Daily Crime News

Biggest funding package in a generation to tackle youth offending and cut crime.

A Nottingham Forest fan has been jailed and given a ten-year football banning order for headbutting an opposition player during a post-match pitch invasion. Robert Biggs, 30, from Ilkeston, joined other supporters invading the pitch after Nottingham Forest won their Championship play-off semi-final against Sheffield United after a penalty shoot-out. Biggs deliberately charged at Sheffield United player Billy Sharp, headbutting him and knocking him to the ground.

A man has been jailed for seven years after a self-loading pistol and ammunition were seized from him on the M1 in Hertfordshire.

More than 1,500 new trainee probation officers have been hired this year - hitting the government’s target while helping to cut crime, make streets safer and protect the public.

Findings from a study that explored the presence of digital evidence in appeal judgements as a proxy for changes in police investigations.

Trends in cautioning and sentencing of knife and offensive weapon offences.

There has been a 90% decrease in the number of prisoners studying on courses equivalent to AS-levels or above since 2010, according to a new report by the House of Commons’ education committee. MPs highlight the ‘cracks in a clunky, chaotic, disjointed system’ which does ‘not value education as the key to rehabilitation’. This is, the report argues,

Government response to 'Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic' report from the Health and Social Care Select Committee  GOV.UK

The Attorney General will tonight set out more detail on the UK's position on applying international law to cyberspace.

Many of Thursday's papers analyse how soaring inflation will affect people's lives in the UK.

‘The Queen’s speech 2022 has confirmed what has been widely anticipated by the media and the legal sector – e-scooters will now become a permanent feature on public roads and new legislation is expected under the Transport Bill.’ Full StoryGuildhall Chambers, 12th May 2022Source: www.guildhallchambers.co.uk

The co-founder of National Action, a small and secretive right-wing group which espoused hateful violent rhetoric, has been convicted of being a member of a proscribed organisation.

Luke Lyndsay will serve a longer prison sentence for abusing two partners in two separate relationships.

Update on progress and latest activity on the Police Covenant.

We are consulting on a draft code of practice containing guidance about the powers in sections 37(1) and 41(1) of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.

Officers from the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood have today charged a man from Sheffield with 17 offences relating to the abuse of four teenage girls in the 1990s.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary thanked prison officers for their service and shared the department’s prison reform plans.

A letter from the Cabinet Office to the Office of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner (OBSCC) on 27 April 2022 about the Public Procurement bill.

‘More than a third of revenge porn cases are dropped by victims despite a suspect being identified, figures show.’ Full StoryThe Independent, 16th May 2022Source: www.independent.co.uk

The report "Preventing drug use among vulnerable groups of people", commissioned by the Home Office, has been published by the ACMD.

Requests are being sent through the tender message board asking for duty solicitor details to be returned by 31 May 2022 so we can prepare the October rotas.

This draft version of code A is being circulated for consultation in accordance with section 67(4) of PACE.

New ‘Think Before you Link’ App will help businesses and the public protect themselves from potential espionage .

A man who sexually abused two children has been jailed for 22 years with an extended licence of two years at Swansea Crown Court.

Hampshire police commissioner Donna Jones reacts to a BBC story about women being harassed at night.

The European Convention on Human Rights Article 12 states - "Men and women of marriageable age have the right to marry and to found a family, according to the national laws governing the exercise of this right.” Key words in Article 12 include "national laws governing the exercise of this right." Domestic law in the UK imposes some restrictions such as a minimum age* but certainly does not even attempt to restrict the right of individuals like Bellfield to marry.

Offenders caught in police stings are to be punished based on intent, even when no child victim exists.

The Home Office says it will ensure they are not put at a disadvantage to their paid colleagues.

The Prime Minister and his Cabinet will meet today to drive forward their mission to cut crime and make our streets safer.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill received Royal Assent and has become an Act of Parliament. The post New law protects emergency and retail workers from violence appeared first on SHP - Health and Safety News, Legislation, PPE, CPD and Resources.

