James O'Donnell

In Brief A life sentence in the UK does not usually mean the offender will spend the rest of their life in prison. In most cases, the judge sets a minimum term (also called a tariff) that the offender must serve before they can be...

In Brief Voyeurism is a criminal offence in the UK under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. It involves observing or recording someone doing a private act without their consent and for the purpose of sexual gratification. Voyeurism carries a...

Grievous bodily harm (GBH) is one of the most serious assault offences in English and Welsh law. If you or someone you know is facing a GBH charge, understanding the sentencing guidelines is essential. This guide explains the sentences for both Section 18...

In Brief If the police stop you in the street, they cannot force you to unlock your phone. However, if you are arrested, officers have the power to seize your phone as evidence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984....

If the police are investigating you for a crime, they may decide to release you on pre-charge bail (more commonly referred to as being released on bail). This can be a confusing situation and leave you with plenty of questions about what will happen further...

If you are being investigated for a criminal offence, the prospect of your case proceeding to trial can be daunting. It is natural to look for signs that your case may be dismissed by the police or CPS, as this is often the best possible outcome. If the...

The fact that many police forces allow road users to upload footage and complaint details online has led to a rise in so-called traffic ‘vigilantes’. One notable traffic vigilante, known as Cycling Mikey, is said to have reported over 1,000...

Most people are aware that the police have certain powers to seize belongings as part of an investigation. However, not everyone is aware of what these powers actually involve and when the police are allowed to exercise them. In Brief UK police have...

Non-fatal strangulation and suffocation are serious criminal offences which can lead to lengthy terms of imprisonment for anyone found guilty. They were introduced as new offences in 2022 by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in order to cover gaps in pre-existing...

We offer our legal services nationwide and are instructed by clients from Worcestershire on a regular basis. Worcestershire consists of six districts: Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Wychavon, Wyre Forest, the borough of Redditch and the city of Worcester....

The Offences against the Person Act 1861 covers a wide range of assault offences. This includes ‘Section 18 assaults’. In Brief A Section 18 Assault , also known as "GBH with intent," is a serious criminal offence under the ...

In England and Wales, serious criminal law matters will proceed to the Crown Court for trial. While cases will usually begin in the Magistrates’ Court, they will be passed on to the Crown Court where the matter at hand requires a trial by jury. In...

Facing an allegation of aggravated burglary can be incredibly distressing, particularly as the potential sentences for the offence can be extremely serious. No matter what the surrounding circumstances may be, if you are accused of committing aggravated...

Following alleged instances of domestic violence, a victim may decide to apply for a non-molestation order against the person they deem to be responsible for the abuse. Non-molestation orders are put in place to prevent anyone accused of domestic abuse from...

While most people are aware of the strict laws regarding sexual relations with a minor, there is often some confusion over the laws concerning kissing. Kissing a minor laws do differ across the UK, with both Scotland and Northern Ireland both having their...

What powers do police in the UK have to search your phone and social media accounts? If you are arrested, your phone may be taken to be analysed as evidence. Similarly, if the police believe that your phone may contain evidence of criminal activity or...

The law on having sexual relations with anyone under the age of 16 is very clear cut, with most people being well aware that the act is illegal, regardless of whether consent is provided. However, when it comes to speaking to a minor online, the law can...