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Over the last few days, the government has announced proposals to classify new offences and increase sentencing for a range of existing offences.

Gareth Hawden, one of our criminal law experts, explains the proposals.

Knife crime sentencing guidelines

Knife crime increased by 20% in the last year alone, prompting the government to look again at key legislation. Possession of a knife increased by 23% in the same period.

New laws will make it an offence to deliver a knife purchased online to a private residential address. All future online purchases will have to be delivered to a collection address where the age of the purchaser can be verified.

Possession of an offensive weapon

Possession of offensive weapons in a public place is already a criminal offence, but changes to the law will see some 19 items including flick knives and push daggers prohibited in private places as well.

The government is proposing some limited defences to these possession offences, such as for cultural, artistic or religious use, plus exemptions such as museum displays.

There will also be a new definition of the term ‘flick knife’ to broaden the number of weapons that are classified into this category.

Violence in schools

It is already an aggravated offence to possess knives and offensive weapons on school premises.

However, the definition of ‘school premises’ does not cover higher and further education establishments such as sixth form colleges or universities. This will be changed to ensure these institutions are also covered by the legislation.

Threatening behaviour

The government intends to amend the existing offence of threatening with an article with blade or point or an offensive weapon set out in section 139AA of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

The law currently requires the prosecution to prove that the defendant threatened another with the weapon ‘in such a way that there is an immediate risk of serious physical harm to that other person’.

The government is proposing to strengthen this offence to ensure that if anyone threatens another person with a knife the offence is committed when the victim reasonably fears they would be likely to suffer serious physical harm. This test will be based on how a reasonable person would respond to such a threat and not whether the victim was objectively at risk of immediate serious physical harm.  

Acid attacks and corrosive substances

With violent attacks using acid and other substances on the rise, classifying these attacks as an offence is justified.

The Government proposes to create a new offence of possessing a corrosive substance in a public place. The proposed offence is modelled on the current offence in section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

It is envisaged that similar defences to the knife possession offence would also apply to the proposed corrosive substance possession offence, such as if the person could prove they had a good reason or lawful authority for having it in a public place.

Secondly, the government proposes to introduce a new offence preventing the sale of the most harmful corrosive substances to those aged under 18. This is intended to be similar to the existing knife legislation and is in response to the significant proportion of known offenders who are under 18.

Introducing this offence would make it harder for under 18s to obtain products containing the most harmful corrosive substances that are of particular concern and which are being used as weapons to inflict life-changing injuries.

Possession of a firearm – UK sentence

The government has identified two particular types of firearms of concern:

• Large calibre (0.50) rifles
• Rapid firing rifles

Both types of firearm are currently available for civilian use under general licensing arrangements, but there are concerns about their potential for serious misuse and loss of life if they were to fall into the wrong hands.  

It is proposed that these two types of firearms should be subject to the stricter controls under the existing provisions of section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968, which prohibit a number of types of firearms from civilian use.  

Death by dangerous driving

It is proposed that the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving, or causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, be increased to a maximum of life imprisonment.

If this change is implemented, it will lead to new sentencing guidelines being issued which will likely increase the typical sentence in all such cases.  Very few cases would ever merit a sentence of life imprisonment.

Driving without due care and attention

There is also a proposal to create a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving.

This is likely to be one of the most controversial proposals as there is friction between the lower level of culpability and unintended harm, which of course can sometimes be significant.

The government appears to want to send out a tough message about certain types of criminal behaviour. It must be remembered however that sentencing is a fact-specific exercise where the personal mitigation of the defendant must also be considered.

In cases where a guilty plea is inevitable, or a finding of guilt has been made, it is our job to present to a court the best possible mitigation to ensure the lowest sentence possible.

If you face any criminal proceedings, in the first instance contact us on 01442 242999 or enquiries@wheldonlaw.co.uk to discuss your case.  

Many people convicted before magistrates feel aggrieved at the outcome and wish to consider an appeal. A grievance may arise because they think that their case was not prepared correctly, or that the court reached the wrong result.

For many people, a conviction could be a major barrier to employment or travel overseas, even where the offence itself is relatively minor.

The court process is far from perfect. If you have a grievance, it is only right and proper that you consider your options.

What can I do if I’m convicted by a magistrate?

The first thing to remember is that you must act quickly as you only have 21 days from the date of sentencing to appeal your conviction, so you should not delay in contacting us.

