Blog
Rayner my parade! The importance of specialist advice.
Jemma Brimblecombe
7 April 2017
Crowdfunding private prosecutions – charities taking action when the authorities do not
This week Britain’s first crowdfunded prosecution was conducted in the Old Bailey.
9 December 2016
Families affected by Glasgow bin lorry tragedy refused leave to mount a private prosecution
A year ago we observed that the families of the deceased had expressed a firm intention to mount a private prosecution in the wake of the findings from the Fatal Accident Inquiry. Earlier today, those families were told that they cannot launch private prosecutions.
5 May 2016
Does the CPS Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) Scheme do enough for victims of crime?
In June 2013, the CPS launched a scheme which allows victims of crimes to seek a review of CPS decisions not to charge, to discontinue or otherwise to terminate proceedings, where the decision was made after 5 June 2013.
On the face of it, this would seem to be a good thing as it provides victims with an alternative to launching expensive and time-consuming judicial review proceedings in order to challenge a CPS decision. However, does it go far enough to support victims and is it suitably independent?
25 April 2016
NTT puts the brakes on the recovery of pre-charge investigation costs by the private prosecutor
On 14th April 2016 the National Taxing Director issued a direction to taxing officers that costs relating to investigations carried out prior to the commencement of proceedings, are not to be allowed from central funds. Section 17 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (“the Act”) allows the Court to award prosecution costs from Central Funds. The Court can order the payment “of such amount as the court considers reasonably sufficient to compensate the prosecutor for any expenses properly incurred by him in the proceedings.”
21 March 2016
Lose the battle but win the war – costs in private prosecution awarded to losing party
Martin Porter, the 'cycling barrister' recently brought a private prosecution against Mr Kayardi for dangerous driving. It was claimed that in February 2015 Mr Kayardi sped past cyclist Mr Porter QC, at 50mph in a 30mph zone whilst driving his Audi sports car.