News from the LCCSA

QASA and Bribery Act issues

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The final proposals for QASA are beginning to take shape but the LCCSA has written to its members today to make them aware of two issues.

Probation Service workforce quarterly reports

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Detailed information on staffing numbers at national and local Probation Trust levels.

Further concession on Legal Aid Bill

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

It looks like a Liberal Democrat peer has inadvertently admitted to members of the Justice for All campaign that the government is going to amend the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill (known as the Legal Aid Bill) to allow areas of law to be potentially brought back into scope at a later date. LAG has been aware for some weeks now that Liberal Democrat parliamentarians have been meeting government ministers behind the scenes to try and persuade them to offer some concessions on the Legal Aid Bill. One of the points they have been pushing is for an amendment to clause 8(2) of the bill, which in its current form only allows for areas of law to be omitted from the legal aid scheme. Campaigners, including LAG and Justice for All, have been asking for this clause to be amended to include a provision to allow work to be brought back into the scope of the legal aid scheme. Non-political crossbench peers, many of which are distinguished lawyers such as Lord Pannick, have also argued for the change. Justice for All, which is supported by LAG, urged its members to write to peers and MPs to ask the government to think again about the cuts to legal aid. It has been stressing to them how the loss of advice on welfare benefits and other areas of civil law will impact on vulnerable groups. In reply to this correspondence the prominent Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Thomas, revealed: 'You may know that Liberal Democrat pressure has already achieved a concession from the coalition government that the Lord Chancellor should have the power to place areas of legal assistance back into scope, as well as simply remove areas, as the bill stated originally. Hopefully, that power will be exercised if some of the fears expressed of denial of access to justice come to pass.' LAG believes that the government is considering bringing forward a number of amendments for the report stage of the bill, which is due to commence on 5 March in the House of Lords. Ministers are unlikely to have wanted a planned concession like this to have been revealed before the report stage, as it would risk losing any impact in placating opposition to the bill, which so far from peers has been overwhelmingly hostile. While the concession to allow areas of law back into scope is significant, because it gives some hope that the planned cuts can be reversed, in terms of its impact on the public it represents a hollow victory. It does not alter the fact that from April next year 650,000 people will lose out on help with common civil legal problems unless the Legal Aid Bill is amended to reverse these planned cuts. Katie Brown, co-chairperson of Young Legal Aid Lawyers told LAG: 'We have no doubt that once the consequences of these ill thought out reforms come to light, the government will have to use this provision to bring areas of law back into scope. In the meantime there will be many people who will end up as victims of the government's short-sighted proposals, as they are left in the lurch in the time between the bill being passed and areas being brought back into scope. As such this concession is not enough, and we will therefore continue to put pressure on peers to vote for amendments designed to secure access to justice for the most vulnerable.' See: the Justice for All website for a briefing on clause 8.

Boris Johnson finesses his position on serious youth violence

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The London mayor has re-tuned his claims about serious youth violence in the capital. The move combines a tactical retreat with a flattering self-comparison with the record in this area of He Who Must Not Be Named (HWMNBN), the man known to the rest of the world as "Ken Livingstone". This was in evidence at Wednesday's mayor's question time in a carefully-staged exchange with Conservative assembly member James Cleverly about "tackling gang crime". It's interesting, I think, that the terms "gang crime" and "serious youth violence" have becoming increasingly interchangeable, even though they're not always the same thing.

