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Letchers Solicitors - Supporting Your Community with a Free Legal Clinic

Ianthe.slinger@letchers.co.uk (Ianthe Slinger) — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:48:16 GMT

Letchers Solicitors - Supporting Your Community with a Free Legal Clinic at The Verwood Hub

Legal issues can arise unexpectedly, casting a shadow of uncertainty over our lives. For many, the high cost of legal advice can feel like an insurmountable barrier, particularly when navigating the complexities of family law, criminal proceedings, or estate planning. Thankfully, Letchers Solicitors, a cornerstone of the local community, is stepping forward to bridge this gap with the launch of our free legal clinic.

A Commitment to Accessibility - Responding to a Growing Need

The limitations placed on legal aid in recent years have left many individuals, especially those on low incomes, struggling to access the legal support they deserve. Letchers Solicitors recognises this growing need and is actively committed to making legal guidance more accessible. Their free legal clinic embodies this philosophy, offering a valuable resource for those facing a variety of legal challenges.

Areas of Expertise - Tailored Support for Your Specific Needs

The free legal clinic encompasses a comprehensive range of legal matters that directly impact everyday lives. Whether you're navigating the complexities of divorce, including financial settlements and child custody arrangements, or seeking guidance on grandparent rights, Letchers Solicitors' experienced team is here to assist you. Additionally, the clinic is equipped to address domestic abuse issues, cohabitation disputes, and the often-overlooked yet crucial areas of wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney.

Taking the First Step - Booking Your Appointment

Securing an appointment at the free legal clinic is a straightforward process. Simply call Letchers Solicitors at 01425 471424 to schedule a convenient time to speak with a qualified legal professional. During your consultation, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your specific situation in a confidential and supportive environment. Our knowledgeable solicitors will provide clear explanations of your legal options and empower you to make informed decisions about your next steps.

Alternatively, you can pop in between 3 and 6 pm and we will do our best to squeeze you in.

Beyond Legal Advice - Building Trust and Confidence

Letchers Solicitors understands that legal issues can be deeply personal and emotionally charged. The free legal clinic goes beyond simply offering legal counsel. It fosters a space for open communication and understanding. Our dedicated team is committed to listening attentively to your concerns and addressing them with empathy and respect. By providing clear explanations and exploring all available options, they aim to empower you to face your legal challenges with confidence.

Investing in the Community - Letchers Solicitors Makes a Difference

The launch of the free legal clinic underscores Letchers Solicitors' commitment to the local community. By offering this invaluable service, we are proactively working to ensure that everyone has access to the legal support they need, regardless of their financial background. This initiative exemplifies their dedication to creating a sense of security and well-being within the community they serve.

Taking Control of Your Legal Matters - Let Letchers Solicitors Guide You

Don't let legal uncertainties cast a shadow over your life. Letchers Solicitors' free legal clinic is here to help. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards resolving your legal concerns. With our expert guidance and support, you can face legal challenges with confidence and clarity.

To secure your appointment, simply call Letchers Solicitors at 01425 471424

Raising money for MYTIME Young Carers

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 13:51:44 GMT

An Epic Challenge for an Epic Cause

Sean Reeves the Head of the Conveyancing Team Takes Part in Skinflint Rally

In a heart warming display of dedication and a commitment to making a difference, Sean Reeves, the Head of Letchers Conveyancing Team, decided to pit his wits against other drivers by taking part in the Skinflint Rally. But this was no ordinary race; it was a race with a purpose. Sean, along with his team, undertook this challenge to raise funds for MYTIME young carers, making their participation more than just a drive, but a drive to make a positive impact.

A Light hearted Rally for an Amazing Charity

The Skinflint Rally is a unique event. Participants are tasked with racing a car worth under £500 from Dover to Vienna crossing 3 countries and conquering the epic Grossglockner Alpine Pass. Sean Reeves and his team were up for the challenge. Their mission? To raise money for MYTIME young carers, a cause close to their hearts.

Overcoming Adversity

The rally started on a high note, as Sean and his team enthusiastically set out with their trusty car. However, adventure often comes with its share of challenges, and this rally was no exception. On the second day of the journey, disaster struck and their beloved Kia broke down. Despite their best efforts of the team and the Rally support mechanics the fault was terminal. In an instant, the future of their race seemed uncertain.

It's in moments like these that true determination shines. Rather than quit, Sean and his team faced adversity head-on. So, instead of throwing in the towel, they made a quick decision: to continue their journey, they would need to switch to a hire car. Their commitment to the cause, MYTIME young carers, was clear for all to see, and they were not about to let a broken-down car deter them.

A Swift Turnaround

The switch to the hire car injected new life into their journey (and a little comfort). They may have faced a setback, but their resolve only grew stronger. The miles continued to roll, and they progressed with their heads held high, knowing that every mile they covered meant more support for the young carers who rely on MYTIME.

