Newton hearings play a crucial role in resolving disputes over the facts of a case, particularly concerning sentencing. It allows the Court to determine the specific circumstances and degree of culpability in a criminal offence, ultimately impacting the sentence handed down to the defendant. And remember, this can encompass a person’s liberty if they are […]
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If the police have contacted you to request a voluntary interview, it can be an extremely stressful and worrying time, especially given that the outcome can have an enormous impact on your life. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes in voluntary interviews, which can influence the likelihood of being prosecuted. I thought we would briefly summarise […]
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It was widely reported this month that several train companies have unlawfully prosecuted individuals by misusing the Single Justice Procedure and up to 75,000 convictions for fare evasion offences have now been quashed. This is shocking news and could have enormous consequences for the train companies involved, especially given that bills could, in theory, run […]
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Receiving a Minded to Bar letter from the Home Office’s Disclosure and Barring Service (‘DBS’) can come as a complete shock. The brutal tone in which these letters are worded can also be incredibly upsetting. If you receive a Minded to Bar letter, you must contact our DBS Solicitors immediately as there is a strict time […]
On 12 February 2024, a 39 year old man became the first person in England and Wales to be convicted of cyber-flashing. The Defendant was charged on two counts of sending a photograph or film of genitals to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation. The Court heard how he sent unsolicited photos of his erect penis […]
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American XL Bully Ban will begin to come into effect on 31st December 2023. From 1st February owning a Bully without an exemption will be a criminal offence. In response to the growing concerns expressed by Vets, Veterinary professionals, pet shop workers, and XL Bully owners regarding the upcoming ban on the American XL Bully […]
Jennifer Kabała is a Solicitor, working in our Private Crime who specialises in dog law, wild animal legislation and firearms law. Here Jennifer discusses the recently announced XL Bully Ban, the Dangerous Dogs Act, and whether the latter is fit for purpose in her view. To contact Jennifer about this article, the information contained or for […]
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The Legal 500 has published it’s United Kingdom 2024 edition. And we are proud to announce that Reeds Solicitors LLP has been ranked as a Top Tier criminal law firm. About the Legal 500 For over 30 years, the Legal 500 has assessed the strengths of law firms in over 150 jurisdictions. The results are […]
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At the end of 2023, the government plan to add the American XL Bully Type Dog to the list of banned breeds in the UK. But what does the legislation mean, and what should you do if you own an American XL Bully? If you are an owner of an American XL Bully, here’s what […]
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Leading national law firm Reeds Solicitors LLP has launched a service for Court of Protection in Swindon. Sadé Asker, Solicitor and Law Society Accredited Legal Representative, will be leading the expansion into the Swindon Branch, whilst also maintaining her Cardiff practice. Sadé will join the successful criminal and family departments in Swindon at 10 Commercial […]
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Recent changes to legislation mean that if you are suspected of committing a criminal offence, you are more likely to be released on pre-charge bail than released under investigation (“RUI”). The changes came into force in November 2022 under Schedule 4 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. We understand that many people […]
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Being arrested following a domestic abuse incident almost always comes at a time of high emotions and stress. You may have no idea that the police have been called and suddenly you find yourself in the back of a police car with the neighbours peering out the window. Alternatively, you may have left the place […]
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Obtaining a licence for a firearm or shotgun is not a simple process at the best of times. Most will anticipate that the Firearms Licensing process will be long and arduous and that they will be asked a multitude of questions about their background to determine whether they are suitable to be a licence holder […]
Between 2016 and 2021, over 100,000 child abuse image crimes were recorded by UK police forces. According to the NSPCC, the number of offences related to possessing, taking, making, and distributing child abuse material tipped at 25,281 in 2020/21. This was up 37% from 2016/17 and the total number of offences recorded over the five […]
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(A Higher Education Institution Perspective) In April 2022, Lady Margaret Hall College in Oxford agreed to pay damages to a student who reported being raped by another student. The matter was referred to the police, but the alleged perpetrator was not charged. The damages were awarded by the college after the complainant alleged negligence and […]
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Firearms, like anything else, are collectables, and valuable ones at that. George Washington’s two saddle pistols went for around $1 million each when they were last auctioned in 2002. Antique firearms are often inherited or may be purchased as part of a historic artefact collection. You may initially think that such relics would be beyond […]
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A Reading family solicitor has been named as a finalist in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards (LALY Awards). Saifalee Doolooa-Collins, Solicitor and Team Leader in the family department at Reeds Solicitors, is one of three named finalists for the Family Legal Aid award. Saifalee launched the firm’s family law team in Reading […]
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Jordan Trengove was a typical 18-year-old enjoying a night out with friends on 9 March 2019. He had no idea at the time that his life was about to change forever, thanks to being falsely accused of rape. The false accusations were made against him by Eleanor Williams, who in early January 2023 was found […]
The Guardian today [20/04/2023] reported on the increasing numbers of complaints made by university students to the Higher Education watchdog, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator. This increase in complaints is reflected in the number of clients approaching us for help to assist them. Usually they need advice and assistance with navigating higher education disciplinary […]
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You may have been contacted by a police officer, inviting you to a voluntary police interview in Berkshire. This could be at Loddon Valley, Reading, Newbury, Maidenhead, Slough, Bracknell, or Pangbourne police stations. This can be very worrying, especially if you have not been in this situation before. It is crucial to note that you […]
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