Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the second edition of the Crime Bulletin from Doughty Street Chambers.  This short edition focuses on the recent important developments in the law and procedure relating to the investigation and trial of sexual offences.  Of most immediate importance is the announcement made last week that there would be a national roll out of s.28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act.  Since 2014 a pilot scheme has been running, but all defence practitioners will now need to be aware of the significant changes coming their way.  Of note is that the section does not apply to a particular type of case, but a particular type of witness, so it has wide applicability.

We have also included a short note on the helpful new case of Forbes, which affirms much of the proposals defence practitioners have been trying to put to sentencing Judges over recent years in cases involving historic offences.

Finally, Abigail Bright also highlights the interesting work being done by the Home Affairs Select Committee on looking at how appropriate or otherwise it is to criminalise those working in the sex industry.  If their direction of travel is maintained, some positive changes may well follow.  Watch this space.

We hope this short update is helpful.  Should you wish to discuss any of the issues raised in this bulletin please do get in touch using the feedback buttons to the left, or contact our criminal clerks.

With best wishes,

Sarah Elliott QC