The journey may have been filled with challenges, but it was these very challenges that made their efforts all the more remarkable.

Continuing Letchers Solicitors commitment to giving back

Sean and his team's participation in the Skinflint Rally is a great example of the team at Letchers Solicitors’ commitment to supporting charities and communities.

Sean Reeves, Head of Letchers' Conveyancing Team, took a detour from his daily responsibilities to undertake an extraordinary adventure for a noble cause. The Skinflint Rally was more than just a race—it was a heartfelt attempt to make a difference in the lives of MYTIME young carers. Sean's journey, filled with determination and resilience, is an inspiration for all. It's a reminder that with commitment, even the most challenging roads can lead to something truly remarkable.

The whole team at Letchers are all very proud of Sean continuing our tradition of supporting worthy charities and making a positive impact to the communities we serve.

About MYTIME Young Carers

MYTIME Young Carers is a Bournemouth based charity that supports young carers aged from 5 to 25

They aim to:

Give young carers something to look forward to amidst challenging circumstances
Create much-needed breaks for young carers and safe spaces where they can be themselves
Offer social opportunities for young carers to connect with one another
Empower young carers with new skills, confidence and self-worth
Identify training opportunities and pathways to employment for young adult carers
Educate schools, local authorities and communities to increase support and understanding for young carers
Provide support to young carer parents, siblings and other family members

You can find out more about the amazing work MYTIME do at www.mytimeyoungcarers.org

About Letchers Solicitor

With offices in Ringwood and Verwood, Letchers Solicitors is the leading law firm in The New Forest and helps clients throughout the UK by providing legal advice and assistance on a range of issues from conveyancing to civil litigation, criminal and family law.

Supporting Burnley Orchestra

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 06:27:30 GMT

Supporting our Client's Communities

Letchers Solicitors serves clients all over the country. But they don't just focus on their legal work; they believe in giving back to the communities that their clients call home.

There's a strong sense of community in the heart of Burnley, where the Yorkshire Dales meet the Lancashire landscape. So how did Letchers make a meaningful impact on the Burnley Orchestra, a cherished local institution led by Judith Doe and how do they help others around the country?

A Musical Treasure: The Burnley Orchestra

The Burnley Orchestra isn't just a group of musicians; it's a source of joy for the community. They perform with passion, bringing smiles and a sense of togetherness. Judith Doe, who has dedicated 44 years to the orchestra, has played a crucial role in making this happen.

However, like many community groups, the Burnley Orchestra faces financial challenges. Their members' subscriptions, which help cover costs, fall short of what's needed.

A Nationwide Legal Firm with Community Values

Letchers Solicitors, based in the New Forest, serves clients across the country. Despite the distance from Burnley, they believe in giving something back to the communities that their clients call home. They understand that local communities are the heart of our society, and supporting them is essential.

Letchers Solicitors Commitment to Community

Letchers Solicitors is not your ordinary legal firm. While they provide legal services to clients from all corners of the country, they firmly believe in staying connected to the communities that their clients hail from. This commitment to community support is a core part of their identity.

Ianthe Slinger, the Managing Partner of Letchers Solicitors, has Burnley in her roots. Her personal connection to the area has driven the firm's desire to give back. It's not about the size of the community; it's about the impact they can make. From the Yorkshire Dales to the New Forest, Letchers understands the importance of creating a sense of togetherness.

Letchers' Hands-On Approach

Letchers' support for the Burnley Orchestra extends beyond writing cheques. They believe in getting involved, participating in community events, and making a difference. Their involvement in sponsored walks, charity golf days, and car rallies illustrates their commitment to making a real impact.

This hands-on approach is not limited to the Burnley Orchestra. It reflects Letchers' broader philosophy of giving back and staying connected to the communities they serve. It's about more than just providing legal services; it's about actively contributing to the well-being of the areas their clients call home.

About Letchers Solicitors

Letchers Solicitors is more than just another law firm. They're a team that believes in making a difference. By supporting groups such as the Burnley Orchestra and participating in community events, they help keep the community spirit alive. They are proof that it's not just about where you're from but where your heart is. Letchers Solicitors believe that giving back can have a real impact, even from afar. Whether in Ringwood or Verwood or any community, their dedication to nurturing the ties that bind us is something we can all learn from and be inspired by.

THE WILD WEST WEB

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:18:13 GMT

Last week, people across America took part in national Unplugging Day providing a welcomed opportunity to disconnect from digital devices and reconnect with family, friends and loved ones. Perhaps something we could use in the UK following the latest headlines of the detrimental effects the internet is having on the young and the increasing worry and panic surrounding how to keep children safe online.