Force and fear are still being used to control incarcerated children | Carolyne Willow

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Last month the high court learned of widespread restraint that had been going unchecked, but the law remains unchanged

Community sentences to get tougher under David Cameron plan

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Prime minister wants to ensure offenders who get non-custodial punishments do not get a soft option

England riots: almost 1,000 people jailed so far, figures show

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Average sentence of 14.2 months is four times the average jail term handed down by the courts for similar offences in 2010

MEP arrested on suspicion of European parliament fraud conspiracy

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

West Midlands MEP Nikki Sinclaire, 43, arrested along with three of her staff, says fellow MEP

LSC publishes future tendering approach

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Outline plans and key dates published

CPS statement on Carl Whant conviction:

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

David Wooler, Crown Advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service in Wales, said: "When we reviewed the initial evidence against Carl Whant�gathered by H

CPS authorises charge in murder of Betty Yates and Revd. John Suddards

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Avon and Somerset and West Mercia police to charge Stephen John Farrow, 47, with the murders of Bet

Losing terror focus

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

One wonders why Roger Smith feels compelled to appeal for the kindness of the media towards Abu Qatada - a man who supports the killing of innocent women and children in pursuit of his ideals. Why does he feel the need to embrace on his behalf any speculation that might suggest he is being unfairly demonised ('the facts may be more than a little complicated. MI6 is hinted to have something to hide')?

Let's get more women to the top

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

by Fiona Woolf, a consultant at CMS Cameron McKenna

Honduran president pardons murderer who saved hundreds from jail inferno

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Marco Antonio Bonilla used keys to open locks and a bench to smash down doors as fire raged and prison guards panicked

Watchdog condemns suicide rate at Manchester prison

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Inspector of prisons criticises staff at HMP Manchester, formerly Strangeways, for adopting 'degree of fatalism' towards deaths

Out of Eden: when the private prison bubble bursts | Sadhbh Walshe

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

All over the US, small towns like Eden, desperate for jobs, have welcomed private prisons. But ask Littlefield how that's working

Suspected $150m rogue trade investigated by City police

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Asset manager Threadneedle has dismissed a junior trader after internal controls picked up an attempted rogue trade

Helmet cam brings justice for road rage victims | Laura Laker

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The footage all too typical of what urban cyclists regularly see has helped convict dangerous drivers

Tchenguiz brothers granted judicial review into dawn raids

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

A High Court judge has backed Vincent and Robert Tchenguiz in their attempt to force the Serious Fraud Office to explain why it raided their homes and arrested them last year.

Jail threat would make bankers think twice

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The Financial Services Bill should help amend the law to introduce a criminal offence to curb irresponsible investmentsAs the film producer Charles Ferguson said when accepting his winning nomination at the Oscars last year: "Forgive me.

Brave new world of ABS

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The new competitive landscape for legal services will start with an unlevel playing field, at least in regulatory termsAll the excitement surrounding the launch of alternative business structures (ABSs) over recent weeks � Slater & Gordon merging with RJW, Duke Street's private equity investment in Parabis, and this week LawVest's launch of Riverview, offering barristers direct to General Counsel, all subject to securing ABS licences � has focussed ontheir ability to raise external capital in order to build bigger businesses.

Claim forms served via Facebook

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Another step into the 21st century as the law increasingly makes use of the latest technology to do its workFacebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and a multitude of message boards and forums are the everyday tools of the electronic society in which we live.

Approval by a court requires evidence

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Chancery Division Published February 23, 2012Tamlin and Another v Edgar and OthersBefore Sir Andrew Morritt, Chancellor Judgment December 20, 2011The court was not a rubber stamp and parties and their advisers must be astute not to treat it as such.

Lawyer of the week: John Kelsey-Fry

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The barrister, who acted for Harry Redknapp, says the test of ‘realistic prospect of conviction’ applies to all casesJohn Kelsey-Fry, QC, of Cloth Fair Chambers, acted for Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, who was acquitted of two tax-evasion charges over a payment made to him when the Portsmouth manager by Milan Mandaric, then Portsmouth chairman, who was also cleared of such charges.

Chewing gum theft is

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The CPS has successfully prosecuted two Rumanian men in connection with the theft of hundreds of pounds worth of chewing gum from a supermarket in Tau

ABS aspirant Express announces (GBP) 3m expansion

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Manchester-based personal injury firm Express Solicitors has announced (GBP) 3m expansion plans and the creation of 40 new jobs in a bid to become an alternative business structure with a (GBP) 10m turnover within four years.

