News

From the 7th June 2022, those who strangle their partners, in an attempt to control or induce fear, will now face prosecution under the new non-fatal strangulation legislation.

Key measures in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 will give prosecutors new powers to charge suspects with specific offences of non-fatal strangulation and non-fatal suffocation.

Revised sentencing guidelines for domestic, non-domestic and aggravated burglary offences in England and Wales, will come into effect on 1 July 2022.

The sentencing surcharge required by a court, when dealing with an individual for one or more offence has increased.

Section 13 of the Act provides that from Monday, 2nd May, 2022, a magistrates’ court may impose a sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment for a single offence that is triable either way, in place of the current maximum of 6 months’ imprisonment.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill attracted much publicity as it progressed through the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

In the recent case of R v Shamami [2022] EWCA Crim 351, the Court of Appeal considered an appeal against the imposition of a six-year driving disqualification for dangerous driving.

On 25 March 2022, the regulations regarding the use of a hand-held mobile phone or other interactive communication device will be widened to include the use of any mobile telephone or interactive communication device held in the hand whilst driving.

Not that long ago, police were investigating a sexual assault allegation made against Sir Cliff Richard. The investigation and police raid of his home address was widely reported in the press, yet he was never arrested or charged.