Lancashire Lock Knife Woman Spat in Police Officer's Face

A Lancashire woman arrested for possession of a lock knife spat in the face of a police officer when she was being processed at the custody suite.

Alina Butnaru, 37, of Hancock Street, Blackburn, admitted offences of possession of a bladed article and assault on an emergency worker when she appeared recently at Blackburn Magistrates' Court.

Possession of a bladed article is an offence under section 139(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. The offence, which is triable either way, has a maximum sentence of 12 months' custody on summary conviction; 4 years' custody on conviction on indictment.

Rachel Evans, prosecuting, told the court that officers were searching Butnaru when the blade was discovered in her handbag. She was duly arrested and taken to the police station, where she spat directly into the face of the officer who was dealing with her.

"The spit did not land in her mouth or eye so she didn't have to go to hospital," said Miss Evans.

"The CCTV clearly showed that it hit her in the face."

Mo Akram, mitigating, told the court that his client, who had no previous convictions, was remorseful for her actions and embarrassed at her behaviour.

Mr Akram told the court that the knife had been given to his client by her late father and consequently had sentimental value. Butnaru did not realise it was an offence to have the blade in a public place.

"She didn't carry it for any other reason than safekeeping," said Mr Akram.

District Judge Alexandra Preston, sentencing, said: "Your behaviour at the police station was disgraceful and disgusting.

"Normally I give prison sentences to people who spit at police officers and the only reason I am not doing that in this case is that you have never been in trouble before."

Butnaru was handed an 18-month community order with the requirements that she completes 200 hours' unpaid work and up to 15 days' rehabilitation activity.

She was also ordered to pay £200 in compensation to the officer.

Bradford Man Threw Used Toilet Paper from Window

A Bradford man regularly threw used toilet paper from the window of his home.

Willard Clunis, 66, was convicted of failing to comply with a community protection notice.

The hearing took place in his absence at Bradford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 30th April 2025.

Failing to comply with the conditions of a community protection notice is an offence under section 48(1) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The maximum penalty for this offence on summary conviction is a fine at level 4 (currently £2,500) in the case of an individual; or a fine not exceeding £20,000 in the case of a body. We have previously discussed legislation surrounding the use of community protection notices.

Magistrates heard that Clunis was in the disgusting habit of throwing used toilet paper into the neighbouring gardens and street outside his home.

The council made repeated visits to Clunis' home, but he failed to engage. He was eventually made subject to a community protection notice, but continued with his most anti-social of activities.

Clunis' behaviour caused significant distress to the local community and posed a risk to public health.

He was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £800 surcharge and £1,322 towards prosecution costs.

Clunis was also made subject to a criminal behaviour order, which prohibits him from engaging in similar conduct for a period of 5 years.

Should he breach that order, which seems entirely likely, then he faces the prospect of a custodial sentence.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby of Bradford Council said: "The outcome of this case underlines our commitment to tackling environmental crime and protecting local communities from unacceptable and anti-social behaviour.

"We will continue to pursue enforcement action against those who refuse to comply with the law and show disregard for their neighbours and the environment."

MP Calls for Magistrates' Long Service Medal

Shaun Davies MP has called for the Government to consider the introduction of a Long Service Medal for Magistrates.

Speaking in the Commons Chamber on Thursday, 24th April 2024, the recently installed Labour MP for Telford said: "On a recent visit with the Courts Minister, my Honourable and Learned Friend the Member for Finchley and Golders Green (Sarah Sackman), to Shropshire's Justice Centre, I was reminded about the dedication of our Magistrates.

"Can we have a debate in Government time about the importance of Magistrates in the Justice System? 

"Since the 12th century, Magistrates have played a critical role in delivering local justice, and now do so as volunteers, many with decades of service.

"Currently, there is not a long service medal award; does the Leader of the House agree that there really ought to be?"

Leader of the House, the Rt. Hon. Lucy Powell MP, replied: "I join my Honourable Friend in thanking all the Magistrates - as he says, they are volunteers, and they are the backbone of our Justice System in this country.

I think the issue he has highlighted is one that would gather a great deal of momentum and support, and I implore him to continue campaigning for it."

Magistrates across the land perform the role out of a sense of public duty, pride in their communities and with no expectation of personal reward.

That said, it is a bit depressing when someone who has been a Magistrate for two or three decades gets a card and a few words of thanks if they are lucky.

It is nice to see Mr Davies at least highlighting the issue, even though I'm sure nothing will come of it.

Actor Laurence Fox in Court Over Intimate Social Media Photo

Actor Laurence Fox has appeared in court over allegations that he shared an intimate photograph of a well known personality on social media.

Fox, 46, of Peldon, Essex, denied an offence under section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, 25th April 2025.

It is an offence under section 66A for a person (A) to intentionally send a photograph of another person's genitals to any other person (B) with the intention that B will see the photograph and be caused alarm, distress or humiliation as a result. The maximum sentence is 12 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction; 2 years' custody on conviction on indictment.

The alleged victim in this case has been very open about her identity, so seems to have waived the automatic right to anonymity granted to all sexual offence complainants. Even so, I shall not be naming her here.

The allegation is that Fox posted an image of the woman on his X account, which has more than 600,000 followers, back in April 2024. She complained to the police shortly afterwards and Fox was charged in March 2025.

Fox denied the allegation and elected trial by jury.

He was granted unconditional bail until his next hearing at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, 23rd May 2025.