Insights

The media can often have an uneasy relationship with the law, particularly given that a number of publications will employ unusual tactics in order to remain ‘ahead of the game’ in what is known to be an incredibly competitive industry. The recent case of Anthony Jonathan France v R is a prime example of this, where a criminal journalist succeeded in appealing his conviction for his part in making payments to a public official in exchange for news stories.

The sexual assault and death of Stuart Lubbock at Michael Barrymore’s home in 2001 remains unsolved in 2017. Michael Barrymore, having been arrested under suspicion of the rape and murder of Mr Lubbock, is suing the Chief Constable of Essex Police for his arrest in June 2007 claiming that it was unlawful and he was, as a result, falsely imprisoned. Mr Barrymore brought the action under his real name of Michael Ciaran Parker, seeking damages of £2.4 million. The Claimant, Mr Parker, alleges that he suffered damage and “very substantial financial losses” as a result.

I am delighted to have been accepted as an invitee on the 'training for counsel’ course for enlisted counsel who may be instructed to appear before the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

A Law Commission report has found major flaws in the system for the disclosure of criminal records in England and Wales. The Home Office requested the Law Commission examine the effectiveness of what is known as "filtering". Filtering is a system by which an individual is not required to disclose their full criminal offending history if the convictions are for old and minor offences. The report came back with the conclusion that the law surrounding disclosure was confusing, and recommended a full review of the current regime.

Welcome to my new website. I look forward to keeping you updated with my latest blogs and news.