A University of Edinburgh student is a finalist in Future Legal Mind, National Accident Helpline’s award to find the brightest young legal talent in the country. April Sloan, who is currently studying for a Graduate LLB course at the University of Edinburgh, is in with a chance to win a £5,000 prize, plus a coveted work experience placement at a top law firm. Continue reading Second University of Edinburgh student shortlisted for national legal award
A University of Edinburgh student has been named as a finalist in Future Legal Mind, National Accident Helpline’s award to find the brightest young legal talent in the country. Liliya Tsvetanova, who is studying LLB Law at the University of Edinburgh, is in with a chance to win a £5,000 prize, plus a coveted work experience placement at a top law firm. Continue reading University of Edinburgh student nominated for national legal award
There has been an incredible revolution over the past 100 years, which has transformed the lives of women. Opportunities have been created, expectations have been surpassed, and women are now on track to achieve equality. Changes in the law have empowered women to gain the right to vote, right to an education, right to divorce, the right to legal abortions, as well as provide them with a platform to advocate for issues that were not previously addressed (writes KAREN HOLDEN). Continue reading Women’s History Month: Nine laws that have transformed the lives of women
SCOTS are leaving their loved ones open to distress and hassle by overlooking their online lives in their will, according to both legal and cyber security experts. Continue reading Clock Ticking to Decode Scotland’s Digital Will Timebomb
MSPs on Holyrood’s Justice Committee have unanimously backed the proposed law which changes the costs for people bringing a civil claim to court in Scotland. Continue reading MSPs back Bill to remove barriers to civil justice
Ten volunteers from areas facing fracking across the UK are appearing at Blackpool Magistrates Court from today after they peacefully protested fracking at Preston New Road in Lancashire in May. Continue reading Fracking protesters face court
Research into how juries reach decisions, including their use of the ‘not proven’ verdict, is to be carried out over the next two years. Continue reading How do juries reach decisions? Study launched
A new law which makes it illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying anyone under 18 comes into force tomorrow.
Police seek witnesses to Ferry Road Drive knife attack but say #StrongerNorth initiative is producing ‘significant results’
Police are appealing for witnesses following an aggravated burglary in a Ferry Road Drive flat this morning. The attack comes just two days after community safety leaders hailed ‘significant results’ in the battle against crime and antisocial behaviour in the area.
Two intruders, both brandishing knives, broke into the property at around 6am and threatened and assaulted three male occupants before making off with cash, phones and other items. The victims were take to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment but their injuries are not thought to be serious.
The first suspect is described as white, skinny build, malnourished appearance, 18 – 20 years old, 5ft 3 – 5ft 4in tall. He has short, dirty blonde hair and was wearing a light grey cotton Adidas tracksuit with blue stripes.
The second suspect is described as white, 24 – 26 years old and a heavier build. This man has a round face with short dark hair that is receding at the front. He has a Scottish accent and he was wearing a black Superdry style jacket with dark jeans.
Police are appealing for the local community to come forward with information to assist their investigation into a terrifying incident.
Detective Constable Ryan Lee said: “This was a very distressing incident for the victims, who were assaulted by the two suspects within their home. We are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area of Ferry Road Drive at around 6am this morning to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
This morning’s incident is the latest in a series of acts of violence and antisocial behaviour that have blighted the area over recent months. It’s a setback to the #StrongerNorth initiative, which was established last October following the attempted murder of local takeaway restaurant owner Jie Yu during a car robbery.
The perpetrators of that vicious attack were jailed last week and on Friday it was announced that senior law officers will be invited to visit the area to see first-hand the effects of what many local residents see as ‘soft sentencing’.
Last Friday, the agencies behind #StrongerNorth – Police Scotland, the city council and local community organisations – said the initiative is making progress but more needs to be done.
In a statement, Police Scotland said: “Preventing crime and bringing those responsible to justice remains a top priority for Police Scotland. There have been significant results with violent crimes 16% lower than the five-year average which means that in North Edinburgh, 130 fewer people have been victims of violent crimes.
Additional CCTV has been added to the area with further plans to bring more cameras to West Pilton. There has also been a sustained drop in the level of anti-social behaviour in the local community.”
Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day – who is also a councillor in the Forth ward – said: “#StrongerNorth is making real progress and I continue to be very grateful to the local community, who have rallied round to help make the north of the city a safer place.
“Information from local residents is helping us, along with Police Scotland, to combat antisocial behaviour and they have led the way on community clear ups to create a more positive environment.
“I am confident that, based on the positive reaction so far from residents, we will reach our goal of reducing crime to build stronger, safer communities.”
National resources from Police Scotland continue to assist North Edinburgh officers, with additional support from local Violence Reduction Units and the police helicoptor. Police horses have also been frequently deployed.
Inspector David Happs said: “The message from Stronger North remains clear – criminality in the local community will not be tolerated. While we have made significant steps tackling crime, we accept that there is still more work to be done.
“Our aim remains the same as it was six months ago: to create a better community for the people of North Edinburgh.”
