Tag: Attorney General

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 12 April 2024.

A police officer who engaged in sexual activities with a woman whilst on duty has suspended sentence quashed and sent to jail after it was referred to the Court of Appeal.

Matthew Longmate, 47, from Derbyshire, had his 12 months’ suspended sentence overturned and has been sentenced for 11 months imprisonment after the Solicitor General referred his sentence as being unduly lenient.

The court heard that Longmate and a fellow officer engaged in sexual activity with a woman in a police vehicle whilst they were on duty.

The offence occurred after the officers gave the woman a lift home after an incident in a bar in Chesterfield.

The Solicitor General, Robert Courts KC MP, said:

Matthew Longmate’s abuse of his position for sexual gain was sickening and I extend my deepest sympathies to the victim at what must be a difficult time.

Longmate’s extended sentence sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who carry out misconduct in a public office.

Longmate was charged for one count of misconduct in a public office. He received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for one year, at Southwark Crown Court on 15 January 2024.

On 12 April 2024, the Court of Appeal quashed Longmate’s previous sentence, and sentenced him to 11 months imprisonment after it was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 27 February 2024.

Victoria Prentis KC MP has reflected on her involvement in supporting Ukraine as it pursues justice for the victims of Russian atrocities and on her ongoing personal connection to the country.

She said:

This week marks a horrific chapter in Ukraine’s history as the country faces the two-year anniversary of Russia’s unlawful invasion.

Ukraine holds a special place in my heart. My daughter worked in Kyiv a few years ago and I remember when I visited her at the end of 2021. Rarely has a place looked more beautiful than Kyiv, with its cathedral lit up by the bright November sun.

I knew that things would be different when I returned last year, but seeing the sandbags around Mykhailivs’ka square was heart-breaking.

Even though Kyiv looked different, its people were the same. Weathered by war, but vibrant. Battered by conflict, but even more resilient.

That is why, alongside international partners, we are determined to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Government appointed Sir Howard Morrison – a former Judge at the International Criminal Court. – as independent advisor to Andriy Kostin – the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. This package of support has included training more than 100 judges to hold domestic war crimes trials.

In December 2022, the Attorney joined G7 justice ministers in signing the Berlin Declaration, coordinating international investigations and prosecutions and pledging solidarity with Ukraine.

Last March, on a visit to Ukraine, she witnessed the impact of the conflict first hand in Kyiv, Bucha and Borodiankia. In Lviv, the Attorney represented the UK at the United for Justice Conference.

This experience was reflected in her submission to the International Court of Justice where, alongside 32 other intervening states, the Attorney intervened in the case brought by Ukraine against Russia under the Genocide Convention.

The Attorney added:

Most significantly for my family – we welcomed a Ukrainian woman into our home at the start of the war. Vika is an integral part of our family. We recently celebrated her birthday.  I know she will be part of our lives for ever.

Putin has tried to convince us all that Ukraine is part of a Russian world. That there is no Ukrainian culture. That there is no Ukraine.

But Ukraine’s soldiers and its people continue to defy the odds. They display the utmost bravery.  Here in the UK, we know that Ukraine is fighting not just for its own security, but our security too.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 21 February 2024.

The Attorney General Victoria Prentis KC MP has returned from a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories between 14 and 16 February 2024.

The Attorney saw first-hand the horrors of Hamas terror attacks in Israel, and visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In Southern Israel, close to Gaza, the Attorney General visited Kfar Aza Kibbutz, a site of terror, murder and kidnapping on October 7th. The Attorney also met with the Israeli Attorney General, lawyers for the Israeli Defence Force and the President of the Supreme Court.

She spent the second day in the West Bank, visiting Ramallah and East Jerusalem, where the Attorney General saw first-hand the effect of illegal settlement on villages and held meetings with the Palestinian Attorney General and the Prime Minister.

The Attorney General used her frank meetings to emphasise the importance of International Humanitarian Law being respected, civilians protected, and detainees being held in compliance with the Geneva Convention.

The Attorney General said:

At Kfar Aza Kibbutz, I saw the remains of hideous atrocities perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th, within sight and sound of ongoing fighting in Gaza. This is a site of terror, murder and kidnapping. Hostages from this Kibbutz continue to be held by Hamas. The suffering and trauma of this community, and many others across Southern Israel, is immense.

