Law and the Justice System

The average length of custodial sentences for tax fraud has increased by 25 per cent to just over four years, as the government clamps down on tax evasion.

http://www.cityam.com/283573/average-prison-sentence-tax-fraud-rises-four-years

Home Secretary Amber Rudd announces a multi-million pound commitment to tackle those who use the anonymity of the online space for illegal activities.

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/home-secretary-speech-on-law-enforcement-crackdown-on-dark-web

Scam victims are being targeted multiple times by fraudsters who trade, buy and sell so-called “sucker lists” that include their personal and financial information.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/personal-banking/savings/sucker-list-fraudsters-stole-280000-2017-took-11000-year-later/

Bailiffs who aggressively pursue debts will come under fresh scrutiny through plans announced by ministers to tackle intimidating and inappropriate behaviour.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/crackdown-on-rogue-bailiffs

This Treasury Committee inquiry will have two strands: one looking at the anti-money laundering and sanctions regime, and one considering economic crime as it affects consumers.

https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/treasury-committee/inquiries1/parliament-2017/economic-crime-17-19/

Saunders, who has faced criticism during her five years as head of CPS, will not seek to renew contract

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/apr/02/alison-saunders-quit-director-of-public-prosecutions-cps

Think only senior citizens fall for online cons and telephone scams? Think again because a new generation is even more vulnerable.

https://www.rd.com/advice/saving-money/financial-scams-millennials/

A solicitor who was jailed last year for stealing millions from her clients and the Church of England has seen the amount she has to pay back increased by £500,000 – to nearly £2.5m – or face a further eight years in prison.

https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/jailed-solicitor-told-to-repay-an-extra-500000-of-criminal-proceeds-or-face-more-prison-time

The first virtual court case has been held with a claimant appearing via a home laptop camera, while an extremely patient judge sat in a London tribunal and lawyers presented evidence from Belfast.

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/mar/26/first-virtual-court-case-held-using-claimant-laptop-camera

Multiple breaches of worldwide freezing orders (WFOs) in contempt of court can form the basis of an action for damages caused by 'unlawful means' conspiracy, the UK's highest court has confirmed.

https://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2018/march/supreme-court-actions-in-contempt-of-court-can-be-unlawful-means/