All posts
22.04.24
I’ve been offered a Community Resolution: what should I do?
If you’ve been interviewed by the police for a relatively minor offence, following the interview, the police may offer you a Community Resolution as a way of resolving the matter. It is important to understand the full implications of a Community Resolution before accepting it, as it could affect you in the future. What is…
Read more13.03.24
High Court provides guidance on when an appeal should be remitted for a further hearing in fitness to practise cases
In the recent case of Hawkins v HCPC [2023] EWHC 3256 (Admin), the High Court considered the basis upon which a case should be remitted for a re-hearing following a successful appeal. This has provided useful guidance where there was a previous lack of such guidance. The initial hearing The Appellant, a physiotherapist, faced allegations…
Read more5.03.24
Can I get my police records deleted?
What are the powers of the police to take and retain samples? The police are able to take fingerprints, DNA and photographs of any person without their consent who is detained at a police station, having been arrested for, or charged with a ‘recordable offence’ (sections 61-63 of the Police and Criminal Evidence 1984 (PACE))….
Read more29.02.24
The Online Safety Act 2023: nine new criminal offences come into force
In an increasingly digital world, where our lives are intertwined with online platforms and social media networks, ensuring safety and security in the virtual realm has become paramount. Governments worldwide are continuously refining legislation to address the challenges posed by the digital landscape. One such significant step is the enactment of the Online Safety Act…
Read more26.02.24
Receiving a Single Justice Procedure Notice: why a ticket to speedy justice can have long-lasting consequences
The Single Justice Procedure was introduced by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 and since the Covid 19 pandemic has seen a considerable rise in its use, as the world becomes more accustomed to doing business remotely rather than face to face. However, in recent months, the procedure has come under increasing scrutiny by…
Read more21.02.24
Will giving information to the police reduce my sentence?
In R v Adam Royle, AJC & BCQ [2023] EWCA 1311, the Court of Appeal was required to consider conjoined appeals against sentences imposed after each Appellant had given assistance to the police. A judge considering sentencing a defendant who has provided information to the police has always had a discretion to reduce that sentence…
Read more17.01.24
Court of Appeal upholds suspension for covid conspiracy doctor
The recent case of Adil v General Medical Council [2023] EWCA Civ 1261 considered a doctor’s right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (“ECHR”). Article 10 of the ECHR states: Freedom of expression Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to…
Read more5.01.24
12 points on my licence: what happens next?
Many drivers, particularly those who travel large mileages every year, rack up penalty points on their licence through committing motoring offences. As the number of penalty points increase on a driver’s licence, this leads to increased insurance premiums but also a heightened risk of being disqualified from driving if there are unfortunate enough to accumulate…
Read more1.12.23
The Priory Group charged with criminal offences over death of patient
The Priory Group has been charged by the Care Quality Commission (‘CQC’) with two criminal offences after the death of inpatient, Matthew Caseby, who absconded from one of their mental health hospitals and was later hit by a train. An inquest jury last year found that neglect by the hospital had contributed to Mr Caseby’s…
Read more9.11.23
Amended HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics to come into force in September 2024
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) has announced its amended Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics (‘SCPE’) will come into force on 1 September 2024. This will be the first time the SCPEs have been updated since January 2016. This follows the updating of the Standards of Proficiency for all 15 professions on 1…
Read moreLegal Disclaimer
Articles are intended as an introduction to the topic and do not constitute legal advice.