Palestinian civilians in Gaza are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis. I heard from those working with communities in Gaza about the serious humanitarian situation and stressed the UK’s position that more must be done, faster to get aid to those who need it.

During my visit to the West Bank, I visited a Bedouin village where villagers are unable to graze their sheep on their land, or access schools or medical clinics due to a real fear of settler violence and illegal settlement expansion. The UK has already sanctioned extremist settlers involved in violence. Israel must take stronger action to put a stop to it.

At home these events are also causing real pain and anguish. All parties need to conduct themselves in line with International Humanitarian Law and minimise the terrible and unnecessary suffering of Israeli and Palestinian civilians.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 30 January 2024.

An urgent independent inspection into the Crown Prosecution Service’s handling of the Nottingham stabbing case has been announced by the Government.

Attorney General Victoria Prentis has asked the independent inspectorate – His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate to carry out a prompt and thorough review into the case following the sentencing of Valdo Calocane.

This will include looking at CPS’s decision to accept Valdo Calocane’s guilty pleas to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and whether the CPS met its duties to consult with families ahead of accepting pleas.

Attorney General Victoria Prentis said:

The senseless deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates have horrified the country.

While nothing will bring their loved ones back, the families understandably want to understand what happened in this case.

That’s why I have asked the inspectorate to carry out a prompt and thorough review of CPS actions so we can properly investigate the concerns raised by the families in this devastating case.

This announcement builds on action already taken by the Government to get the families of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates the answers they deserve.

The Health and Social Care Secretary has ordered a special review of the mental health services at the NHS Trust where Valdo Calocane was treated, which will report back within weeks.

The Attorney General is also looking at the sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing Scheme.

Leicestershire Police have referred themselves to the IOPC and the Policing Minister has also met with senior leaders at Nottinghamshire Police to discuss the case.

HMCPSI have been asked to complete their report by Easter. The Attorney General’s Office will work with CPS to make sure any recommendations from the inspection are actioned as quickly as possible.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 22 January 2024.

The Solicitor General was sworn in today during a ceremony attended by the Lord Chancellor.

Robert Courts KC MP was today sworn in as His Majesty’s Solicitor General at a ceremony attended by the Lord Chancellor and Clerk to the Crown.

The Solicitor General was also appointed to the rank and office of King’s Counsel (KC).

Speaking after the ceremony, HM Solicitor General Robert Courts KC MP said:

It is a great honour and privilege to be sworn-in today as Solicitor General for England and Wales.

The Law Officers have an important and unique role advising the government and I look forward to working with the Attorney General, government lawyers, and the Civil Service upholding the rule of law at the heart of the UK constitution.

The Solicitor General supports the Attorney General in her role as the Government’s chief legal adviser. Alongside the Attorney, the Solicitor General oversees the work of the Law Officers’ Departments: the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office, the Government Legal Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

The Solicitor General carries out important functions in the public interest, such as considering whether to refer unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal and taking action when there has been a contempt of court.

These functions are carried out independently of the Solicitor’s role as a government minister.

The Attorney General, Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP, said:

Congratulations to Robert Courts MP for being sworn in as Solicitor General for England and Wales. I look forward to working with you advising the Government, superintending government departments, and upholding the rule of law.

Robert Courts KC MP was appointed as Solicitor General for England and Wales on 7 December 2023.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 18 January 2024.

Legal awards to celebrate the vital and important work of prosecutors has been launched, the Attorney General has announced.

The Attorney General, Victoria Prentis KC MP is inviting nominations for the Prosecution Team and Prosecutor of the Year Awards.

The awards are open to prosecutors and teams who are members of the Whitehall Prosecutors’ Group and signatories to the 2009 Prosecutor’s Convention, including the Environment Agency, the Insolvency Service, SFO, CPS and the AGO.

This year’s awards will see a new category looking to recognise the best individual prosecutor, in addition to celebrating an excellent prosecuting team.

The Attorney General, Victoria Prentis KC MP said:

As Attorney General, I have seen first-hand the excellent work across the range of prosecuting authorities. From larger bodies who tackle serious economic crime and convict violent offenders to smaller bodies who protect people from unsafe food or pollution – their work benefits us all.

