Blog
Press Round-Up: Regulatory and Professional Discipline – May 2026
Jack Garden
9 May 2017
The Power of Mercy - a case of judicial discretion
On 25 April 2017, Denver Beddows, 95, was given a two year suspended prison sentence for attempting to murder his wife in an act of mercy. This case illustrates the way in which judges are afforded the significant latitude in sentencing even in the most serious cases.
12 April 2017
The HSE publishes its business plan for 2017/18
On 30 March 2017, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published its business plan for 2017/18 in which it outlines its key objectives for the coming year. The Plan reviews the HSE’s achievements for 2016/17 and sets out four main areas in which it intends to continue to build on these.
10 April 2017
“School’s out for summer …” The Supreme Court rules on the meaning of ‘regular attendance’ in the term-time holiday case
The Supreme Court (“the Court”) has handed down judgment in the term-time holiday case (see Isle of Wight Council (Appellant) v Platt (Respondent) [2017] UKSC 28). The case has important implications for parents considering taking their children out of school for holidays during term-time. The Court has held that word ‘regularly’, in relation to section 444(1) of the Education Act 1996 (“the 1996 Act”), means ‘in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school’.
5 April 2017
Companies and directors of larger companies face criminal prosecution and unlimited fines for non or misreporting of payment practices
On 6 April 2017, new criminal offences for companies and directors will be introduced when the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations 2017 (“the Reporting Regulations”) come into effect. Similar Regulations relating to limited liability partnerships (LLPs) will also come into force.
3 April 2017
Flares, fireworks, and festivals
From today (3 April 2017), festivalgoers with a passion for pyrotechnics will need to think very carefully before packing their flares and fireworks, as a change in the law now makes it a criminal offence to be in possession of these and similar items at live music events.
