header-logo header-logo

10 February 2023 / David Walbank KC
Issue: 8012 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice , Criminal , Public
printer mail-detail

Crime brief: 10 February 2023

110178
Misconduct which undermines public trust in the police clearly warrants severe punishment, says David Walbank KC
  • Double murder of sisters in London park.
  • Officers guarding crime scene took and distributed photographs of victims.
  • Sentencing for misconduct in public office.

It has been a difficult couple of years for the Met. London’s police force (assuming it is still acceptable to refer to the capital’s constabulary as a ‘force’ rather than a ‘service’) has found itself under pressure from all sides. Its policing of public demonstrations against continuing misogynistic violence in society, following the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer, elicited howls of protest. The heinous crimes of the serial rapist, David Carrick, and his sentencing hearing earlier this week, have shocked the nation. Its attempts to keep the metropolis moving, despite the best efforts of Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil to bring gridlock to the streets, were met with weary resignation by angry commuters. Its decision-making in relation to COVID restriction-busting

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Stephen Ward, The Barrister Group

NLJ Career Profile: Stephen Ward, The Barrister Group

From mowing lawns to life at the Bar: Stephen Ward reflects on an unconventional career

Clarke Willmott—Ben Loosemore

Clarke Willmott—Ben Loosemore

Commercial property partner joins Clarke Willmott in Southampton

Ellisons—Robert Tiffen

Ellisons—Robert Tiffen

Robert Tiffen joins Ellisons as Partner in growing Norwich office

NEWS
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

back-to-top-scroll