Exclusive: draft of Shawcross report calling for crackdown on Islamist extremism raises concerns it will try to ‘politicise counter-terrorism’The government’s counter-terrorism programme has been too focused on rightwing extremism and should now crack down on Islamist extremism, according to leaked draft extracts from a landmark review of the Prevent strategy.In one particularly provocative recommendation, seen by the Guardian, the review claims there has been a “double standard” approach to tackling different forms of extremism, with individuals targeted for expressing mainstream rightwing views because the definition of neo-nazism has expanded too widely, while the focus on Islamist extremism has been too narrow.a renewed focus on Islamist extremism is needed, including when individuals do not yet meet the terrorism threshold.individuals have been referred to Prevent, the government’s anti-extremism programme, to access mental health support even when there is no evidence of extremism.some Prevent-funded groups have promoted extremist narratives including support for the Taliban. Continue reading...

Murder carries a mandatory death sentence under current laws in the Caribbean country.

Research suggests greater pre-charge engagement could divert many cases away from trial and reduce court backlog.

Police will have greater powers to prevent knife crime and tackle serious violence.

Priti Patel has written to police forces lifting restrictions on the use of stop and search without having reasonable grounds. ‘Section 60’ stop and searches can take place in an area which has been authorised by a senior police officer on the basis of their reasonable belief that violence has or is about to occur. According

The manslaughter convictions of a father and son have been referred to the Court of Appeal by the miscarriage of justice watchdog.  Martin and Nathan Winter were convicted at Lewes Crown Court of manslaughter by gross negligence in December 2009 in relation to the deaths of two firemen in an explosion at a fireworks business

Home secretary announces the end of limitations on use of section 60 powers where serious violence anticipatedThe government is lifting restrictions placed on police stop and search powers in areas where they anticipate violent crime, the home secretary has announced.In a letter to police forces on Monday, Priti Patel outlined the easing of conditions on the use of the tactics under section 60 of the criminal justice and public order act. Continue reading...

Some children have had trouble adjusting to being back in school after being at home during Covid.

Tougher airport-style security rolled out across the prison estate in England and Wales has intercepted almost 20,000 attempts to smuggle illegal contraband behind bars.

On 10 May 2022 two Teesside company directors were together ordered to pay £6,000 following a Proceeds of Crime order handed to them at Teesside Crown Court.

Guidance on applying for the early release of a sentenced prisoner, child or young person on compassionate grounds.

We have published the NCA’s Annual Plan for 2022/23, which sets out our priorities for the year ahead and how we will deliver them.

A man who shot his friend with a crossbow has had his sentence increased by the Court of Appeal

Environment agency says initial investigation into all 10 water firms suggests possible ‘serious non-compliance’ with lawA criminal investigation into water companies in England has uncovered suspected widespread illegal sewage discharges from treatment plants, the Environment Agency has revealed.The investigation into more than 2,200 water treatment plants run by all 10 water companies is examining whether the firms breached legal regulations about when and how frequently they are allowed to release raw sewage into waterways. Continue reading...

Over the last year, the proportion of ex-offenders in work 6 weeks after release increased by more than half.

A father and daughter have received a suspended custodial sentence after a fire at their removals business in Evenwood near Bishop Auckland led to serious property damage and the evacuation of several neighbouring homes.

Guidance for examining officers and review officers exercising powers under Schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000.

Her Majesty The Queen, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has approved the reappointment of 7 Commissioners of the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

“We must learn from others when considering our approach, and by examining the latest evidence from around the world and the world-class research from UCL, Lord Falconer and the Commission will make recommendations to improve our approach to cannabis to help tackle drug related crime, protect Londoners’ health and reduce the huge damage that illegal drugs cause to our communities.” Sadiq is establishing a London Drugs Commission of independent experts and leading figures from the fields of criminal justice, public health, politics, community relations and academia to examine the effectiveness of our drugs laws, with a particular focus on cannabis.

More victims of rape and sexual offences will be spared the stress of being cross-examined in court under a measure rolled out to a further 14 locations today (12 May 2022).

A new Reporters’ Charter outlining the rights and responsibilities of court reporters has been launched to boost transparency in the justice system.

New bill to keep our country safe

The Home Secretary brings back measures to tackle highly disruptive protests that are causing misery for millions.

We will shortly be inviting organisations whose 2022 Standard Crime Contract bids have completed verification to provide details of their duty solicitors.

A man from Runcorn has been given a life sentence of 27 years after he admitted to raping and sexually assaulting a baby.

A hospital nurse who recorded videos of sedated patients for his sexual gratification has been given a custodial sentence of 12 years with an extended license period of four years, at Sheffield Crown Court today (10 May 2022).

