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Two whole-life tariffs were handed down following last week’s judgment in R v McLoughlin & Anor [2014] EWCA Crim 188, where it was held that judges can continue to impose whole life orders in accordance with the Criminal Justice Act 2003, Sch 21. Michael Adebolajo, one of two men convicted of murdering a soldier in May last year, was given a whole life tariff after Mr Justice Sweeney found that he had no prospect of rehabilitation. Joanna Dennehy was also given a whole-life prison sentence after being found guilty of murdering three men. In addition to other aggravating features, she had written to Mr Justice Spencer saying she felt no remorse for the murders.
Mike Penning, the minister for disabled people, apologised to the family of a woman in a coma who had been sent letters by the Department for Work and Pensions demanding she attempt to find work and attend job training. The woman has suffered from severe bipolar disorder for her whole life, and has been unable to work since she was 16. Her father explained that the stress from losing her benefits and being forced into work schemes was the reason she was taken ill in the first place.
The latest migration statistics from the ONS were out this week, showing conflicting prospects. The statistics revealed a significant increase in net migration from the EU in the year ending Sep 2013 from 154,000 to 212,000. However, net migration from outside the EU fell from 269,000 to 244,000 in the same period and is now at the lowest level since 1998. This will have come as bad news for the Conservatives in light of the pledge they made to reduce net migration. However, the Home Office stressed the gains the government have made.
The police marksman who shot and killed robbery suspect Azelle Rodney lost his challenge to a public enquiry finding that he had used excessive force. It was held that the hurdle of proving that the Chairman of the Inquiry reached irrational conclusions on the facts was incapable of being surmounted.
Corporate offenders and fly-tippers committing serious environmental offences will now be liable to much larger fines under new sentencing guidelines released this week by the Sentencing Council. The very largest companies could be subject to unlimited fines.
We may soon be seeing Formula One cars driving down The Mall, as plans for a London Grand Prix moved forward this week under new proposals. A government consultation seeks views by 1 Apr 2014.
