Online grooming of children has nearly doubled in last 5 years, study finds
Shocking new data has revealed the number of Sexual Communication with a Child offences last year (2022/23) was nearly double the number seen in 2017/18 when the offence first came into force. Specifically, 6,350 instances of the offence were recorded last year, bringing the total over the past six years to a striking 34,000, according […]
Case Update: Y (A Child) (Abduction: Romania: Art. 13(b))
The case of Y (A Child) (Abduction: Romania: Art. 13(b)) [2023] EWHC 1676 (Fam) (14 February 2023) was recently published. This is a decision in respect of a contested 1980 Hague Application. In short, as paragraph six of the judgment outlines, “the mother defends the application on the basis of Article 13(b) of the Convention, […]
New tool launched to check clients’ eligibility for legal aid
Providers working in civil legal aid are now able to access a new financial eligibility tool called “check if your client qualifies for legal aid” (CCQ), the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has announced. Assessments of a client’s means eligibility for civil legal aid will be produced by CCQ based on the information entered. The merits of the […]
Women’s Aid: Manchester United’s Greenwood decision a relief for survivors
Manchester United Football Club’s decision not to keep Mason Greenwood following allegations including attempted rape and assault is “a relief for many survivors of domestic and sexual abuse”, says Women’s Aid. The footballer, who has also played for England, was arrested in January 2022 after material was published online. Details of the alleged abuse are […]
Andrew Tucker, CEO of Irwin Mitchell, passes away
National law firm Irwin Mitchell has announced that its Group Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Tucker, passed away last Wednesday following an “unexpected illness”. Tucker had been part of Irwin Mitchell for nearly 40 years, joining the firm in 1985 and becoming a Partner in 1988. He was appointed to the role of Group Chief Executive […]
I. Stephanie Boyce: Mind over matter
We read daily of inflationary court backlogs, crumbling court infrastructure, legal aid deserts, lack of court staff. The number of those seeking legal advice has increased, but this has not been matched by the resources needed to deliver justice promptly for those turning to the justice system. In addition, the aftermath of the recent global […]
From myth to reality: The call for reform to cohabitation laws | Part 2
Part two of this two-part article will look at whether the current law around cohabitation is fit for purpose and explore proposed reforms. Part one assessed the myth of “common law marriage” and the current rights available for separating couples. Is the current law fit for purpose? It’s hard to see how it can genuinely […]