If more than 21 days have passed, then get in touch as soon as possible as we can advise on ‘out of time appeals’.

When you contact us, we will also be able to consider whether other avenues of appeal to the high court such are more suitable including:

• Judicial review
• Appeal by way of case stated

I pleaded guilty, can I appeal?

You may be able to appeal against ‘conviction’ if you pleaded guilty, but only if your plea is ‘equivocal’. In this instance, there are two remedies that we can explore with you.

Appeal from magistrates court to crown court

An appeal against conviction from the magistrates’ court to the crown court is what is termed ‘an appeal as of right’, which means that you do not need any permission to appeal.

In effect, you are entitled to ‘2 bites of the cherry’ although there are some other issues, such as sentence and costs that you should consider first.

Is sentence suspended pending an appeal?

Your sentence is not suspended pending appeal, although we can:

• Apply for bail if you are in custody
• Apply for any driving disqualification to be suspended

If you have been made subject to a community order, this will need to be complied with, although we will take steps to try and expedite the hearing.

What happens at the appeal hearing?

The crown court, presided over by a judge and lay magistrates rather than a jury, hears the case afresh.

We do however have a valuable opportunity to review what might have gone wrong at the first trial and take steps to remedy any failures.

We can also examine what other evidence ought to the gathered on your behalf, plus how we could potentially defend against the prosecution case.

What happens If I lose the appeal?

Should you lose your appeal, you will be re-sentenced by the crown court and be liable for prosecution costs. We will discuss the cost implications with you in detail before any decision to appeal is made.

It is important to note that the crown court is not restricted to the same sentence imposed by the magistrates’ court, so you may receive a higher penalty. This is one of the risks that you need to balance and one of the reasons why we will at an early stage examine the other avenues of appeal with you (judicial review and case stated).

Can I get legal aid?

Many people are eligible for legal aid and we can direct you to a legal aid provider if you wish. As the legal aid fee is so low, this is not an option we offer.

We will be happy to discuss fixed fee arrangements – the price of high-quality representation is almost certainly much less than you might imagine it to be. If you are successful in your appeal, some of your costs may be refunded.

In the first instance please contact Matthew Chugg on 01442 242999, or by email at matt@wheldonlaw.co.uk

What is the ‘Sex Offender Register’?

There isn’t an actual register and the phrase refers to notification requirements imposed on some offenders convicted of sexual offences. Over 50,000 individuals are currently subject to notification requirements.

The duration of the notification obligation depends on the sentencing disposal and the age of the offender. These are the relevant periods for adult offenders:

What are the notification requirements for the Sex Offenders Register?

The notification requirements imposed are complex and in the main revolve around:

• Keeping the police informed of residence and travel plans
• Changes to personal details
• Whether they are residing in a household with a child
• Bank and credit card details and passport/identity documents

If for any reason you do not understand your full obligations in this regard, contact us and we can provide specific advice.

What happens if I do not abide by the notification requirements?

Non-compliance means that you may have committed a criminal offence, which can be punished by up to 5 years imprisonment. Any breach is always treated seriously by a court.

Indefinite notification & the Sex Offenders Register

It can be seen from the table above that some offenders are subject to the notification regime for an indefinite period.

Until a court judgment in 2012, that meant for life, however, a change in the law now means that some offenders can apply to have indefinite notification requirements removed.

Note that if you are subject to notification requirements for a fixed term, this cannot be reduced.

When can you apply to no longer have indefinite notification on the Sex Offenders Register?

An adult can apply after 15 years and a juvenile can after eight years. However, if you are also subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, that must be removed before an application can be made in respect to notification requirements. We can assist you with this if required.

How do I go about doing that?

There is a 2-stage process. Initially, there is an application to the police. If the application is refused, you can then appeal to a magistrates’ court.

What are the chances of having your indefinite notification lifted?

In our experience there is a notable chance for having your indefinite notification lifted. Some police forces have reported an initial success rate of some 66%.

It is not, however, a simple case of writing a letter and asking for the requirements to be lifted. The police have to apply a statutory test and it is vital that your application is drafted professionally to give you the best prospects of success.

