Read on Twitter
I’m an unpalatable key worker - the sort the public slag off in the comments sections of daily newspapers, no matter how high brow. I am a Barrister. I’m working during Coronavirus, but because the senior Judiciary stepped up re. the Crown Courts, I‘m safe. I‘m working from home.
(this isn’t a bragging thread - OOH LOOK AT ME I AM SAFE - I will go on to explain the point of the thread. My tweet above is just to explain that I am not presently working in the Magistrates’ Court)
I wouldn’t dream of putting my hand up in the supermarket queue when queue jump is offered for key-workers. (Damn right, I can hear you saying, your job currently comprises making bail applications to Judges from your living room on Skype, pipe down).
However, Criminal Solicitors Barristers working in the Magistrates’ Court don’t have that luxury. They can’t work at home, because of the statutory requirement for remanded prisoners to appear before the Courts the next day following charge in the police station.
They are therefore still working, in filthy Magistrates’ Courts, with no PPE, prosecuting and defending remanded defendants on a daily basis. Defendants who are very possibly carrying Covid-19.
Court Security move from handling defendant to defendant, some of whom fight them.
Court Security move from handling defendant to defendant, some of whom fight them.
I was queuing yesterday at my local supermarket for food to see my family through Easter weekend. Three places ahead of me was a Magistrates’ Court Solicitor I used to work with. Six places before him stood
a Mags Prosecutor I also know well. Both of them are currently working in conditions causing them risk to their & their families’ health.
The supermarket worker approached and called out for key-workers eligible for queue jump. Did they move forward? No. Did they raise their
The supermarket worker approached and called out for key-workers eligible for queue jump. Did they move forward? No. Did they raise their
hands? No. I wanted to direct the shop worker toward them, but I knew them well enough to know they wouldn’t thank me for it. We just exchanged wry smiles.
There are so many key-workers like them going unrecognised and unthanked at the moment, but they are so important to
There are so many key-workers like them going unrecognised and unthanked at the moment, but they are so important to
public safety. People are still committing crime, including Covid-19 reg breaches. People are still stabbing, robbing, raping, burgling, stealing, battering. Domestic Abuse cases have - as they were predicted to - risen.
All I ask is this:
Please remember the key-workers in the system who deal with defendants after the police have arrested them.
Court Staff
Court Security
Lawyers
Please clap for them too on Thursdays.
They are still working, because they have to, and they are scared.
Please remember the key-workers in the system who deal with defendants after the police have arrested them.
Court Staff
Court Security
Lawyers
Please clap for them too on Thursdays.
They are still working, because they have to, and they are scared.
They should be recognised as being part of the same tier of people the NHS & emergency services belong to at this time.
As should supermarket employees, social workers, factory workers, farmers.. the list goes on.
Thank you - from me to *all* key-workers keeping the UK going.
As should supermarket employees, social workers, factory workers, farmers.. the list goes on.
Thank you - from me to *all* key-workers keeping the UK going.
I’m going to keep adding to this thread with tweets remembering Solicitors, Barristers and other professionals from the Justice System who lost their lives to Covid-19. Please alert me to examples you come across.
Jon Jacob, a property Solicitor and partner with London firm Bower Cotton Hamilton, died in March aged 69 https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/firms-fond-tribute-to-solicitor-who-died-from-covid-19-complications/5103677.article
Barrister Mohammed Shabir Sarwar passed away in hospital on Saturday, March 28. He was 55 and had four children. http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-pillar-community-barrister-dies-18051168.amp
Sir John Laws, 74, retired senior judge and uncle of the Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings. http://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/apr/05/retired-senior-judge-sir-john-laws-dies-after-contracting-coronavirus
A Met Police Officer died on 3rd April https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/coronavirus-metropolitan-police-death-uk-london-a9444791.html
A member of Greater Manchester Police Staff died this week http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-manchester-52221679
A Dorset Police Officer passed away in March aged just 56 https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/coronavirus-uk-police-officer-dies-21783370.amp
Two members of Prison staff at HMP Pentonville have died. Bovil Peter and Patrick Beckford were both in their 60s and were respected members of staff at the prison http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/04/two-workers-at-londons-pentonville-prison-die-from-covid-19
Barrister John Collins of Park Square Chambers, Leeds, winner of a 2016 National Bar Pro Bono Award & still actively in practice passed away a few days ago.
