James Cook

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | James Cook

Deaths in Scottish prisons among highest in EuropeJames CookScotland Editor, BBC NewsBBCWilliam Brown, 16, and Katie Allan, 21, took their own lives in Polmont Young Offenders InstitutionDeaths in Scotland's prisons have increased by 60% in the past year, a report has revealed. The Scottish Centre for Criminal Justice Research (SCCJR) found 64 people died in jail in 2024 - up from 40 in 2023.

2 months ago | bbc.com | James Cook

New graves mark a lost generation in tourist town ravaged by drugsJames CookBBCJames McMillan and Lisa McCuish grew up next to each other and now they lie side by side in Pennyfuir CemeteryJames McMillan grew up next door to Lisa McCuish in a neat cul-de-sac on a hillside above Oban Bay. Now they lie side by side in Pennyfuir Cemetery. The newest headstones on the freshly-dug fringes of the graveyard tell an alarming story of a lost generation in this pretty tourist town on Scotland's west coast.

2 months ago | bbc.com | James Cook |Paul Ward

Early release of hundreds of prisoners to beginJames Cook & Paul WardPA MediaThe first of up to 390 prisoners are being released early in the latest attempt to ease overcrowding in Scotland's jails. Emergency legislation was passed last year which allows eligible inmates sentenced to less than four years to be freed after 40% of their term, rather than 50%. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the prison population was "too high".

Nov 13, 2024 | selondoner.co.uk | James Cook

News A large but unofficial firework display was held in Mountsfield Park, Catford in Lewisham on Guy Fawkes Night. While the event passed without incident, some residents in the area were concerned with the display. Anna Ginty, 33, said the fireworks, which she heard from inside her home, went on for four hours. She said: “It seemed professional as it was so big, but it was so close to my house that it felt a bit unsafe.

Oct 14, 2024 | russell-cooke.co.uk | James Cook |Kate Hamilton |Hannah Field |Andrew Godfrey

Eprivateclient, is a UK-based website and news service for private client practitioners. The annual Top Law Firm lists are based on comprehensive surveys involving more than 150 law firms across the UK, and result in scores against number of partners, number of fee earners, total number of staff, total fee income and fee income as a percentage of firm total income. The achievement follows the team’s impressive rankings in both Chambers High Net Worth and The Legal 500 UK earlier this year.