Is the US the only country where more men are raped than women? | Jill Filipovic

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The figures on rape may be uncertain, but we could lower the sexual assault rate in American jails if we had the political will

Ex-Norwich striker Leon McKenzie jailed for bogus letters to police

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

� McKenzie forged letters to avoid speeding convictions� 33-year-old jailed for six months after pleading guilty

Wheelclampers jailed for conspiracy to defraud

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Five members of car clamping operation treated public as 'licence to print money', court hears

Life coaches with a history of addiction tackle reoffending

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Coaches whose past experiences must include addiction or imprisonment are helping to keep Scotland's ex-offenders on the straight and narrow

Fox hunt investigation abandoned amid row between campaigners and CPS

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Animal charity criticises prosecutors for letter claiming Dorset hunt was 'media savvy' and would use specialist lawyers

MPs to question businessman facing extradition

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

A retired Kent businessman facing extradition to America on Friday was invited yesterday to testify before MPs about the US-UK extradition treaty.

High Court to serve claim on defendant via Facebook

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

A judge has given the go-ahead for a claim to be served via Facebook in what is thought to be the first case of its kind in the English High Court.

CPS celebrates February's 'Successes of the Month'

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The CPS is celebrating the outstanding work of teams and individuals up and down the country by publishing their stories on the CPS website. In our 'S

CPS ?Diary 20 February to 27 February

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Thursday 23 February Hearing at City of London Magistrates of Andrew Charles Roland, a Barrister charged with VAT fraud. Monday 27 February Trial be

Lord Carr of Hadley obituary

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Moderate Tory in Heath's cabinet known for his controversial trade union reforms

Distance learning breaches prison walls

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Despite lack of the internet, prisoners can study via distance learning, but there are many hurdles to leap

Occupy movement stages day of protests at US prisons

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Joined by the three hikers detained in Iran, activists point to overcrowding and inhumane conditions in US prison system

New allegations of wrong-doing by undercover police | Rob Evans

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Watchdog report into Mark Kennedy controversy found new allegations of wrong-doing but they so far remain secret

Crime is bad for your health

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

New findings highlight the health impacts of sustained criminality and could have urgent policy implications

Catch the gang members, end the rapes? It's not that simple | Alan White

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Social workers know when it comes to sexual gang violence it's not just small groups of individuals they're fighting, it's a mindset

Cash machine gang jailed

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Four men given total of nearly 20 years for series of smash-and-grab burglaries involving cash machines across country

News of the World alleged hacking suspect pleads guilty to conspiracy

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Private investigator, who allegedly hacked former army spy's computer for newspaper, admits illegally obtaining confidential information in separate case

Gang life: First he builds trust. Then you help out. Next you're cutting crack

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

One ex-gang member describes how her life was taken over by a boyfriend, and how the cycle begins at school

Young girls using Facebook to 'advertise' to older gang members

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

As gang prevention programmes target children at risk of involvement, police warn that girls are particularly vulnerable

Bursaries open door for the poor to magic circle

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

One of the City's leading law firms is teaming up with University College London to offer students from poor backgrounds a better chance to enter the legal profession.

Duty to protect life of voluntary psychiatric patient

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Supreme Court Published February 20, 2012Rabone v Pennine Care NHS TrustBefore Lord Walker of Gestingthorpe, Baroness Hale of Richmond, Lord Brown of Eaton-under-Heywood, Lord Mance and Lord Dyson Judgment February 8, 2012A psychiatric hospital owed an operational duty to a voluntary inpatient to take reasonable steps to protect her from the real and immediate risk of suicide under the right to life provision in article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Doctor barred after 20 years of sex abuse

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

A doctor who sexually abused female patients over a 20-year period has finally been barred from working

Irish social workers are horrified by their ruthless English counterparts

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Families fleeing the interventions of social workers have been finding a far more humane approach across the water, says Christopher Booker

Phone and email records to be stored in new spy plan

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Phone calls, texts, emails and websites visited to be stored in series of vast databases under Government anti-terror plans