“He taught how humility, integrity, loyalty & friendship could survive in today’s modern world.” https://www.civillitigationbrief.com/2020/04/06/john-collins-barrister-scholar-and-the-kindest-person-you-are-ever-likely-to-meet/
“He taught how humility, integrity, loyalty & friendship could survive in today’s modern world.” https://www.civillitigationbrief.com/2020/04/06/john-collins-barrister-scholar-and-the-kindest-person-you-are-ever-likely-to-meet/
Umar Afzal, accredited interpreter working in the Justice System and for the Home Office, much loved brother of @nazirafzal, passed away at home three days ago aged 71.
Barrister Ricky Raymond Singh, father of eight from Ealing, Director of the Ealing based West London Equality Centre, died two days before his 72nd birthday.
“He worked tirelessly for the poor and disadvantaged right up until the end.” https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.standard.co.uk/news/health/tributes-lawyer-boxing-coach-ricky-raymond-singh-a4401626.html%3famp
“He worked tirelessly for the poor and disadvantaged right up until the end.” https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.standard.co.uk/news/health/tributes-lawyer-boxing-coach-ricky-raymond-singh-a4401626.html%3famp
Birmingham National Probation Service suffered the loss of a member of staff this week.
She had just had a baby.
https://twitter.com/npsbirmingham/status/1248238724615491584?s=21 https://twitter.com/NpsBirmingham/status/1248238724615491584
She had just had a baby.
https://twitter.com/npsbirmingham/status/1248238724615491584?s=21 https://twitter.com/NpsBirmingham/status/1248238724615491584
Solicitor & Barrister (dual qual) Monir Jaman Shaikh of PGA Solicitors, London, died on Tuesday in hospital having been admitted for 24hrs. He was 62.
Hailing from Kumail village of Rampal in Bagerhat, Monir is survived by his wife and daughter. http://www.daily-sun.com/amp/post/474701
Hailing from Kumail village of Rampal in Bagerhat, Monir is survived by his wife and daughter. http://www.daily-sun.com/amp/post/474701
First-Tier Tribunal Judge Jeremy Callow of Taylor House lost his battle with Coronavirus on 8 April 2020.
“His passing is a real loss for the immigration & human rights world. His decency, fair-mindedness & humanity will be remembered & missed.” http://www.goldsmithchambers.com/remembering-ftt-judge-callow/
“His passing is a real loss for the immigration & human rights world. His decency, fair-mindedness & humanity will be remembered & missed.” http://www.goldsmithchambers.com/remembering-ftt-judge-callow/
The criminal law family mourns the loss of Steve Knight from Folkestone.
Steve was working as a police station lawyer in Kent when he fell ill.
“He had a lovely cell-side manner & will be much missed”
Steve died yesterday, his 70th birthday, leaving behind his wife Jenny.
Steve was working as a police station lawyer in Kent when he fell ill.
“He had a lovely cell-side manner & will be much missed”
Steve died yesterday, his 70th birthday, leaving behind his wife Jenny.
It is with sadness that I add the name of Liverpool Crown Court Security Officer Diane Barney.
She was adored by all who frequented Liverpool Crown Court, and will be fondly remembered.
Thoughts with her family and friends at this time.
https://twitter.com/circuitnorth/status/1250714589957951488?s=21 https://twitter.com/CircuitNorth/status/1250714589957951488
She was adored by all who frequented Liverpool Crown Court, and will be fondly remembered.
Thoughts with her family and friends at this time.
https://twitter.com/circuitnorth/status/1250714589957951488?s=21 https://twitter.com/CircuitNorth/status/1250714589957951488
Dr Sam Williams, Police Custody Dr for West Midlands Police is reported by officers to have passed away in early April. There has been no official word from @WMPolice but many officers remember him fondly.
“He was well liked by suspects & the police. He will be missed.”
“He was well liked by suspects & the police. He will be missed.”
Matthew Seligman, Specialist Caseworker at Campbell Taylor, unreg. Barrister (1994 Call, formerly @39EssexChambers) & bass player died on Friday aged 64.
Matthew specialised in mental health, community care & unlawful detention.
https://www.rhctlegal.co.uk/our-team.php
https://twitter.com/nme/status/1251415209174011904?s=21 https://twitter.com/NME/status/1251415209174011904
Matthew specialised in mental health, community care & unlawful detention.
https://www.rhctlegal.co.uk/our-team.php
https://twitter.com/nme/status/1251415209174011904?s=21 https://twitter.com/NME/status/1251415209174011904
DC John Coker of @BTP has died aged 53.
He fell ill with coronavirus on 22nd March and died on 17th April.
“he was much loved and respected... charismatic, kind, thoughtful and took everything in his stride”
He leaves a wife and three children.
https://media.btp.police.uk/r/17186/tribute_to__charismatic__kind_and_thoughtful__btp
He fell ill with coronavirus on 22nd March and died on 17th April.
