KCPOs – Knife Crime and COVID-19 – Solicitor Analysis

Speaker: Caroline Liggins
Chambers: Youth Practicioners' Association

Caroline Liggins is a Senior Solicitor with the excellent crime team at Hodge Jones and Allen from  where she has just become a finalist in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards and we thoroughly congratulate her.

Caroline is a regular speaker at our conferences while also presenting to Commons Select Committees , Radio 4 while chairing the YPA

NB – detailed full length notes and slides accompany this seminar – this list is a light summary.

WHAT IS A KCPO?
 The Offensive Weapons Bill The introduction of Knife Crime Prevention Orders (KCPOs) for those as young as 12.
 The introduction of what is being termed knife ASBOs
 The Offensive Weapons Act was given Royal Assent on the 16th May.

Summary of KCPO

KCPO made on conviction
CPS responsibilities
 Other than on conviction
 Requirements for a KCPO application
 Without Notice
 Interim KCPO without notice

Applying for a KCPO against a defendant aged under 18

The prohibitions imposed by a knife crime prevention order on a defendant may, in particular, have the effect of prohibiting the defendant from
a) being in a particular place;
b) being with particular persons;
c) participating in particular activities;
d) using particular articles or having particular articles with them;
e) using the internet to facilitate or encourage crime involving bladed articles.
Consultation on guidance:

 The Home Office plan to run an open public consultation for a period of roughly one month – they will produce draft guidance
 Local partners
 Police  discretion in terms of minor breaches
 Courts discretion and a full range of sentencing options

 

You can contact Caroline Liggins on the e mail address given on the slides