In determining an application, the police must:

(1) have regard to information (if any) received from a responsible body

(2) consider the risk of sexual harm posed by the offender and the effect of a continuation of the indefinite notification requirements on the offender

(3) take into account the matters listed below:

(a) the severity of the initial offence

(b) the period of time which has elapsed since the offender committed the offence (or other offences)

(c) where the offender falls within section 81(1) of the 2003 Act, whether the offender committed any offence under section 3 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997

(d) whether the offender has committed any offence under section 91 of the Act

(e) the age of the offender at the qualifying date or further qualifying date

(f) the age of the offender at the time the offence was committed

(g) the age of any person who was a victim of any such offence (where applicable) and the difference in age between the victim and the offender at the time the offence was committed

(h) any assessment of the risk posed by the offender which has been made by a responsible body under the arrangements for managing and assessing risk established under section 325 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003

(i) any submission or evidence from a victim of the offence giving rise to the indefinite notification requirements

(j) any convictions or findings made by a court (including by a court in Scotland, Northern Ireland or countries outside the United Kingdom) in respect of the offender for any offence listed in Schedule 3 other than the one referred to in paragraph (a)

(k) any caution which the offender has received for an offence (including for an offence in Northern Ireland or countries outside the United Kingdom) which is listed in Schedule 3

(l) any convictions or findings made by a court in Scotland, Northern Ireland or countries outside the United Kingdom in respect of the offender for any offence listed in Schedule 5 where the behaviour of the offender since the date of such conviction or finding indicates a risk of sexual harm

(m) any other submission or evidence of the risk of sexual harm posed by the offender

(n) any evidence presented by or on behalf of the offender which demonstrates that the offender does not pose a risk of sexual harm

(o) any other matter which the relevant chief officer of police considers to be appropriate

How to get off the Sex Offenders Register (UK)

The appeal process is both complex and detailed, but we can assist in collating the material necessary to draft and submit an application that has the best chance of success, whether before the police or a court.

Please call Wheldon Law on 01442 242999 for a free initial telephone consultation or email us at enquiries@wheldonlaw.co.uk

The government is planning to introduce legislation which will increase the maximum custodial sentence for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The current limit is six months’ imprisonment, but the new proposals would raise this to five years. This would bring England and Wales into line with other countries’ policies on animal cruelty and correct an issue of proportionality in relation to penalties available for other offences.

Offences covered by the Animal Welfare Act 2006

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes all of the following a criminal offence:

• Causing animals unnecessary suffering (whether intentionally or not)
• Improperly docking dogs’ tails
• Causing unnecessary mutilation
• Administering unauthorised poisons or drugs
• Participating in the organisation or facilitation of animal fights
• Failing one’s duty of care to particular animals

The Act adopts a wide definition of ‘animal’, to include any “vertebrate other than man.”

Penalties for Animal Cruelty in the UK

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 allows for a range of penalties, from absolute discharges to custodial sentences up to six months in length.

The statistics on sentences imposed upon people convicted of animal cruelty in 2015 are revealing. In that year, 933 people were convicted of offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

A breakdown of that total reveals the distribution of penalties:

Penalty	Number of people
Immediate custodial sentence	91
Suspended sentence	202
Community sentence	341
Fine	177
Conditional discharge	100
Absolute discharge	3
Other	20

 

The RSPCA has investigated the custodial element of that breakdown further. Only three people received the maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment. Those who received four-month sentences included, it is argued, offenders who gained credit for a guilty plea having committed an offence that potentially warranted a six-month sentence.

Why some say that the increase in sentences is necessary

The view of the Government and various animal rights organisations is that a disconnect exists between these punishments and the crime of animal cruelty itself. Recent cases which have prompted this change include a man who purchased a number of puppies for the sole purpose of killing them by beating, choking and stabbing. These actions ostensibly require an intent to which the current sentences available to courts do not do justice.

The reforms are also supported by the manifest disparity between penalties for animal cruelty in England and Wales and those in other jurisdictions – the maximum sentences for animal cruelty in Germany and Northern Ireland are three years and five years respectively.

The argument is further strengthened by looking at the maximum sentences attached to other crimes. Fly tipping, for example, carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. The same sentence is also the limit for abstracting electricity. Many would argue that the damage and requisite mindset involved in animal cruelty should mean its maximum penalty should at least equal that of these other crimes.

New animal cruelty legislation

The Government is planning to produce a draft of this legislation around the turn of the year. The main provision will be to increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty from six months’ imprisonment to five years. People who commit the most serious crimes against animals, such as the example mentioned above, may then face a prison sentence which is measured in years and is comparable to a conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

This policy change follows a previous related announcement on the proposed use of CCTV cameras in slaughterhouses. The timing of both proposals represents an attempt to change the UK’s reputation for animal welfare as it leaves the European Union.

