Flat Squatter Gets Free Accomodation

A squatter has been jailed under the new law. (See previous blog ‘Squat and Gaol’ http://hsandco.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/squat-and-gaol.html). Alex Haigh, a 21 year old from Plymouth, came to London looking for work and squatted in a flat in Pimlico. Haigh pleaded guilty to squatting in a residential property and was jailed for 12 weeks by Westminster Magistrates' Court. HS&Co are experts in criminal law. In Your Defence.

Reality Advice

As specialist defence lawyers we often have to advise clients about the reality of their position. This might be to plead guilty at an early stage to attract a more favourable sentence. We had a case recently where the client had a trial on an assault matter in London. We expected there to be a number of defence witnesses but in fact no one was of any use. Therefore, the client decided to plead Guilty and not put the prosecution to task. A non-custodial lesser sentence was administered as a result. However, it is always the client's decision.