Despite the best efforts by Ed Fitzgerald QC and Alured Darlington The Court of Appeal refused appeals brought by persons adversely affected by recent Sentencing reforms. Alured’s letter to various professional bodies appears here. “I am very disappointed. This even applied to those who pleaded guilty.whose appeals were in time, and if they had been sentenced weeks, … Continued
Alured Darlington has set out a plea to the Government to see sense in its application of the Sentencing Guideline Councils’ proposals Whatever differences of opinion there may be between Theresa May of the Home Office and Ken Clarke of the Ministry of Justice they should now be joining forces in correcting a situation which … Continued
Recent defeats of the Governments proposed Legal Aid changes have raised the possibility that there may be some hope of a proper review of the plans to remove legal aid from vulnerable persons It may be a small step, but one to be welcomed – the Government’s proposals to remove Legal Aid in family and … Continued
We are pleased to welcome Emma Lipscombe to the firm. Emma joined us on at the beginning of July, and is a highly experienced lawyer, who we are happy to have on board the team here. She has a considerable reputation, and a charming manner, and are confident she will develop her career with us.
Alured Darlington of Hanwell Chambers has urged the Court of Appeal to ensure that the new sentencing guidelines don’t leave drug mules sentenced before the changes serving longer sentences than they should. Alured Darlington of Hanwell Chambers has written to The Solicitors Journal urging the Court of Appeal to ensure that they will not be any disadvantage … Continued
For the 4th year running BSB are proud to have been acknowledged in Chambers As a result of peer reviews and recommendations bsb solicitors are once again ranked in the leading Guide to the legal profession, Chambers. Paul Butcher is recognised as a leading lawyer in Fraud, and the firm is pleased to growing from strength to strength … Continued
After a lengthy process, where our client faced the prospect of an ASBO being imposed, we were able to avoid what would have been a harsh outcome. James Skelsey successfully resisted an ASBO application being brought by a Local Authority to exclude the Respondent from the area where they had lived all their lives. He … Continued
Our client was facing the propect of a court hearing after he was found to have not declared capital in his bank account. Avril Stone secured an Administrative Penalty for our client, thereby avoiding a conviction, after he admitted he had failed to declare monies to the Council whilst claiming Benefit. As a result of … Continued
We wrote an article for this months’ Advocate In the article, the QASA Scheme, which is designed to improve the quality of Higher Court Advocacy, is being criticised as being potentially unlawful and deeply flawed.
Our client was facing the prospect of a lengthy custodial term, but the Court agreed to follow an exceptional course. Solicitor Advocate James Skelsey represented a woman in her forties who was seen street dealing by the police and subsequently found to be in possession of 52 bags of cocaine, 48 bags of cannabis, over … Continued
The proposal to ensure only those with sufficient experience appear in the Higher Courts was challenged At a recent meeting organized by Jon Black and others at SAHCA, LCCSA and CLSA, Sam Stein QC attended to attempt to answer concerns held by Solicitor Advocates The consensus from those present was that the QASA scheme due to be … Continued
Following his suspension by the Football Association for serious allegations, an FA Coach was cleared of all allegations of wrongdoing. Jon Black handled the FA inquiry and appeal with great care, sensitivity and tact, and due to his tenacity, our client has been told the suspension imposed by the FA will be lifted. Jon was able … Continued