We are here to help

Animal welfare legislation is complex and can lead to a prison sentence, so it makes sense to instruct an expert if you are under investigation or facing prosecution. For assistance with any aspect of animal welfare law, contact us on 01442 242999 or email us at enquiries@wheldonlaw.co.uk.

Drones and the law

This article examines drones and the legal framework which governs their usage. It focuses on drones which are available to the public and looks at:

• Potential risks of using a drone
• The relevant law governing drone usage
• One’s responsibilities as a drone owner
• Further caveats for particular types of drone use

What are drones?

The term ‘drone’ refers to any object that can be flown without a human pilot. Drones can range from armed technologies used in military operations to smaller gadgets that can be purchased by members of the public.

These drone models can be controlled remotely and may also be attached to a camera which provides a live-feed to the controller. They can be used educational, professional and leisure purposes and a variety of models are available which vary in size, speed, range and price.

When are drones a problem?

Drones become a problem when they interfere with other objects using the same airspace. They can present a problem for both military and civilian aircraft as despite their relatively small size a collision could have disastrous consequences. Such incidents are more likely to happen when drones are flown too high or too close to areas where aircraft are taking off and landing frequently.

 

Drone prosecution UK

If you have bought a drone for personal use, then you have some responsibilities relating to your use of that drone. Breaching these duties can result in prosecution.

It is advisable to consult the Civilian Aviation Authority Air Navigation Order 2016, specifically Articles 94, 95 and 241 for guidance. You can download the ‘Drone Code’ from the website www.dronesafe.uk.

You must understand your essential duties as a drone owner, many of which are common sense:

• Know how to fly your drone safely and do so within the law
• Understand that the operator of the drone is legally responsible for every flight
• Keep your drone in sight at all times – ideally you should keep the drone below 400ft
• Don’t fly your drone over congested areas
• Never fly a drone within 50 metres of a person, vehicle or building not under your control
• Ensure any images you obtain using a drone do not break privacy laws
• Avoid collisions – you should never fly a drone near an airport or close to aircraft

It is a criminal offence to endanger the safety of an aircraft in flight. If you break the rules, you could threaten life and also face prosecution, which in some cases may result in imprisonment or a substantial fine.

Commercial drone licence

If you want to use a drone for commercial purposes – for example as an estate agent to take aerial video of properties for sale –  then you must seek permission from the Civilian Aviation Authority prior to doing so.

It is also expected that you will attend an accredited course which will test your knowledge of and competence with drones.

What are military drones?

Any drone use completed for the Ministry of Defence is regulated by the Military Aviation Authority. Tasks such as surveys at height, photography and multimedia activities are covered by these provisions and one should refer to Regulatory Articles 1600, 2320 and 2321 for specific requirements.

Drones can be fun and useful but come with their fair share of responsibilities. If you follow the principles highlighted above, you will be much less likely to fall foul of the rules and regulations governing this exciting new technology.

Liar, ITV’s new 6-part drama, is gripping the nation, with viewers already reaching their own conclusions as to whether Laura – played by the actress Joanne Froggatt who is better known for her role as Anna Bates in Downton Abbey – is telling the truth when she accuses surgeon Andrew of raping her.

For most of us, this is highly watchable drama as we switch between whom we believe, our perceptions changed over time by the sophisticated script and plot devices.

It is no surprise that some people have formed an opinion on who they believe already, as recent research demonstrated that half of the jurors comprising a trial jury might reach a guilty verdict before even going to deliberate with other jurors.

We know that people are, on occasion, willing to change their minds, just as you might when the plot unfolds. It is vital therefore that a strong case is set out from the start, laying a solid foundation for a successful defence.

For our clients and their families, facing an accusation of rape or other sexual crime can be a horrendous experience. So, what is our role and how do we defend such cases?

A reactive and proactive role

We always start with a reactive approach. The complainant states they were drunk, whilst our client states they were in fact sober. They entered the bedroom uninvited says one person, we were invited in, says our client and so on.

We can build the start of a defence with this important work, but we do not have the benefit of the incident in question playing before us on a TV screen, with the truth revealed at the end.

Instead, we have the contrasting versions of the event in question and it might feel as if it is simply one word against another. This is often the case, unless you seek further evidence.

A proactive approach to case preparation is what makes a difference. At Wheldon Law, we always ensure that:

• All relevant witnesses are traced
• Any CCTV evidence is secured
• All forensic evidence is analysed
• Background checks are completed
• Details of false allegations are pursued

and even, as already alluded to in Liar, any psychiatric issues are explored.

