General News

Jane Rowley was Lead Defence Counsel for one of 5 men accused of trafficking for sexual exploitation, sexual activity with a child, conspiracy to facilitate the prostitution of children and the supply of drugs, in R v Asad and others (Operation Wren) Newcastle Crown Court 2017. The trial arose as a result of Operation Sanctuary/Wren which was one of the largest police investigations into the sexual exploitation of vulnerable girls/women ever mounted in the UK. The...

3PB Barristers' Commercial Law Group brings you the Summer Edition of its Commercial Law Update Handout. Please click here to view it. Topics: David Berkley QC Determining duty of care James Davies Unfair prejudice petitions Charles Irvine Relief from sanctions Nicole Bollard Exclusions and limitations of liability Susan Jones Privilege in bankruptcy

In her latest article, 3PB Employment barrister Sarah Bowen examines the ECHR’s final decision in Burbalescu v Romania and its impact on private and public employers who chose to monitor staff communications. Sarah provides a useful summary of the principles relevant to this complex area of law and its impact on convention rights.

3PB Employment barrister Andrew MacPhail examines the decision taken by Justice Simler in Focus Care Agency & Ors v Mr B Roberts & Ors UKEAT/0143/16/DM & Ors and when "sleep-in" shifts constitute time work under the National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015. To read Andrew's analysis, please click here.

Employment specialist Matthew Curtis provides an employment case law update covering: Tribunal fees – the latest position Suspension – the risks ACAS Early conciliation – the latest skirmishes in an ongoing war (De Mota v ADR Network & anor UKEAT/0305/16) Presidential guidance – pensions and Vento Burden of proof in discrimination claims Please click here to read Matthew's case law update.

Jodie Mittell prosecuted a well organised commercial smuggling operation. The group conveyed mobile phones and steroids into Winchester prison and were involved in laundering money from inmates and their relatives. The leaders of the group were given consecutive terms of imprisonment despite already serving long sentences. For more information about the case please click here.

Criminal Barrister Jodie Mittell prosecuted six men responsible for the supply of 2 kilos crack cocaine and heroin to Southampton users, over a six month period. The gang took their orders through a phone line called ‘The Scouse network’ and then obtained their supplies from Liverpool. Jodie Mittell said that the drugs hotline, which sometimes offered £10 worth of heroin or crack cocaine for the price of £5, had been contacted by more than 1,500...

3PB members and staff are pleased to take part in the Bristol Legal Walk on 18 September. This 10km walk is organised by the South West Legal Support Trust who provide crucial funding so free legal services can be made available to those in need. In the past, the organisations the Trust has supported have, for example, helped to prevent families from being made homeless and enabled older people to gain the support to which they are entitled. Sponsor...

Criminal barrister Berenice Mulvanny represented the defendant in Hampshire’s first case involving possession of a synthetic cannabinoid spice (legal high) with intend to supply after the new legislation came into force. For more information please click here.

3PB congratulates its former member Tribunal Judge Mark Sutherland Williams on his appointment as the Resident Judge for the Immigration and Asylum Chamber at Hatton Cross Hearing Centre in West London.  Judge Sutherland Williams’ new appointment takes effect from 18 September 2017. Please click here for more details.

Many congratulations to Graham Gilbert whose sports expertise has been acknowledged through his recent appointment to Sport Resolutions Pro Bono Panel. Sport Resolutions is the independent, not-for-profit, dispute resolution service for sport in the United Kingdom. Established by the main stakeholder groups in sport, their aim is to provide an expert, speedy and cost effective alternative to internal appeals processes and court-based litigation. They provide sport specific arbitration and mediation services and operate the National Anti-Doping Panel...

Jane Rowley has been instructed as Leading Counsel for a Defendant facing Serious Sexual Assault charges in Newcastle Crown Court. The trial commenced on 21st August and is expected to conclude early October. The case arises from a series of complex investigations conducted by Northumbria Police, into alleged sex rings operating in the North East by a network of males sexually abusing young women and girls. Operation Sanctuary/Operation Wren.