Smart Motorways – The ongoing dangers
A number of recent news articles have cast the spotlight on the ongoing dangers that persist across England’s smart motorway network. Although National
Disclosure & Barring Service facts and figures
Between April 2022 and March 2023, the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) issued over 7.5 million DBS certificates. 4.5 million of these
Can a complainant’s phone be examined during a criminal investigation?
With the vast growth in the usage of digital devices, this question can present challenges for criminal investigations. Examining a complainant’s phone
Sharing Intimate Photographs or Film
Section 66B (1) – (4) Sexual Offences Act 2003 As of 31st January 2024, Section 188 of the Online Safety Act 2023
Olliers shortlisted for Manchester Legal Awards 2024
We are delighted to announce Olliers has been shortlisted for two awards at this year’s Manchester Legal Awards. The firm has been
Can the police track you via your IP address?
In today’s digitally connected world, our online activities leave behind a trail of digital footprints that can be tracked and monitored. Among
The future for crypto following the FTX case
On 2 November 2023, Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of seven counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money. The fraud was
Stress awareness month – How employers can help
April is stress awareness month so given how far-reaching the issue is, I thought it worth sharing just a few observations on
Offence of Failure to Prevent Fraud – Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (‘the Act’) received Royal Assent last year. The new offence of ‘Failure to Prevent
Indecent Images and the Dark Web in the UK
In recent years, the rise of the dark web has presented unique challenges for law enforcement agencies around the world. Among the
Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) ‘Minded To Bar’ Recent Case Studies
Olliers’ DBS team share some of their most recent successful Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) ‘Minded to Bar’ cases. Client A – DBS Minded
Can I have a record deleted from the Police National Computer?
What is the Police National Computer (PNC)? The PNC is a computer system used by the police and other UK law enforcement
DARVO and domestic violence cases
In some domestic violence cases, it can sometimes be difficult to work out who is the perpetrator and who is the victim,
Use of polygraph tests during the pre-charge investigation stage
We have experienced a number of clients being asked to participate in a polygraph test, which is raising concern that the police
Changes to manslaughter sentencing guidelines
Olliers’ Isobel Phillipson considers the recent changes to manslaughter sentencing guidelines How is manslaughter defined? Manslaughter is where an unlawful killing occurs,
Launch of Olliers Summer Intern Programme 2024
Following the success of our previous intern programmes, Olliers Solicitors are offering week long paid internships at our Manchester city centre office
GMC consultation on the regulation of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs)
In 1956, the General Dental Council (GDC) took on full responsibility for the regulation of dentists, leaving the General Medical Council (GMC)
Peer-to-Peer Software and Indecent Images
Navigating Peer-to-Peer Software and the Law: Understanding Indecent Images in the UK In today’s digital age, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing software has
Amendments to Sentencing Guidelines
Amendments to Sentencing Guidelines The Sentencing Council have published their response to the third annual consultation regarding numerous amendments to sentencing guidelines.
Extraordinary Report of the Chief Coroner – issues within the coroner service
The Report of the Chief Coroner published in January 2024 explores the remaining issues with the coronial service despite the improvements introduced
The Environment Agency steps up efforts to tackle money laundering
The Environment Agency has recently established a new Economic Crime Unit aimed at addressing the issue of money laundering and to conduct
The next generation of criminal and regulatory defence lawyers
Gareth Martin reflects on attitudes towards careers in criminal defence I recently took part in a student “Meet and Greet” event with
Revised Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure 2024
Introduction Although the disclosure regime in criminal cases changed significantly with the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996, it was not until
Disclosure of Information Between Family and Criminal Agencies and Jurisdictions: 2024 Protocol
A new 2024-Protocol in relation to Disclosure of Information Between Family And Criminal Agencies And Jurisdictions has been issued replacing the 2013
Sentencing Murder Cases – New Statutory Aggravating and Mitigating Features
Today (29th February 2024) changes in the Sentencing Act 2020 come into force. Regulation 2024 amends paragraph 9 and 10 of Schedule
Aggravated vehicle taking offences guidelines
A Sentencing Council Consultation regarding Aggravated vehicle taking, disqualification and other motoring related offences guidelines The Sentencing Council have published a consultation
Artificial intelligence (AI) and indecent images
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to
What is Corporate Manslaughter?
In the wake of the Lucy Letby convictions at the end of last year, Cheshire Constabulary launched a corporate manslaughter investigation into
Private Prosecutions – A time for change?
Under section 6(1) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, any individual or company can bring a private prosecution. This provides a
First conviction for cyber-flashing following introduction of new legislation
An individual yesterday (13th February 2024) become the first person in England and Wales to be convicted of cyber-flashing. Unsolicited photos of
