News & Events: April 2022
Sarah Jones QC and Tim Akers defend as retired member of the Armed Forces is acquitted of historic offences
In a serious and sensitive case, Sarah Jones QC (leading Tim Akers) successfully represented a long-serving member of the British Army at Court Martial. The former Sergeant had been accused of a series of indecent assaults and a number of instances of child cruelty against his adopted daughter, and the case involved several hours’ worth […]
‘Controlling or coercive behaviour’: Is the law fit for purpose?
About seven years ago, section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 created an offence of ‘controlling or coercive behaviour’. The purpose of the legislation was to offer a further layer of protection for victims of domestic abuse by criminalising conduct that causes harm. As per the Statutory Guidance, the offence “closes a gap in […]
Can you sack someone in order to avoid paying them the National Minimum Wage?
Can you sack someone in order to avoid paying them the National Minimum Wage? Perhaps unsurprisingly, the answer is a straightforward “no”. Suppose that I employ a number of individuals, all of whom are entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage. Business has been hard during the pandemic, and so I want to make costs savings. Staff […]
Sexual orientation discrimination update
Discrimination or harassment is totally unacceptable from a moral and legal standpoint – in society and at work. Despite this, it continues to be an issue that clients, employers and solicitors see time and time again. In this free lunchtime webinar to coincide with LGBTQ+ Pride Month, counsel Daniella Gilbert and Ezra Macdonald will provide […]
Timothy Salisbury appointed Deputy Chancellor for the Diocese of Gloucester
Pump Court Chambers is proud to announce that Timothy Salisbury has been appointed the Deputy Chancellor for the Diocese of Gloucester. Timothy will take up his position with immediate effect. Mark Ruffell, Chancellor of Diocese of Gloucester said: “I am delighted to appoint Tim Salisbury as Deputy Chancellor in the Diocese of Gloucester. Tim is […]
No Fault Divorce
Bemused by the new legislation on no fault divorce? Baffled by what a conditional order means? Look no further – Samara Brackley and Tara Lyons go through the new law so you don’t have to. An essential potted guide for all family practitioners looking to get to grips with one of the most significant law […]
No Returns Statement
Individual members of the Pump Court Chambers Criminal Team have made the decision, that as of Monday 11th April 2022 they will adopt a ‘No Returns’ policy in relation to AGFS cases. Members of chambers will continue to do the hearings in which they are instructed but they will not do cases that are returned to them […]
Rebekah Batt joins Pump Court Chambers
Pump Court Chambers is pleased to welcome Rebekah Batt to chambers following successful completion of her pupillage. During her time at Chambers she has built a mixed common law practice, accepting instructions across a range criminal, civil, and family matters in line with her chambers profile and with a particular focus on civil and family law. Tony […]
Cross-examining vulnerable witnesses in domestic abuse cases
Tara Lyons is joined by Nigel Pascoe QC of Pump Court Chambers for this timely podcast on cross-examining vulnerable witnesses. Nigel is the author of an advocacy guide and has been a silk in the criminal courts for 34 years! In the wake of an increase in appreciation of special measures for witnesses following the […]
Jurisdiction & Divorce: Timing and Staying to secure a UK Divorce
So if there was any doubt, a stayed application is still alive, and for the purposes of jurisdiction, such an application can be deemed the 1st in time, if so issued before a competing foreign application, or can become 1st in time and so obtain priority status, if the 1st in time (non-UK) application later […]
