, we are still in the early stages of social isolation and moderate lockdown. We are still finding ways to occupy our time through the various social media platforms and communication but that will soon lead to boredom. With extra time on their hands and confined to their homes, many … Continued
Approaches to Justice in the Global pandemic – Thursday 2nd April 2020 18.00 The Spanish and UK experience Please join Spanish criminal law expert Jaime Campaner and Jonathan Black for a short discussion on the comparative approaches of our respective investigative and judicial systems to the challenges created by the Global Pandemic. Jaime has recently written … Continued
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 imposes several restrictions. Over the last week, the police have been keen to enforce compliance, even calling out the MP Stephen Kinnock over social media for visiting his father on his birthday. Given the importance of protecting the NHS, it is likely that the police may take … Continued
On Wednesday 25th March 2020 the Coronavirus Bill completed all its parliamentary stages, and Royal Assent was signified, bringing in to force an unprecedented piece of emergency legislation. The purpose of the Coronavirus Act is to enable the Government to respond to an emergency situation and manage the effects of a covid-19 pandemic. A severe … Continued
In line with Government advise we are avoiding unnecessary face to face meetings. The office is operating on a day to day basis with skeleton staff. We offer meetings over video assisted technology (What’s app , Skype and Zoom) and will only accept pre arranged meetings in certain circumstances with clients who have confirmed that … Continued
A defendant has the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time. In exceptional cases, a delay will lead to a stay of proceedings as an abuse of process. A stay of proceedings is an extremely rare outcome, with the Court of Appeal making the following observation in R v PS [2013] EWCA Crim … Continued
Many people are having to change the way they do things in view of The Coronavirus Pandemic. Whilst face to face meetings are the ideal way to discuss your case confidentially and in confidence, many clients may not wish to or be able to travel or attend meetings at this current time. Using the technology … Continued
As the UK prepares to move into the ‘delay phase’, changes are expected to criminal justice procedure. So, what might be expected to change? Criminal Investigations In the event of any public disorder, work on low priority criminal investigations may slow or stall entirely as police resources are diverted elsewhere. Most police custody suites hold … Continued
Our client charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition with Intent to endanger life and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply was today unanimously acquitted of all charges at Wood Green Crown Court. The Jury were told that his DNA was found on the firearm and of his previous conviction for … Continued