Currently, not a day passes where the news isn’t bursting with horror stories over children’s safety whilst online. The BBC has reported shocking and harrowing statistics revealed by the NSPCC, showing that the number of children targeted for grooming and abuse on Instagram has more than tripled, with victims as young as five years old. Since the crime of sexual communication with a child came into force in 2017, a total of 5,161 crimes were recorded by the police.

The NSPCC said Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat had been used in 70% of the 1,317 in cases in a six-month period where police had recorded the method used and has led the charity to brand the internet as the “Wild West Web”.

If that wasn’t bad enough, there is also the latest online challenge aimed at children which, without any doubt, is particularly gruesome. In a bid not to give it anymore exposure, but to add some refrenece to this feature, here’s a very brief synopsis just in case you’ve missed it. The Momo Challenge purports to tell children to perform dangerous and violent tasks via social media videos and if they don’t comply or they tell anyone what they’ve seen, then a scary lady with big protruding eyes will hurt them or their loved ones. It has certainly caught the media’s attention and as a result has whipped parents, carers, guardians and society as a whole into a frenzy.

Concerningly, and as with the nature of the social media beast, this has now gone viral.

Reports are now surfacing that the Momo Challenge could actually be a hoax and that charities say there have been no reports of anybody receiving messages or harming themselves as a result and warning that media coverage has amplified a false scare story. Kat Tremlett, harmful content manager at the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: “Even though it’s done with best intentions, publicising this issue has only piqued curiosity among young people. It is a myth that is perpetuated into being some kind of reality.

Even if this is a scaremongering tactic, what lessons can we learn from this?

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: “These figures are overwhelming evidence that keeping children safe cannot be left to social networks. We cannot wait for the next tragedy before tech companies are made to act.” Keeping children safe online should be the responsibility of society as a whole. Everyone has a role to play, parents, teachers, social workers, carers and guardians alike all need to promote healthy use of the internet, not just the perils and pitfalls, but the advantages it can have for learning if used correctly.

Katie Williams, Associate Solicitor, Family Department at Letchers said: “Whilst the latest headlines and figures are disturbing what it does provide is a great opportunity to talk to your children about what they are doing online. Try asking them about the sites they are viewing, what games they are playing and who they are talking too? Keeping up regular open and transparent conversations about a child’s use of the internet is one of the best ways to stay informed and keep abreast of their activities.

“The internet can be a very dangerous place and in an ideal world all parents and carers will be able to amicably discuss arrangements for their children, however that is sadly not always the case. Try writing to each other rather than face to face as that reduces the chance of dispute or one person not having their concerns heard. If that doesn’t work you could try mediation.”

At Letchers we have qualified mediators who can provide a safe and independent space to resolve conflict. Failing that we are able to look after your interests through any court proceedings which may be needed, always with the child’s best interests at heart. If you would like any assistance on any child or family related matter please call a member of our experience team on 01425 471 424 or email: mail@letchers.co.uk

Disclaimer: Information on our website is published for general information only and represents our opinion on matters at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and must not be treated as a substitute for it. For legal advice, contact us on 01425 471 424

A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:16:52 GMT

Homelessness doesn’t discriminate. It’s not always about choice. It is not necessarily foreseen. It doesn’t have to be forever…

It has been reported that there are over 320,000 people sleeping on the streets of Britain and according to the housing charity Shelter, this figure is likely to be underestimated.

Polly Neate, Shelter’s chief executive said in relation to recent Government statistics: “Record numbers of people are sleeping out on the streets or stuck in the cramped confines of a hostel room. We desperately need action now to change tomorrow for the hundreds of thousands whose lives will be blighted by homelessness.”

And act is exactly what Carlie Palmer and Sue Bright did.

The two friends and work colleagues from local radio station, Hot Radio, knew enough wasn’t being done for people living on the streets and set up Hot for Homeless, a group of volunteers who distribute food and everyday essentials to the street homeless in Bournemouth on a weekly basis. About to celebrate its six-month anniversary, we talk to Carlie Palmer, Co-Founder at Hot for Homeless and Managing Partner, Ianthe Slinger at Letchers Solicitors, who along with the entire team are avid supporters of the community group.

With a plan in place, Sue and Carlie took to social media creating a Facebook page that instantly engaged so many people. Carlie said: “The reception and support we received from day one has been beyond amazing and totally surprising. We had several early adopters of our campaign, including Letchers Solicitors and we have been truly blown away by the sheer amount of donations we have received for our friends on the street. Also joining the team in its infancy were our volunteers; Callum Hooker and Rachel Kitcat, whom have been totally amazing and continually offering much needed and incredibly valued support.”

“It’s clear to see from our Facebook statistics that our engagement with the local community is ever increasing and we are seeing so many more local businesses reaching out to us and offering their support. It’s obviously an issue that resonates with so many people, for so many different reasons.”

