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The Home Office plan to run an open public consultation for a period of roughly one month – they will produce draft guidance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