I am pleased to announce the launch of the Prosecution Team of the Year and Prosecutor of the Year Awards and welcome entries that clearly demonstrate innovation, best use of resources and outcomes that improve public confidence. Good luck to all those who enter.

Entries can focus on one significant, complex, or sensitive case or an effective ongoing relationship between one or more signatories.

Judges will be looking for submissions that can demonstrate prosecuting excellence and entries will be sifted by an independent cross-Government panel.

The winners and runners-up will be picked by the Law Officers and the deadline to submit is midnight 31 January 2024.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 17 January 2024.

Tom Little KC has been appointed as First Senior Treasury Counsel to the Crown, the Attorney General has today announced.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 20 December 2023.

The Court of Appeal has been asked to provide clarity on when a particular defence to criminal damage is available for use by protesters, the Attorney General has announced today.

Attorney General Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP has asked the Court’s Criminal Division to consider whether claims that protesters honestly believed organisations affected by their stunts would have consented to the damage – if they had known more about the impact of climate change – can be a defence in court.

This argument has been used by environmental campaign groups in the last year, resulting in acquittals for criminal damage.

The Attorney General has asked the Court to provide some clarity on the law as guidance for future cases.

Attorney General Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP said:

I have made this reference as it is important that the law is clear and fairly applied. I look forward to the Court of Appeal considering this issue, and would like to emphasise that regardless of the outcome of this reference, it cannot affect those who have been acquitted through the usual trial process.

It will now be for the independent Court of Appeal to consider any submissions made.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 7 December 2023.

The King has approved the government appointment of Robert Courts MP as Solicitor General for England and Wales.

The Solicitor General supports the Attorney General in her role as the Government’s chief legal adviser. Alongside the Attorney, the Solicitor General oversees the work of the Law Officers’ Departments: the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office, the Government Legal Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

The Solicitor General also carries out a number of functions in the public interest—such as considering whether to refer unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal—and taking action when there has been a contempt of court. These functions are carried out independently of the Solicitor’s role as a Government Minister.

Commenting on his appointment, Robert said:

It is a great privilege to have been appointed as Solicitor General for England and Wales.

It is a fascinating time to join the department alongside new leaders at the Serious Fraud Office and the Crown Prosecution Service. I look forward to working with the Attorney General, Government lawyers and the Civil Service to play my part in making the law and politics work together at the heart of the UK constitution.

I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor Michael Tomlinson KC MP, who was both a brilliant Solicitor General and my fellow pupil at 3 Paper Buildings.

Biography

Robert Courts was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport between 8 September 2020 and 20 September 2022. He was Chair of the Defence Select Committee from 25 October 2023 until his appointment as Solicitor General. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Witney and West Oxfordshire in October 2016.

Political career

Robert was previously Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Secretary of State for Transport, having served as a PPS in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs prior to that. He served on the International Trade Select Committee and Defence Select Committees, having previously been a member of the Transport, Justice and Backbench Business Committees.

Career outside politics

Before his election to Parliament, Robert was a self-employed barrister at 3 Paper Buildings. His practice focused primarily on personal injury and clinical negligence. He also served as a district councillor.

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 14 November 2023.

Harry Jones, from Cradley Heath, Wolverhampton, had his 10-year term increased by four years after the Solicitor General referred his sentence as being unduly lenient.

The court heard that Jones had fallen out with his colleague Daniel Tulley and the pair arranged a fight over social media.

On 4 November 2019, Jones drove round to Tulley’s home in Bloxwich where he threatened his partner before tracking Tulley down on Clayhanger Road, Brownhills.  The incident culminated in Tulley being struck by a car and thrown off the bonnet when the vehicle stopped.

Jones fled the scene without checking on Tulley who was left with serious injuries and in need of emergency brain surgery. He spent more than a month in hospital and has been left with serious long-term injuries.

The Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson KC MP, said:

Harry Jones may have been a respectable local businessman but his actions that day were utterly deplorable. His personal dispute with Daniel Tulley has left him with severe long-term injuries which will impact his life forever.

The court also took a dim view of Harry Jones’ heinous actions and have increased his prison term, sending a stark warning that leaving someone for dead has serious consequences.

Harry Jones was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 21 July 2023 for one count of grievous bodily harm with intent.

On Tuesday 14 November the Court of Appeal increased Jones’s sentence to 14 years after it was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.