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The Cannibal Drug That Makes You Smell of Vinegar and Prawns

What are you talking about? Monkey dust is a synthetic drug, a type of new psychoactive substance. It is similar to other cathinone drugs such as MDPV, methylone and magic crystals. In the USA it is known as “Zombie Dust” or Cannibal Dust” due to one of the reported effects of the drug being users […]

Child Cruelty – New Sentencing Guideline

The Sentencing Council has published a new guideline for how those guilty of child cruelty offences should be sentenced. It covers three offences: cruelty to a child; causing or allowing a child to die or suffer serious physical harm; and failing to protect a girl from the risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). When […]

What Power Do The Police Have To Test My Eyesight?

There has been much ado in the press about police forces undertaking random checks on motorists and revoking licences at the roadside. So, what are their powers? Can the police stop me? Under section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 a police officer in uniform has the power to require a driver of […]

Supplying drugs or possessing with intent to supply

These are the more serious offences relating to drugs that can lead to lengthy custodial sentences. What drugs are illegal to supply? It is an offence to supply a controlled drug. This includes the ones that immediately spring to mind such as heroin, cocaine and amphetamine. It also includes what are called Class B […]

Why was Ben Stokes found not guilty?

Who is Ben Stokes? He is the England cricketer who was charged with affray and acquitted by a jury. But the video showed him hitting someone? It did, his defence was that he was acting in self-defence, you can hit someone and still be not guilty of an offence in certain circumstances. Why […]

Acquittals and enhanced record checks

If I’m acquitted will the alleged offence show on a DBS check? An ordinary DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check reveals convictions and cautions. An enhanced check, required for many jobs, may reveal information held by the police such as intelligence, arrests, prosecutions and acquittals. Surely an acquittal shouldn’t be on the check? This […]

Racially aggravated offences

In recent years legislation has been enacted to ensure that crimes demonstrating a hostility towards certain groups of people are treated more seriously than before. If an offence is said to be racially aggravated, then you should expect a heftier sentence. What does it mean? An offence is racially aggravated if, at the time […]

What to expect as a witness

If you have provided a statement for the prosecution or for the defence you may be called to court to give evidence at the defendant’s trial. Is there help available for me? The Witness Service can provide assistance for any witness who has to attend court. This support can be both practical and emotional. […]

Will I be granted bail?

This article refers to adults, the law for youths is different. Do I have a right to bail? The starting point is that you have a “right” to be granted bail. This right can only be taken away in certain circumstances. These circumstances being that the court has substantial grounds to believe that if […]

Fail to provide a breath specimen

If you are suspected of driving with excess alcohol in your body, you may be asked to provide a breath sample at the roadside. If that sample is positive, you are likely to be arrested and take to the police station. Why do I have to do it again at the police station? Once […]