Paul Morris and David Hardstaff quoted in The Law Society Gazette – ‘Lawyers split on digital disclosure measures’

Paul Morris and David Hardstaff quoted in The Law Society Gazette – ‘Lawyers split on digital disclosure measures’

BCL’s Paul Morris and David Hardstaff are quoted in an article from The Law Society Gazette, discussing recent reports of complainants being asked to hand over digital data in investigations.

An extract from the article:

“Deep divisions have emerged within the profession on new measures to enable police access to digital devices in criminal cases.

The National Police Chiefs Council and Crown Prosecution Service are introducing standardised consent forms for allowing access to phones and other devices, because of what they describe as inconsistencies in the current approach to explaining why a complainant or witness’s digital device has to be seized.”

The quote from BCL Solicitors:

“However London firm BCL Solicitors criminal law specialists Paul Morris and David Hardstaff pointed out that rape and other sexual offences are some of the most difficult cases to investigate, adjudicate and defend. ‘In cases where there can often be so little evidence in addition to the word of the complainant pointing either to the guilt or innocence of a defendant, it is incumbent on investigators to consider every potentially relevant line of enquiry,’ they said.”

This article was originally published by The Law Society Gazette on 6th May 2019. Read the full version on their website.

Paul Morris is a partner at BCL who has extensive experience in complex and serious crime, defending a range of general criminal matters including homicide, sexual offences, blackmail, drugs offences and assault. He has particular experience in crisis and reputation management, advising professionals from the finance, music, medical, sports, political and teaching professions in relation to serious and complex investigations and prosecutions.

David Hardstaff is an associate solicitor at BCL specialising in criminal and regulatory law. He advises individuals and companies in relation to controlled drug licensing and AML/Proceeds of Crime considerations in the context of the domestic and international cannabis market. He has particular experience in advising and representing individuals accused of sexual offences, drugs offences and offences involving violence. He is an experienced police station representative and advocate and represents clients in a broad range of proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal.