Child protection agencies failed son of drug addict, review finds – The Guardian

‘A severely asthmatic seven-year-old boy who died “gasping for air” alone at night was failed by child protection agencies who “could and should have done better”, a serious case review has found.’

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The Guardian, 1st September 2022

Source: www.theguardian.com

New Problem-Solving Courts to combat drug and alcohol-fuelled crime – Ministry of Justice

‘Ground-breaking new courts will direct drug and alcohol abusers to tackle their addiction head-on or face tough consequences.’

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Ministry of Justice, 17th July 2022

Source: www.gov.uk

Thames Valley Police apologises over man’s heroin death in cell – BBC News

‘A police force has apologised to the family of a man who died in custody after taking heroin in his cell.’

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BBC News, 15th June 2022

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

M4 crash: Drink-drive killer’s sentence deemed not unduly lenient – BBC News

‘A man who killed two young children while drink and drug driving will not have his sentence reviewed by the court of appeal.’

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BBC News, 30th May 2022

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

New Acts – legislation.gov.uk

2022 c. 28 – Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022

2022 c. 27 – Approved Premises (Substance Testing) Act 2022

2022 c. 26 – Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022

2022 c. 22 – Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022

2022 c. 20 – Professional Qualifications Act 2022

2022 c. 17 – Local Government (Disqualification) Act 2022

2022 c. 36 – Nationality and Borders Act 2022

2022 c. 34 – British Sign Language Act 2022

2022 c. 32 – Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022

2022 c. 29 – Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022

2022 c. 24 – Cultural Objects (Protection from Seizure) Act 2022

Source: www.legislation.gov.uk

Boost for public safety as four justice bills receive Royal Assent – Ministry of Justice

‘The government delivers on its pledge to protect the public better and restore confidence in the criminal justice system as four major bills became law today (28 April).’

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Ministry of Justice, 28th April 2022

Source: www.gov.uk

Woman sentenced to 20 years in prison over death of asthmatic son – The Guardian

‘A heroin addict convicted of fatally neglecting her seven-year-old son, who died alone in a garden from an asthma attack, has been jailed for 20 years.’

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The Guardian, 28th April 2022

Source: www.theguardian.com

Catholic boarding school has ‘serious failings’ over safeguarding – The Independent

Posted March 17th, 2022 in alcohol abuse, clergy, drug abuse, education, news, reports, sexual offences by tracey

‘An Ofsted report into a leading Catholic boarding school has found its safeguarding of pupils was “inadequate”.’

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The Independent, 16th March 2022

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Lancashire father injected toddlers with heroin, review finds – BBC News

Posted November 4th, 2021 in child abuse, child neglect, drug abuse, news, social services by sally

‘Two toddlers were injected with heroin by their father to help them sleep, a review into their care has heard.’

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BBC News, 3rd November 2021

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Rachel Wilson killing: Keith Hall jailed for 2002 attack – BBC News

‘A man who got a teenage girl hooked on drugs and forced her into prostitution to fund his own habit before killing her has been jailed.’

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BBC News, 1st November 2021

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Driver who blamed ‘imaginary friend’ for M25 van crash is jailed – The Independent

Posted October 19th, 2021 in criminal damage, drug abuse, news, road traffic offences, sentencing by tracey

‘A stoned father who blamed “imaginary friend” for crashing his van on motorway after being banned from driving has been jailed.’

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The Independent, 19th October 2021

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Short jail terms fail to prevent reoffending, says former England and Wales magistrate – The Guardian

‘Criminals in England and Wales are being jailed for short terms that fail to prevent reoffending because of a lack of awareness and availability of community-based sentencing, a leading former magistrate has said.’

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The Guardian, 5th October 2021

Source: www.theguardian.com

Possession of laughing gas could become a criminal offence, Priti Patel says – The Independent

‘Priti Patel has announced that the Home Office is seeking advice on whether to criminalise the possession of laughing gas.’

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The Independent, 3rd September 2021

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Support for drug users on probation in England and Wales ‘not good enough’ – The Guardian

Posted August 19th, 2021 in drug abuse, news, probation by sally

‘Offenders in England and Wales who are supervised in the community are not receiving enough help to tackle drug misuse, and specialist programmes for identifying at-risk users of drugs have “withered on the vine”, a watchdog has said.’

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The Guardian, 18th August 2021

Source: www.theguardian.com

Research Briefing: General debate: Misuse of Drugs Act – House of Commons Library

Posted June 17th, 2021 in drug abuse, drug offences, medicines, news, parliament, statistics by sally

‘This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the main piece of legislation through which illicit drugs are controlled across the UK.’

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House of Commons Library, 16th June 2021

Source: commonslibrary.parliament.uk

New Acts – legislation.gov.uk

2021 c. 24 – Fire Safety Act 2021

2021 c. 21 – Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021

2021 c. 20 – Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021

2021 c. 19 – Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021

2021 c. 18 – Prisons (Substance Testing) Act 2021

2021 c. 16 – Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Act 2021

2021 c. 15 – British Library Board (Power to Borrow) Act 2021

2021 c. 13 – Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Act 2021

2021 c. 12 – Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021

2021 c. 10 – Trade Act 2021

Source: www.legislation.gov.uk

Disqualification undertakings and second chances—the correct approach to sections 8A and 17 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (Ahmed v Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy) – 4 New Square

‘Restructuring & Insolvency analysis: The court held that a disqualified director’s rehabilitation from drug and alcohol addiction did not amount to “special circumstances” for the purposes of the court’s discretion to discharge a disqualification undertaking under section 8A of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (CDDA 1986). The decision provides important guidance on the relationship between CDDA 1986, ss 8A and 17, the latter under which a disqualified director can obtain permission to act.’

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4 New Square, 24th March 2021

Source: www.4newsquare.com

Improper Non-Disclosure of a Complainant’s Medical Records – Pump Court Chambers

‘A Complainant (“C”) refuses to consent to his GP providing the Crown with medical records. The Defendant (“D”) has requested disclosure of these records, on the understanding that C has a history of prolonged substance abuse and mental health concerns. C has also indicated that he believes information within the records is detrimental to the Crown’s case; hence, his refusal.’

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Pump Court Chambers, 25th February 2021

Source: www.pumpcourtchambers.com

Family, Drug and Alcohol Court launched to cover Birmingham and Solihull – Local Government Lawyer

Posted March 4th, 2021 in alcohol abuse, courts, drug abuse, family courts, news by sally

‘The UK’s 12th Family, Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) – covering the Birmingham and Solihull areas – will hold its first hearings early this month.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 3rd March 2021

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

Police boss wants to trial giving cannabis to prisoners – The Independent

Posted March 1st, 2021 in drug abuse, drug offences, medicines, news, police, prisons, statistics by tracey

‘Prisoners should be given cannabis to help deal with addiction problems and tackle violence, according to a police and crime commissioner (PCC) in Wales.’

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The Independent, 28th February 2021

Source: www.independent.co.uk