Posts Categorized: News
Manslaughter and the ‘PC Harper Case’
The death of PC Harper has been in the news again recently. The officer tragically died after he was dragged behind a car that was fleeing from the scene of a theft. Unusually, at the same time that the Attorney General applied for the sentences to be reviewed as they were too lenient, the three… Read more »
When life really does means……. LIFE
When a life sentence is imposed, a tariff is attached to it. This tariff is the minimum amount of time that a person must spend in custody before being considered for parole and release. In certain circumstances, a “whole life tariff (order)” can be imposed, which means that the person will never be released. Whole… Read more »
Darrell and Darren Roberts: sister of twins at risk of deportation talks of ‘constant fear’
Andrew Sperling of SL5 (a trading name of Tuckers Solicitors LLP) is acting for Darrell & Darren Roberts, twins at risk of deportation to a country that they have never visited. The twins are currently serving sentences relating to separate incidents – and the default position is that any foreign national serving a sentence of… Read more »
Monitoring the myths around Rape
The Crown Prosecution Service recently produced new guidance for prosecutors considering rape charges. The new guidance was said to help tackle ‘rape myths and stereotypes’. How much of an issue are rape myths? According to the media there are issues with rape trials and jurors (people in the jury) do not like to convict defendants… Read more »
E-scooters!
Did you know that e-scooters fall within the definition of a motor vehicle? If you said no, you wouldn’t be alone. Due to the growing popularity of e-scooters, and a general unfamiliarity of the laws governing them, the Metropolitan Police have asked retailers to warn purchasers where they are illegal to use. This is timely advice given that e-scooters are reported as being a top-selling Christmas gift this… Read more »
Jury concludes serious failures amounting to neglect contributed to death of Kimberley Smith
Elaine Macdonald of Tuckers Solicitors worked brilliantly on a recent inquest into the death of Kimberley Smith, who was 33 when she died while a mental health inpatient in Surrey on 13 October 2018. The inquest concluded finding that neglect contributed to her death by suicide. Elaine Macdonald of Tuckers Solicitors said: “The evidence heard during… Read more »
FIREARMS…… AN EXPLOSIVE SUBJECT!
A firearms consultation has been launched this week to look at views on greater security for powerful rifles. This will in turn introduce licensing controls on miniature rifle ranges, and tougher controls on ammunition. Why is a consultation taking place? There have already been new offences added to legislation about firearms in recent years to… Read more »
Unduly lenient sentence? What next?
If the Attorney General believes that a sentence is “unduly lenient”, or too soft as the media may say, she can ask for the case to be referred to court to be reconsidered. This is what happened to Taha Amin. He was 18 years old at the time of the offences and had not been… Read more »
Unlawful taxis – “plying for hire”
As a result of lockdown, many people have found themselves looking for alternative ways to make some income. It might seem a good idea to jump in your car and see if you can make money as a taxi driver – but it isn’t that straight forward. Taxis are heavily regulated. Any form or taxi… Read more »
I am not guilty!!!
It is often the case that a defendant does not dispute that a crime has been committed but denies any involvement. It’s not only essential to challenge any evidence that points to the defendant as being guilty but also look for evidence that may point the finger elsewhere. In 2004 the courts clarified that the… Read more »