The Guardian Independent inquiry into recruit Cheryl James’s death in 1995 is ‘milestone’ in history of unexplained barracks deaths Pte Cheryl James, who was found dead with a bullet wound in 1995. Photograph: PA Twenty years after Pte Cheryl James, 18, was found dead with a bullet wound to her face a new inquest into…
The Guardian Psychoactive substances bill may lead to lack of clarity over whether or not suspects are breaking the law, says Durham PCC Ron Hogg Northumbria University research found the main market for legal highs was vulnerable young people. Photograph: Alamy Police could face extra expense and confusion as a result of discrepancies in the…
The Law Gazette Lord Justice Jackson, the architect of the present civil costs regime, last night called for fixed costs to apply to all claims valued up to £250,000. Jackson urged government ministers to make reform an immediate priority with a view to setting fixed recoverable costs by the end of this year. Having carved out…
The Guardian MPs told fees rise was based on ‘hopeless’ evidence to plug £100m hole and hit small businesses, divorcees and employees The master of the rolls said ‘enhanced fees’ meant users of civil courts were subsiding the family and criminal courts. Photograph: Velar Grant/Demotix/Corbis Court fee increases that were hastily introduced to plug a…
The Law Gazette A Yorkshire firm has been ordered to pay £229,970 to a former client over mishandled property transaction advice almost 10 years ago. Mansion Estates Limited accused Hayre & Co and its principal Rajinder Hayre of fabricating a series of attendance notes and exchanges following the 2007 sale of a £1.7m property in…
The Law Gazette The number of professional negligence claims against law firms in the High Court has almost halved in a year, data compiled by City firm RPC reveal today. But the firm warned of a large amount of potential litigation in the background. The drop to 221 cases in 2015 down from 418 the…
BBC The defence secretary has said he is concerned about the “industrial scale” of claims against serving personnel and veterans The prime minister has said he wants to “stamp out” what he called “spurious” legal claims against British troops returning from war. David Cameron said ministers had been asked to draw up plans to…
The Guardian Force says BBC story was inaccurate and has damaged community relations with the police BBC newsroom studio at Broadcasting House. Lancashire’s police and crime commissioner has written to BBC Lancashire about its reporting of the story. Photograph: Jeff Overs/BBC/PA Police have criticised the BBC for publishing a story that claimed a spelling error…
The Bolton News Bolton’s Porsche dealership A PORSCHE-loving pensioner who was duped out of his £170,000 dream car by a lying motor dealership has triumphed in a landmark fight for damages. Avid Porsche enthusiast, Kevin Hughes, 67, set his heart on owning a limited edition Porsche 911 GT3 RS4 and sacrificed part of his pension…
The Guardian Judge says traditional cabs are ‘devoid of inherent distinctive character’, in legal row involving new eco-friendly taxi group The new Green taxi, Metrocab – the only zero-emissions capable black cab currently operating in London. Photograph: Metrocab A high court judge has ruled that one of London’s most famous sights, the black cab, is…
