Mel B, Dishonest Golfer and Potatoes

Welcome to weekly legal/business updates, sharing the latest developments and noteworthy events in the legal and business sectors

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter and welcome! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s overwhelming to keep up. That’s why I’ve curated a weekly round-up of headlines that interest me. Stay informed, enhance your commercial awareness, and gain valuable insights. Sit back, relax, and let this newsletter be your companion in navigating news and knowledge.

Mel B's Petition

Spice Girl member Melanie Brown has set up a petition calling for judges to receive compulsory domestic abuse training. The campaign has nearly hit its target 25,000 signatures. The aim is to educate judges sitting in family courts with training designed and delivered by experts, with a focus on protecting children’s safety.

You can find out more here.

Axiom Fund Financial Adviser Convicted for Fraud

David Kennedy was convicted of fraudulent trading for his involvement in managing the Axiom Legal Finance Fund (registered in the Cayman Island). The fund lost more than £100 million advisers such as Kennedy diverted millions of pounds from the fund to pay for personal items, such as a Swiss ski resort. The fund was set up to lend money to firms pursuing no win no fee claims.

You can find out more here.

Cat Microchipping Now Mandatory

From the 10th June, all cat owners must have their cats microchipped before they reach 20 weeks, and include contact details in an approved pet microchipping database. Failing to comply could see fines up to £500.

You can find out more here.

Three Years in Prison for Man Who Threw Radiator at Judge

A man has been jailed for 3 years after causing actual bodily harm to a judge during a hearing. He picked up a “laptop on the desk as well as an electric radiator”. The incident caused concerns and questions over the security arrangements in court.

You can find out more here.

Dishonest Claimant Fined £323,000 Costs

A clinical negligence claimant who exaggerated their claim has been hit with a £323,000 costs bill. The claimant brought a claim for £2.6 million after having gastric band surgery. Covert recording found that the claimant was a regular golfer who did not appear to be suffering from the purported injuries she claimed, such as “debilitating bowel issues, significant fatigue and reduced mobility, requiring substantial care and support with activities like cooking, cleaning and home maintenance”. The claim was dismissed and deemed to be fundamentally dishonest.

You can find out more here.

Fun facts for your friends…

It was illegal to import Polish potatoes into England under The Polish Potatoes (Notification) (England) Order 2004. This was for potatoes used for agricultural purposes because of a plant disease called ring rot.

Thanks for catching up! Don’t forget to share with friends and colleagues!