Month: November 2017

2.11.17

The drive of your life: Government confirms plan to introduce life sentences for multiple driving offences

In a post-consultation report published by the government last week, the government has confirmed plans to introduce tougher sentences for those convicted of death by dangerous driving. It is proposed that the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving will be increased from 14 years to life imprisonment. The rationale behind this decision is to equate the…

Avoiding injustice: the importance of defending the accused

If one were cooking up the perfect recipe for miscarriages of justice, here are some of the key ingredients: Firstly, you need a popular prevailing mood that society must crack down on a particular evil, whether or not that evil happens to involve a criminal offence. All that is needed is a pariah theme, something…

Hackers steal cache of photographs from prestigious London cosmetic surgery

A London cosmetic surgery clinic’s website is the latest victim of a cyber-attack after hackers have threatened to release customer data after breaching its IT systems on 24 October 2017. London Bridge Plastic Surgery (LBPS) is located in Marylebone, London and has many high-profile clients.  Hackers calling themselves, “The Dark Overlord” have threatened to release…

Publish and be damned: the old adage applies equally to internet users

Websites and social media accounts have been, for some time now, the preferred platforms for those with an axe to grind to attack their opponents.  Disgruntled customers, ex-employees and jilted lovers number amongst those who believe the world wide web provides the best opportunity to criticise those who have dared to cross their path. While…

Brett Wilson LLP lawyers recommended in Chambers and Partners 2018 directory

Brett Wilson LLP lawyers have been ranked in the latest edition of the prestigious Chambers and Partners legal directory, which was published on 2 November 2017. Partner Iain Wilson is ranked as a leading defamation and reputation lawyer and described as ‘”a respected claimant lawyer, representing individuals in libel, privacy and harassment disputes. A satisfied client comments: “He’s…

Butt v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Revisiting the honest opinion defence

The decision in Butt v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2017] EWHC 2619 (QB) clarifies the application of the statutory defence of honest opinion under section 3 of the Defamation Act 2013. In doing so the case also confirms the application of the defence to statements made by Government bodies and the interdependence of the defence upon…