Meat wholesaler from Manchester has been sentenced after he failed to provide the Liquidator with the company’s books and papers

‘A barrister who successfully defended a pub landlord accused of failing to close his pub during tier 4 lockdown in February 2021 has claimed the case should serve “as a reminder that even in extraordinary circumstances, the rules of PACE and good practice ought not to be forgotten”.’ Full StoryLocal Government Lawyer, 10th May 2022Source:

Over the last year 24 countries announced plans for or started building new prisons facilities creating at least 437,000 more spaces worldwide. The extent of this global trend is revealed in a report published today by the Penal Reform International (PRI), together with the Thailand Institute of Justice. Despite calls to reduce prison numbers over concerns

Almost two thirds of women released from the largest women’s prison in the country were either homeless or had not safe accommodation on release. According to the latest unannounced HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Bronzefield published today ‘about 65%’ of sentenced women did not have sustainable accommodation on release defined as lasting longer

Members of an organised crime group involved in the supply of drugs and stolen military ammunition have been jailed for a total of 68 years and 8 months.

Measures in Queen’s speech would have outlawed protests that won votes for women and legalisation of unions, say criticsEnvironmental campaign groups have hit out at the “draconian” protest crackdown bill announced in the Queen’s speech.The new law appears to be targeted at groups such as Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil and Insulate Britain who have used disruptive methods to draw attention to the climate crisis. Continue reading...

Five people smugglers have been sentenced for locking migrants into purpose-built 'hides' made from wardrobes and secured with screws.

The extension is based on a procedure following the decision of the Management Board of Europol as of 1 May 2017, which sets out for the extension of the term of office of the Executive Director of Europol. According to this procedure, Europol’s Management Board had informed the European Parliament that it would propose to the Council of the European...

Fisheries Officers in the South West are clamping down on illegal activities with the help of the Avon and Somerset Police drone unit.

Bankrupt from Bath has been sentenced after he concealed a property in Spain, and €97,000 from his trustee in bankruptcy.

A global criminal justice watchdog has highlighted the global trend towards ‘over-incarceration’ and the use of criminal proceedings as a punitive measure of first resort. Fair Trials argues, in a new strategy paper, that countries around the world, in particular in the light of Covid-19 lockdowns, are using criminal powers to deal with social and

The Lord Chancellor has asked the government’s official law reform body to review the controversial statutory test that has to be applied by the miscarriage of justice watchdog before referring a case back to the Court of Appeal. The Criminal Cases Review Commission, under the Criminal Appeal Act 1995, can only refer cases back to

A solicitor has been struck off for sexually assaulting the wife of a “long-term friend” as she slept, after drinking downstairs with her husband who fell asleep. The post Solicitor struck off for sexually assaulting friend’s wife appeared first on Legal Futures.

An Act to make provision about substance testing in approved premises.

An Act to make certain uses of glue traps an offence; and for connected purposes.

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Hertfordshire Constabulary to charge Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick with three additional offences.

Exclusive: PM is told tearing up act could endanger women and girls and damage peace in Northern IrelandTearing up the Human Rights Act would have “dire consequences” including removing obligations to properly address violence against women and girls and destabilising peace in Northern Ireland, more than 50 organisations have warned.In a letter to Boris Johnson, Amnesty, Liberty, the British Institute of Human Rights and others have spelled out the “significant implications” of repealing the act, which is expected to be announced in the Queen’s speech on Tuesday, asking for an urgent meeting to discuss the plans. Continue reading...

In this article, Heather Beach provides some tips on avoiding loneliness when working from home. The post Mental Health Awareness Week: How to avoid loneliness when working from home appeared first on SHP - Health and Safety News, Legislation, PPE, CPD and Resources.

INTERVIEW: ‘Everybody knows what needs to be done in prisons, but there’s no money to do it.’ So says Jimmy McGovern, the writer of socially engaged dramas including this year’s three-part BBC drama Time, a gritty depiction of life in prison. Not one to shy away from tough issues, McGovern’s dramas have consistently hit hard.

A solicitor who injected food with his blood at a series of supermarkets, causing losses of £500,000, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. The post Solicitor who injected blood into food not guilty due to insanity appeared first on Legal Futures.

