Scotland’s top prosecutor, Dorothy Bain KC, has implemented new safeguards regarding prosecution decisions for children accused of serious crimes, including rape. This follows concerns about the practice of “diversion from prosecution,” which allows cases to be referred to social services instead of going to trial. Bain announced a review in July 2023, acknowledging the “trauma…

Ofcom has released its final version of the Children’s Codes of Practice, which firms must comply with by July. The codes, established under the Online Safety Act, mandate that social media and internet platforms block children’s access to harmful content or face significant penalties. The codes require robust age verification for sites hosting adult content…

Judges in England and Wales can now utilise artificial intelligence (AI) tools, specifically Microsoft’s Copilot Chat, to assist in preparing judgments. The guidance issued to judges outlines potential risks, including bias and misinformation, advising them to “ensure you have a basic understanding of their capabilities and potential limitations.” Additionally, a survey by Thomson Reuters revealed…

The introduction of a laser detection system, known as the D-TECT Laser, aims to prevent contraband smuggling into British prisons via drones. Installed at a secure mental health facility in North Yorkshire, this technology creates a virtual curtain of up to 25 metres, effectively detecting individuals attempting to scale walls or drones delivering contraband. The…

Analysis by restructuring firm Kroll has identified a significant increase in corporate distress, with a 30.5% rise in companies filing for administration last month, from 108 last year to 141. The construction and manufacturing sectors were particularly affected, each seeing 18 administrations. Benjamin Wiles, head of UK restructuring at Kroll, noted: “There are mounting pressures…

Prison officers are calling for the immediate provision of electric stun guns to enhance safety in Britain’s most dangerous jails. This demand follows a violent attack on three guards at HMP Frankland by convicted terrorist Hashem Abedi, who is serving a 55-year sentence. Mark Fairhurst, national chair of the Prison Officers Association (POA), said: “We…