“he was much loved and respected... charismatic, kind, thoughtful and took everything in his stride”
He leaves a wife and three children.
https://media.btp.police.uk/r/17186/tribute_to__charismatic__kind_and_thoughtful__btp
Mary Day, usher at Luton County/Family Court died in hospital following a lengthy admission. Mary is well known to all. Energetic, competent, above all kind, she raised huge amounts of £ for charities.
The face & heart of Luton, staff & Judiciary are heartbroken at her passing.
The face & heart of Luton, staff & Judiciary are heartbroken at her passing.
Rachael Yates, prison officer at HMP Usk in Monmouthshire died on Tuesday aged 33. She was a popular prison officer and was well known in Usk.
“Rachael was a much loved daughter, friend and was loved by anyone who came into contact with her.” https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/18400563.much-loved-prison-officer-hmp-usk-dies-coronavirus/
“Rachael was a much loved daughter, friend and was loved by anyone who came into contact with her.” https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/18400563.much-loved-prison-officer-hmp-usk-dies-coronavirus/
Her Honour Elizabeth Steel has passed away aged 84. It is believed that she died of Covid19 which exacerbated vascular dementia but no test was carried out. She had been unwell for the past 3 years.
Her children created a fundraising page in her memory https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emchristie
Her children created a fundraising page in her memory https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emchristie
His Honour Alan Simmons, late of South Eastern Circuit, formerly of Devereux Chambers died on 7th April aged 83.
His family suspect he caught coronavirus while visiting his wife, Mia, in hospital.
He is survived by his wife, two children and two grandchildren.
His family suspect he caught coronavirus while visiting his wife, Mia, in hospital.
He is survived by his wife, two children and two grandchildren.
A prison officer at HMYOI Polmont has died. He was a “well-known, much respected member of staff".
“His loss is one that is deeply felt by very many colleagues across the estate.“ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-scotland-tayside-central-52389942
“His loss is one that is deeply felt by very many colleagues across the estate.“ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-scotland-tayside-central-52389942
Retired Magistrate Peter Waterfield of Wisbech died aged 71. Peter was the director of TES Europe & a governor at Peckford School.
“For him, nothing was too much trouble, if it would help the children, then he made it happen”
TES makes PPE in his memory https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2020-04-23/ppe-masks-made-in-memory-of-boss-who-lost-his-life-to-covid-19
“For him, nothing was too much trouble, if it would help the children, then he made it happen”
TES makes PPE in his memory https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2020-04-23/ppe-masks-made-in-memory-of-boss-who-lost-his-life-to-covid-19
Two cleaners at the MoJ main building have lost their lives. One, Emmanuel from Guinea Bissau, died April 23, 2020 at 10:30pm. He worked the day he died; the MoJ refused to pay sick pay & provided no PPE.
His union lambasts the MoJ’s treatment of him: https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/covid-19-news/2020/4/two-workers-at-the-ministry-of-justice-die-from-suspected-covid-19
His union lambasts the MoJ’s treatment of him: https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/covid-19-news/2020/4/two-workers-at-the-ministry-of-justice-die-from-suspected-covid-19
Popular HMP Dovegate Prison Officer Earl ‘Sam’ Fuller died on April 29th aged 60
Born in Jamaica, he emigrated to Britain at 14.
CSgt Fuller served with Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regt for >20 yrs & was the British Army’s first black Drum Major. https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/burton/son-pays-moving-tribute-hmp-4106633
Born in Jamaica, he emigrated to Britain at 14.
CSgt Fuller served with Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regt for >20 yrs & was the British Army’s first black Drum Major. https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/burton/son-pays-moving-tribute-hmp-4106633
A “fiercely loving” interpreter who reunited refugee children with UK relatives has died
Mona Mahmoud spoke an array of languages
“She was fierce, strong, politically minded & a caring mother”
Before C-19 she was well. She leaves a widower & 5 children https://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/health/tributes-to-mona-mahmoud-1-6664826
Mona Mahmoud spoke an array of languages
“She was fierce, strong, politically minded & a caring mother”
Before C-19 she was well. She leaves a widower & 5 children https://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/health/tributes-to-mona-mahmoud-1-6664826
PC John Hewitt, 53, MoD Police has died. This was his 30th year of service. He served at Clyde & Garlogie but more recently in Essex. His wife left the MoD Police in 2014 to become a nurse. He leaves Maria, his two sons, two step-children and two grandchildren, Orla and Anthony.
