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29/07/2003
Blunkett clarifies position on Martin case
Home Secretary David Blunkett said today that those intruding on the lives and property of decent citizens should not be able to "turn the tables and sue them".
He was commenting on the cases of Tony Martin and Brendon Fearon.
Tony Martin was found guilty of killing Fred Barras, who was shot during a burglary in Norfolk on 20 August 1999. He was also found guilty of wounding Brendan Fearon during the same incident.
Martin was sentenced to life imprisonment and was released yesterday.
Fred Barras's accomplice Brendan Fearon was released from prison on Friday, where he was serving a sentence for an unrelated incident.
Mr Blunkett also said that while he was satisfied that the date of Mr Fearon's release was entirely in accordance with established procedures, both cases raise a number of issues.
The government announced in May that it will introduce an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill to protect the rights of householders. This will mean that burglars trying to sue a householder will not qualify for legal aid.
The Criminal Justice Bill will also ensure sentences are "simpler, clearer to understand and more consistent", said Mr Blunkett.
For the worst crimes, like murder, life will mean life, and new sentencing guidelines will deliver tougher sentences.
"I am also very concerned about the alleged death threats made against Tony Martin - as I would be if they were made against any citizen," said Mr Blunkett.
"If any newspaper has information about this, they should pass it immediately to the police. That is what I expect them to do. I have asked the Chief Constable of Norfolk to investigate any such allegations."
(GMcG)
He was commenting on the cases of Tony Martin and Brendon Fearon.
Tony Martin was found guilty of killing Fred Barras, who was shot during a burglary in Norfolk on 20 August 1999. He was also found guilty of wounding Brendan Fearon during the same incident.
Martin was sentenced to life imprisonment and was released yesterday.
Fred Barras's accomplice Brendan Fearon was released from prison on Friday, where he was serving a sentence for an unrelated incident.
Mr Blunkett also said that while he was satisfied that the date of Mr Fearon's release was entirely in accordance with established procedures, both cases raise a number of issues.
The government announced in May that it will introduce an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill to protect the rights of householders. This will mean that burglars trying to sue a householder will not qualify for legal aid.
The Criminal Justice Bill will also ensure sentences are "simpler, clearer to understand and more consistent", said Mr Blunkett.
For the worst crimes, like murder, life will mean life, and new sentencing guidelines will deliver tougher sentences.
"I am also very concerned about the alleged death threats made against Tony Martin - as I would be if they were made against any citizen," said Mr Blunkett.
"If any newspaper has information about this, they should pass it immediately to the police. That is what I expect them to do. I have asked the Chief Constable of Norfolk to investigate any such allegations."
(GMcG)
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25 October 2004
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
17 August 2004
Eight men charged with terror offences
Eight men have been charged with terrorism-related offences, the BBC has reported today. All eight are expected to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges including conspiracy to commit murder. A ninth man who was also being held has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
Eight men charged with terror offences
Eight men have been charged with terrorism-related offences, the BBC has reported today. All eight are expected to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges including conspiracy to commit murder. A ninth man who was also being held has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
10 February 2004
Volunteers 'crucial' to successful London Olympics
Volunteers could play a crucial role if the 2012 Olympics were held in London, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today. Around 10,000 volunteers aged from 16 to 87 were essential to the success of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years ago, and more than 60,000 helped out at the Sydney 2000 Games.
Volunteers 'crucial' to successful London Olympics
Volunteers could play a crucial role if the 2012 Olympics were held in London, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today. Around 10,000 volunteers aged from 16 to 87 were essential to the success of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years ago, and more than 60,000 helped out at the Sydney 2000 Games.
11 September 2003
Pioneering crime-busting centre to be opened in Liverpool
Liverpool is to be the location for Britain's first American-style community justice centre, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced. The announcement came during a fact-finding visit to Merseyside by the Home Office ministerial team and senior Home Office Board members.
Pioneering crime-busting centre to be opened in Liverpool
Liverpool is to be the location for Britain's first American-style community justice centre, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced. The announcement came during a fact-finding visit to Merseyside by the Home Office ministerial team and senior Home Office Board members.
05 June 2003
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
