Doing Stir fry instead of Porridge

For 13 burglaries, with a value totalling over £100,000, Mr N, 20, walked free from court yesterday with a 22-month sentence suspended for 2 years – thanks to BSB Solicitors. Prosecuting Counsel  told Ms Recorder Jones at Southwark Crown Court that in some of the burglaries knives and baseball bats had “been displaced, doubtless for … Continued

Taxi driver accused of refusing to take an assistance dog acquitted

At Stevenage Magistrates’ court last week BSB solicitors in-house barrister Craig Crosbie secured the acquittal of a Bishops Stortford taxi driver and father of 6, KU, accused of refusing to carry an assistance dog – and so saving his licence and livelihood! Ms C gave her evidence sitting, with her golden labrador guide dog, Jess, beside her. She told … Continued

Are Rail Penalty Fares Fair?

Eighty six percent of people in the UK do not fully understand the rules on rail penalty fares, and as a result and could have criminal sanctions made on them inappropriately, according to a new national survey. In the online survey commissioned by BSB Solicitors, respondents were presented with three statements portraying circumstances in which … Continued

Drones will be literally flying off the shelves this Christmas

Given the increase in drone ownership, and as people are considering their seasonal gift shopping, we set out in this article how you can ensure that you can avoid falling foul of the law. You can be prosecuted and fined for improper use or even face a custodial sentence if guilty of endangering aircraft. Drones … Continued

Clown Caught?

There have been a series of involving people dressed as clowns frightening children as well as adults in London and across the Country.This is known as the “killer clown” craze which originated in the USA. One of the most significantly reported  “clown incidents” occurred on Friday 7th October when an individual dressed as a clown carrying … Continued

Just because the prosecution say it’s true

When The Prosecution alleges a client is in possession of illegal substances there is pressure at court accept that its true. When our client was arrested, police found a small quantity of white powder in his pocket. Our client who pleaded guilty to other offences always maintained that the powder was not an illegal substance as … Continued

A welcome and proportionate approach to “sexting ” between youths

The Sexual offences legislation was introduced to protect children not criminalise them for inter-peer relationships. Sexual offence legislation was introduced to protect young people. It is an offence to possess or make indecent images of children and young persons. The law, which predated much of the current digital technology, is not flexible enough to consider situations … Continued

Client found not to be in possession of a knife in a public place

BSB Barrister Rabia Mir secures acquittal of the client at Wood Green Crown Court. Rabia Mir secured an acquittal for the Defendant charged with possession of an offensive weapon (large kitchen knife) in a public place. The Defendant was alleged to have threatened the complainant with the kitchen knife on the street. This altercation was witnessed … Continued

Controlling or co-ercive behaviour

The new offence of Controlling or Coercive behaviour came into force on 29th December 2015. It differs from other relevant offences already in law because it is primarily (although not exclusively) aimed at couples in ongoing relationships. And is important to note that the net has considerably widened in terms of the type of behaviour … Continued

Imitation firearms and the Law: a case study

Jim Skelsey recently wrote for the Justice Gap, about a case involving an imitation firearm. Here he sets out the law and how he secured the acquittal of his client.   THE LAW S57(4) describes an “imitation firearm” as being “anything which has the appearance of being a firearm whether or not it is capable … Continued

Too many children easily kept in police detention

Children and young persons in care are more likely to be arrested according to a report by the Howard League. We have to represent too many young persons, alone and frightened in the police station. Children and young people in care are more likely to be arrested according to a report by the Howard League. … Continued