Author: Paul Southwood

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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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 […]

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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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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 […]

Read More… from The Dangerous Dogs Act: Time To Call Off the Dogs?

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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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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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 […]

Read More… from Help – I Have Been Falsely Accused Of Rape

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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