We also understand the personal toll legal proceedings may take on you and your family and offer a compassionate and reassuring voice at a time when the future may at times appear very dark.

Our services

Wheldon Law Solicitors has decades of experience in defending accusations of sexual assault.

Before entrusting your case to anyone else, come and meet us, get a feel for our work ethic and ensure you are confident that you are receiving the best defence possible.

You only get one chance to get this right, so the alternative is unthinkable.

We offer private client services at affordable rates and legal aid may be available.

If you are arrested for, or charged with, any offence, call us on 01442 242999 or email us at enquiries@wheldonlaw.co.uk.

Heading back from holiday this summer, you may have brought a souvenir or two back in your luggage. While there’s no problem bring an ornament or a piece of jewellery home to remind you of your trip, you should be aware that, with some souvenirs you run the risk of unwittingly committing a criminal offence by bringing them into the country.

Which items are banned?

Items such as novelty torches with a taser function are not permitted to be brought into the UK. Often, people have no idea of this additional function, simply purchasing the novelty torch on holiday and bringing it home in their luggage, only to be told upon arrival at the airport that they are committing a criminal offence.

What is the punishment for possession of a taser in the UK?

UK law specifies that possession of a non-lethal taser is a criminal offence and, should the taser be disguised as another object such as a torch, the offence carries a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years.

Whilst people are often unaware they are breaking the law by bringing a taser torch into the UK and claim they ‘did not know it was illegal’, this is not a valid defence. Merely possessing such an item is classified as an offence of strict liability, which means that it does not matter that you did not deliberately do anything wrong.

As the law presently stands, a person convicted of possession of a disguised firearm must plead exceptional circumstances to attempt to be punished with anything less than a five year sentence.  Exceptional circumstance arguments are very difficult to win and the appeal courts have stated that only truly exceptional cases should result in anything less than a term of five years imprisonment.

What’s the difference between stun guns and tasers?

Tasers and stun guns serve broadly the same purpose and people tend to use the two terms interchangeably. However, while both are electroshock weapons, they are significantly different – most crucially in terms of the range at which they can be used. A taser can be used from a distance (in some cases up to 30 feet). It typically shoots out two probes which penetrate the target and deliver the required electric shock. A stun gun, on the other hand, has two prongs which do not extend – meaning direct physical contact with the target is necessary to transfer an electric shock.

Are stun guns legal in the UK?

No. Many people do not realise that stun guns are illegal in the UK, and can fall foul of the law as a result – particularly when purchasing them online from countries where their manufacture is legal. However, due to their ability to harm or incapacitate, stun guns are classed as firearms under UK law. This means that possession of one is illegal, in private or in public, just as it would be with any other firearm. 

Stun gun UK law and sentencing

Stun guns are considered firearms, and as such are controlled under the Firearms Act 1986 – because they electrical discharge they produce is classified as “noxious”. This means that possessing, purchasing, acquiring, manufacturing, selling or transferring one is classed as a criminal offence in the UK. There are two tiers of charge for possessing a stun gun, depending on if it is non-disguised or disguised (a disguised stun gun, just like a taser, is usually in the guise of an item such as a torch or phone). Possession of a non-disguised stun gun carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison, while possession of a disguised stun gun is significantly more serious and carries a minimum five-year prison sentence.

How we can help you

At Wheldon Law we have a team of specialist firearm defence solicitors, with extensive experience in defending firearms cases. We have had considerable success in helping people avoid the specified 5 year minimum imprisonment term for carrying a taser torch.

If you are charged with possession of a disguised firearm, you should always seek legal representation. Contact Wheldon Law on 01442 242999 for a free 15 minute initial consultation, where we can provide initial legal advice.

Several cases of exceptional circumstances regarding carrying a taser torch have been fought
and won.  The authorities can sometimes be convinced to accept a guilty plea to a different offence, such as a customs offence, which does not carry any minimum term. In some instances, you may receive a fine for such an offence, rather than any prison term.

As technology evolves so does the law. With an increasing body of forensic knowledge, it is now possible to argue that an item is not disguised, rather it is dual purpose.

Even if the case looks bleak at first, some cases can still go to trial.  The best approach is to always consult an experienced solicitor with experience in defending firearms cases, as they will be best placed to advise you and, should you choose, to defend the allegation against you.