Tom both defends and prosecutes across the spectrum of criminal law. He is regularly instructed on cases in matters of high-value fraud, organised crime, and serious violence. He is considered to have skills beyond his year of call and is a sought-after junior in complex trials.

Here Tom presents a critical update about legislative developments concerning offences dealt with via the crown court. This includes updates regarding communication offences and offensive weapons. He also explains changes to sentencing, including a potential for the reduction of the time spent in custody needed before release can and the increased possibility of home detention curfews. He refers to relevant case law throughout.

Key words/topics:

Online Safety Act 2023

False Communications

Threatening Communications

Sending photo/film of genitals

‘Revenge porn’

CPS guidance        

The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment, Surrender and Compensation) Order 2024

Zombie Knife

Thompson v CPS [2024]

The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Requisite and Minimum Custodial Periods) Order 2024

Home Detention Curfew

R v Butt [2023]

Disclosure Management Documents

R v Casserly [2024]

Free Speech

Malicious Communications

R v O’Donnell [2024]

Correcting a false impression

R v AWQ [2024]

Hearsay

R v Kamarra-Jarra [2024]

Youth Sentencing

R v Leitch [2024]

Allocation

Drug supply

Fraud

Environmental offences

Manslaughter