Law Weblog

Sion Jenkins seeks £500,000 compensation

Tuesday 26 August 2008 at 7:58 am | In News | 2 Comments

Former teacher Sion Jenkins, who spent six years in prison for the murder of his 13 year-old foster daughter Billie-Jo Jenkins before being cleared has launched a compensation claim for up to £500,000 for his time in jail.

Billie-Jo, 13, was found in a pool of blood with head injuries inflicted by a metal tent peg on the patio of the family’s large Victorian home in Lower Park Road, Hastings on February 15, 1997.

Jenkins was convicted at Lewes Crown Court of murdering her and jailed for life but was cleared at a retrial in 200t.

Jenkins is the second high profile claimant this month, following Colin Stagg who was awarded £706,000 after he was falsely accused of murdering Rachel Nickell.

Compensation is capped at £500,000 for less than ten years and £1 million for more than ten years.

News report here.

Rhys Jones murder trial ‘threatened by legal aid reforms’

Monday 18 August 2008 at 12:52 pm | In News | Post Comment

“The trial of a teenager accused of murdering 11 year old Rhys Jones in Liverpool might not go ahead because he cannot get legal aid.”
Full story
Daily Telegraph, 16th August 2008

Prison for killer drivers who are only careless

Monday 18 August 2008 at 8:58 am | In News | Post Comment

Motorists who kill whilst at the wheel face prison under careless driving laws, which come into force today.

T

he offences plug the gap in current legislation, which allowed drivers who had killed to walk away from court with just a fine.

The courts will look for “avoidable distractions” when sentencing motorists who have killed. Avoidable distractions include using a mobile phone, applying make-up, drinking and eating.

There are similar provisions for uninsured or unlicensed drivers who kill.

The new offences will carry custodial sentences of:
– up to five years for causing death by careless driving
– up to two years for causing death by driving while unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured

Prior to the introduction of these new laws, the maximum sentence for those convicted of causing death by careless, uninsured or unlicensed driving was a maximum £5000 fine and penalty licence points.

Naughty judge

Wednesday 13 August 2008 at 9:38 pm | In News | Post Comment

A few months before being appointed a deputy district judge on the South Eastern circuit, Mr Muir-Little, a divorce solicitor, met one Mrs Hall on the internet and started an affair with her.

When Mrs Halla’s husband found out about his wife’s affair he killed their eldest daughter. He was found guilty of murder in 2006.

The Office for Judicial Complaints started disciplinary proceedings against Mr Muir-Little but he resigned on 13 August 2008, preempting any further action.