Criminal procedure

Our stories

Public Parole Hearings

Public Parole Hearings. Victims, members of the public and the media will be able to ask for a parole hearing to be heard in public for the first time, following law changes. From 21 July 2022, anyone including prisoners, victims, members of the public or the media will be able to ask the Board to hold […]

Sentencing Guidelines for Sexual Offences

Sentencing Guidelines for Sexual Offences. The Sentencing Council has this week published revised sentencing guidelines for a number of sexual offences. These new guidelines will apply to those sentenced on or after 31 May 2022, and in one case to those sentenced on or after 1 July 2022. Which offences are covered by these changes? The […]

Facial Recognition

Facial Recognition. The College of Policing has published a guide to the use of live facial recognition technology. The guide is intended to ensure a consistent approach across forces with a clear legal and ethical framework. The College sets out five aims for the guidance: live facial recognition (LFR) technology should be used in a responsible, […]

Witness Intimidation and Perverting The Course Of Justice

The Sentencing Council is an independent body promoting greater consistency in sentencing while maintaining the independence of the judiciary. The Council is responsible for developing sentencing guidelines for use by the judiciary and criminal justice professionals and also monitors their use. New draft guidelines for the offences of witness intimidation and perverting the course of […]

Problem Gambling and Crime

Problem gambling and crime. The Howard League for Penal Reform launched The Commission on Crime and Problem Gambling in 2019, and it is scheduled to end next year. The Commission seeks to answer three questions: What are the links between problem gambling and crime? What impact do these links have on communities and society? What should […]

Trademark offences; sentencing guidelines

Trademark offences; sentencing guidelines. The Sentencing Council produces guidelines on sentencing for the judiciary and criminal justice professionals. The aim is to promote greater consistency in sentencing whilst maintaining the independence of the judiciary. The guidelines set sentencing ranges within the maximum for the offence and must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it […]

DVLA and Roadside Checks

DVLA and roadside checks. Technology has been developed by the DVLA and the Home Office for police officers to use at the roadside to confirm the identity of a driver. The technology allows instant access to a photograph of the driver. The picture is held on the DVLA driver’s database, and immediate access is provided to […]

Natural England Prosecutions

Natural England prosecutions. Natural England (and Natural Resources Wales) is the government’s advisor for the natural environment in England and Wales. Established in 2006, its purpose is to help conserve, enhance and manage the natural environment. It enforces the laws that protect wildlife and the environment and state that enforcement is used as a last resort. […]

Stalking and Stalking Protection Orders

Stalking and Stalking Protection Orders. A former premier league footballer, Shayne Bradley, pleaded guilty to stalking a former girlfriend. It was said he followed her, watched her house, sent mails and made abusive phone calls. He hid in hedges near her home and set up a fake dating profile to make contact. The conduct was over […]

Life sentences with further orders

Life sentences with further orders. A recent Court of Appeal case has ruled on the appropriateness of protective orders when a life sentence is in place. In GD’s case, the Court imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) alongside an indeterminate life sentence. On appeal, the question was whether making the SHPO was wrong in […]