News and Knowledge

Kirklevington Detention Centre is under investigation for historic abuse against detainees

Former inmates have alleged to have been “forgotten and frozen out” after claiming to have been abused as youths at a correctional facility.   The Kirklevington Detention Centre, which operated from the 1960s to the 1990s, has been the focus of multiple historical abuse claims of staff members abusing juvenile inmates physically and sexually.  …

White Ribbon Day 2024

November 25 marks White Ribbon Day – aimed at preventing violence against women and girls by addressing the root causes.   At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we are proud to join the campaign dedicated to ending male violence against women and promoting gender equality.     What is White Ribbon Day? White Ribbon Day is part…

Police issue appeal after 334 people arrested and eight people stabbed at Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival took to the streets in London over the bank holiday weekend, but despite the festivities, there were hundreds of violent crimes which took place among crowds.   Metropolitan police have confirmed that there were more than three hundred people arrested for various offences across the two-day event, including eight stabbings and one…

Fifth of delivery drivers fear they might be attacked as murder investigation launched

After calls for delivery drivers to get more protection doing their rounds, detectives are investigating the murder of a man in Leeds.   The incident comes after unions called for action earlier this year, as more than a fifth of delivery drivers feared they might be attacked while doing their job.     Now police…

Repeat knife crime offenders at record high in West Yorkshire, figures show

The number of repeat knife crime offenders in West York hit a record high in the past year, figures show.   Ministry of Justice data shows that the Criminal Justice System dealt with 753 knife and offensive weapon offenders in West Yorkshire in the year to March. Of these, 214 had a previous conviction or…

Church of England Abuse: Blackburn Cathedral priest posed ‘significant risk’ to children

Concerns have been raised after it was found that a Church of England priest was paid off after being assessed as a ‘potential risk to children and young people’.   According to a BBC investigation, Canon Andrew Hindley, who worked in the Blackburn diocese from 1991 to 2021 – was subject to five police investigations,…

Leeds Pride 2024: LGBTQ+ Legal Rights Explained

Sunday marks the day of Leeds Pride, which celebrates all things LGBTQ+ in our city centre.   Colourful acts, drag, and live music will take to the streets to commemorate love, equality and friendship for all. Gay Pride has been celebrated for decades, to remember the Stonewall Riots, which took place in 1969. The riots,…

Women’s safety branded ‘national emergency’ as 80% feel scared to walk home alone

A national emergency has been declared for women’s safety, as more than 80% say they are scared to walk home on their own.   The survey, carried out by ITV News interviewed 1232 young adults, found that 81% of young women aged between 18-25 feel unsafe walking home in the dark.     Speaking to…

Domestic abuse reports increase by 22% since start of Euro 2024

Domestic abuse charities in Leeds have issued a warning, stating they are ‘bracing’ for an increase in calls as Euro 2024 gets underway.   Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) says that the number of calls received has already risen in the week since the Euro 2024 started, and charities even believe there is a “risk…

Police issue ‘zero tolerance to violence’ warning ahead of Euro 2024

As football fans gear up for a month of fun (or tears) at the Euros, police forces across the UK have issued warnings to stop violence among supporters.   Although football often brings fans together to celebrate, it is unfortunately a time when reports of violence and domestic abuse increase when things go wrong.  …