Exclusive: Thousands of pounds stolen in cases seen by the Guardian in reports from City of London policeThieves are targeting digital currency investors on the street in a wave of “crypto muggings”, police have warned, with victims reporting that thousands of pounds have been stolen after their mobile phones were seized.Anonymised crime reports provided to the Guardian by City of London police, as part of a freedom of information request, reveal criminals are combining physical muscle with digital knowhow to part people from their cryptocurrency. Continue reading...

This consultation seeks views on the updated draft Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme Guidance.

Information about someone’s violent or abusive behaviour will be disclosed faster under changes to Clare’s Law proposed by the Home Office today (7 May).

Milo Alejandro, 20, earlier admitted sending the offensive messages to Lissie Harper in March 2021.

James Cartlidge MP insists at Law Society webinar that practitioners will get a 15% uplift in most fees.

An Act to make provision for and in connection with the giving of penalty notices for certain offences relating to animals and animal products.

1. This is an application by the Secretary of State for reconsideration of the decision of a panel of the Parole Board (‘the Board’) which on 30 March 2022, after an oral hearing on 15 and 16 March 2022, issued a provisional decision to direct the release on licence of Connelly (‘the Respondent’). The present review of the Respondent’s case commenced on 11 January 2021 when the Secretary of State referred her case to the Board for the fourth time to decide whether to direct her re-release on licence.

‘Victims could attend full Parole Board hearings for criminals hoping to be freed from jail for the first time as early as next month.’ Full StoryThe Independent, 4th May 2022Source: www.independent.co.uk

‘Sex offenders and domestic abusers are being freed from the UK’s military jail “without any safeguards or probation supervision”, inspectors have warned.’ Full StoryThe Independent, 5th May 2022Source: www.independent.co.uk

With over £25 million lost so far, the FCA launches its latest ScamSmart campaign aimed at raising awareness of increasingly sophisticated investment scam tactics: A 59-year-old woman lost £48,000 as scammers used screen sharing software to take over her computer and access her banking history. Her case is one of 2,142 the FCA has seen since July 2020, with over £25 million lost between 1January 2021 and 31March 2022 and victims ranging from 18 to over 70. The FCA’s latest ScamSmart campaign aims to raise awareness of these tactics and help investors spot the warning signs by checking its Warning List. Its research shows 51% of investors would check the FCA’s Warning List before making an investment – but 47% would not see a request to use software or an app to access their device as a red flag. New research from the FCA has found that nearly half (47%) of investors would fail to identify a screen sharing scam, as it reveals an increase of 86% in cases in one year, with 2,014 cases and over £25 million in loses. In one case, a 59-year-old who was persuaded to download remote desktop software to secure an investment, lost over £48,000 while scammers accessed her banking details, her pension, and applied for loans on her behalf. Angela Underhill clicked on an advertisement for bitcoin and received a call from individuals claiming to be financial advisers. Offering to complete the first investment for her, they asked her to download the ‘AnyDesk’ platform, which then gave the scammers open access to all the financial details on her computer. Her case is just one of thousands the FCA has seen reported to its Consumer Helpline. Using platforms including Teams, TeamViewer and Zoom, screen sharing scams not only involve consumers sharing their financial data – but scammers have also been able to embed themselves in victims’ digital devices to access online banking and investment details. To understand what might be influencing potential victims, the FCA surveyed 2,000 investors from the ages of 18 to 55+. The results showed that 51% of would-be investors would check if a company appears on the FCA’s Warning List when deciding if an investment opportunity is legitimate. The FCA’s Warning List is a list of firms that are not authorised or registered by the FCA, and are known to be running scams. However, of the 91% who said they would never share their PIN with a stranger, 85% would not think a request by a website to use or download software as a warning sign that someone was seeking to gain illegal access to personal information on your device. Likewise, while 88% said they would check if their investments were offered or sold by FCA firms , 10% of these people would still trust their gut instinct with an investment opportunity from someone they didn’t know without making proper checks, like ensuring the firm or the financial promotion is properly authorised. With the pandemic increasing use of video conferencing and remote platforms to both work and socialise, scammers are taking advantage of a growing familiarity with requests for screen sharing. Although older respondents admitted needing more help with technology, younger investors are not immune: a quarter (26%) of those aged 18-34 would agree to screensharing their online banking or investment portal with someone they had not met. Mark Steward, Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight, FCA, said: 'Investment scams can happen over many months, but sharing your screen without making the proper checks can change everything in an instant. Once scammers gain to your screen, they have complete control. That means access to your sensitive banking and investment information, the freedom to browse at their leisure, and the ability to take whatever details they want. It can affect any investor, no matter how experienced. It’s incredibly difficult to get money back once lost in this way, but there are ways to protect yourself: don’t share your screen with anyone, as legitimate firms will not ask you to do this and check out our Scamsmart website for advice on how to avoid being scammed.' The research also revealed other factors which might tempt investors to make a snap decision: 23% said they would be encouraged if the person they were speaking to appeared knowledgeable about investing; 17% said the possibility of securing better returns than elsewhere, and 14% would be encouraged if that person appeared to be successful – with displays of wealth. The FCA is calling on all investors to be ScamSmart and check the advice on our Scamsmart website, including our Warning List before making any investment decisions. This will help identify any firms that are actively running scams, or flag to investors where additional research is needed. If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if things go wrong. There are three important questions to ask to protect yourself from these scams: Have you checked the FCA’s Scamsmart wesbite and Warning List? This will help you to avoid being scammed and show you whether or not the firm you are dealing with is registered, or known to be suspicious. Are you being asked to download anything new? Your bank will never need to access your screen to view your information, so someone asking you to do this is a clear warning sign. Have you navigated away from your banking, or investment platform? Anything that takes you away from your banking or investment app, and through a search engine, increases the risk of coming across a fraudulent number or link. Notes to editors The FCA’s consumer research was conducted by Opinium, with over 2,000 respondents aged between 18-55+ who invest Data on the number of scam victims and their collective financial losses are from the FCA’s Supervision Hub

