News
Drug Dealers Using Bitcoin ATMs
Drug dealers are laundering illicit funds through London's bitcoin ATMs, the Met police have said.
Officers said they saw a dramatic increase in the use of about 100 machines across the UK where anybody can deposit sterling in exchange for crypto currencies such as bitcoin. Once digitised, the funds can be transferred across borders, converted back into cash, or spent online, said Met officers who held a briefing for reporters.
'Nearly 200 people held in UK-wide online child abuse operation'
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said a UK-wide operation in October had saved 245 children from harm and 192 people were detained.
Nearly a third (30%) of the cases involved the most serious offences including live streaming, blackmail and grooming and 18 of those arrested were said to be in a position of trust, working in areas such as teaching, healthcare and criminal justice.
Council of Europe Approves Prisoner Voting Plan
On 2 November 2017, it was announced that prisoners on temporary license and home detention curfews would be allowed to vote. This change was in response to the ECtHR judgment in Hirst (No 2) v the United Kingdom (2005), which found that a blanket disenfranchisement of convicted persons was in breach of the Convention.
At a meeting attended by justice secretary David Lidington, the council’s committee of ministers said it ‘noted with satisfaction’ the plan announced by the Ministry of Justice last month to correct anomalies in the treatment of offenders.
Cases
R v Abdallah Sentencing
A British man who travelled to Syria to join so-called Islamic State has been jailed for 10 years. Mohammed Abdallah was helped by his brother Abdalraouf, who set up a "hub" of communication for would-be fighters from his home in Manchester.
Abdallah, of Westerling Way, Moss Side, Manchester, was convicted after a trial at the Old Bailey. He was found guilty of membership of IS, possessing an AK47 gun and receiving £2,000 for terrorism.
Sentencing remarks can be read here.
Other
Pupillage Gateway
As of last week, applicants can access the Pupillage Gateway to browse vacancies at Chambers that recruit using the Gateway.
The submission window opens on 8 January 2018 at 11am, and closes on 7 February 2018 at 11am.
Student Wellbeing Resources
The Bar Council has launched a series of resources aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of students and pupils.
Obscurity
Sledging
Using a slide upon ice or snow in any street, to the common danger of the passengers, is contrary to section 54(17) of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839