Married father-of-one Darren Burke, 43, laced his girlfriend’s orange juice with mifepristone, a drug commonly used to induce abortions. 

A 34-year old man from Kent has been jailed for three years, after pleading guilty to importing the highly toxic and potentially deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss announces ban on services exports to Russia.

Tarek Namouz to be tried on charges including sending thousands of pounds to terror group in SyriaA former pub landlord has appeared in court accused of sending thousands of pounds in coronavirus bounceback loans to fund the terrorist group Isis in Syria.Tarek Namouz, a 42-year-old former pub landlord from London of no fixed address, faces eight charges of entering into a terror funding arrangement on dates between November 2020 and May 2021. He is also accused of two counts of possessing terrorist information relating to videos. Continue reading...

It’s been 25 years since the miscarriages of justice watchdog, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (the CCRC) was established. It was created to act as a safety net for wrongful convictions in the wake of the high-profile miscarriages of justice, the Birmingham Six and the Guildford Four. The CCRC’s role is critical in uncovering miscarriages

One of the UK’s most wanted men has been arrested after attempting to fly from Lisbon to Istanbul on a fraudulent passport.

Magistrates will be able to issue jail sentences of up to one year for a single offence to help ease the backlog in the Crown Court from today.

The Home Office is consulting on the updated controlling or coercive behaviour statutory guidance.

Oliver Perry-Smith admitted misconduct in a public office while working for Thames Valley Police.

A man has been fined over £5,000 after he burnt waste illegally for months on end at his Cambridgeshire home.

The Romanian Police (Poliția Română) and the United Kingdom Northamptonshire Police, supported by Europol and Eurojust, have dismantled a criminal network involved in human trafficking, labour exploitation and money laundering. The action day on 27 April led to: 25 house searches (13 in Romania and 12 in Corby, the UK); 5 arrests (2 in Romania and 3 in the UK);...

The number of children in custody in England and Wales is expected to more than double by 2024 after a long decline, according to the Whitehall spending watchdog. The National Audit Office reports that the forecast is based on ‘the collective impact of recruiting 23,000 additional police officers, reversing COVID-19 court backlogs, and tougher sentencing

Victims’ commissioner calls goal of returning prosecution levels to pre-2017 levels ‘a pipe dream’Sex crimes logged by police in England and Wales have reached a record high amid warnings from the victims’ commissioner that the government’s aim to boost prosecutions to levels last seen five years ago is “a pipe dream”.Police-recorded sexual offences increased to their highest level over a 12-month period, with 183,587 in the year to December 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Continue reading...

Victoria Laithwaite, who was governor at HMP Onley, sent "intimate" messages to the prisoner.