Ianthe Slinger added: “As a local business, we are always looking to help the local community where we can. Both Sue and Carlie bring such enthusiasm to a cause, we as a firm, are proud to support. Life’s tough at times and has a habit of changing at the drop of a hat, sometimes for the good and unfortunately sometimes for the worst, you just never know what’s around the corner. Being able to offer essentials which we sometimes take for granted to people that need them the most could be considered a small act but, it is an act that has a massive impact on those that need it the most.”

During the first few weeks, Carlie and Sue received so many valuable donations all which made a difference to people’s lives on the street. The one thing which was slightly slower to get moving was donations of food. Not to be defeated and being the powerhouses that they are, both Sue and Carlie took it in turn to make rounds of sandwiches and things have certainly come a long way since then.

“We now work with several companies who provide regular support in providing food for our homeless friends. Within the first few weeks The Moose Kitchen came onboard and now we even have our own ‘Hot Burger’ where we receive £1 from the sale every time it’s ordered. We were also successful in our application to Greggs to receive unsold food and we are also eternally grateful to The Marsham Court Hotel for its continued support.”

With donations from the public coming in thick and fast, storage soon became an issue. Ianthe said: “Having worked closely with Carlie and Sue, we understood that collecting and distributing the donations was becoming logistically challenging. To help streamline the process, we nominated our office in Ringwood as a designated collection point, ensuring that Carlie or Sue would only have to collect from one point.”

What has been overwhelming for the team at Hot for Homeless is the genuine compassion people have shown and the random acts of kindness people have undertaken in support of the campaign. “We have one friend who suffers with Crohn’s Disease and needs a special drink to ensure his health and wellbeing, so we took to our Facebook page and have been blown away, we now have enough shakes to last him for now.

“We also have a young lady who donates £15 a month from her wages because she wants to make a difference.”

Having worked incredibly hard over the past six months the team at Hot for Homeless were delighted to receive £1,000 from the Aviva Community Fund. Carlie said: “This money will make such a massive difference and secure the future for Hot for Homeless going forward. We never give out money and always buy what people need to survive and items which make them feel like normal human beings.”

With spring and summer on the horizon we will be looking for essentials to help our friends on the street get through the hot months. Ianthe added: “We have been blessed with so many winter clothes, sleeping bags, coats, shoes etc, but now is the time to start thinking about how we can help once the weather gets warmer. We will be collecting water bottles, mini juice bottles, soft drinks, suntan lotion, wet wipes and summer clothes. Our office is open from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday and we are always grateful for any donation no matter of its size.”

So, what does the future hold? Carlie told us: “We are committed to helping ease the pain and suffering of these guys out on the streets and giving them warm clothes, essential items and most of all kindness. Simply taking the time to sit down and talk is priceless and actually doesn’t cost a thing. Going forward, our ultimate aim is to help people get off the street and into permanent accommodation.

“On behalf of Sue and I, we would like to take this opportunity to personally thank everyone who has helped along the way, there are so many of you, it would be impossible to name everyone. But, you know who you are and for that, you should know that you have made a difference and one that will not be forgotten.”

If you would like to get involved with Hot for Homeless in anyway, please message the Hot for Homeless team via its Facebook page and to find a full list of collection points.

Letchers Solicitors are highly experienced in all matters of family law and the firm prides itself on having attracted very experienced lawyers from across the UK. Letchers has the ability to handle personal yet complex issues and these skills have been refined over its long and successful history. If you need any assistance with a legal matter you are facing or may arise in the future contact a member of the team on 01425 471 424.

TAKING ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA GIANTS FOR CHILD SAFETY TO PREVAIL

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:10:38 GMT

As a society, children’s health, welfare and protection is paramount. In every aspect of life parents, guardians, local authorities, government, social workers and general practitioners all put safeguarding children at the top of the list. So why should social media giants be exempt from adhering to the same exacting standards?

Startling figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveal that teenage suicides have almost doubled in eight years in England. Official figures set to be released in September 2019 will show that suicides are at more than five in 100,000 teenagers in England up from just over three in 100,000 in 2010.

Furthermore, in 2017 the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) undertook a study and found that British teenagers are among the unhappiest in the world. While they spend most of their time online, they are also more anxious about being bullied and going to school than their counterparts in other countries.

With this in mind, the government is calling on social networks to do more to protect young people online and what content they are exposed too.

Margot James, the digital minister, confirmed that the government would soon publish a white paper, followed by a period of consultation over the summer, setting out the options to regulate platforms such as Instagram and YouTube.

In her speech delivered to a packed auditorium of young adults on Safer Internet Day she said: “Online safety is a top priority for the Government and we want to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. We will soon be publishing an Online Harms White Paper which will set out clear expectations for companies to help keep their users, particularly children, safe online.

“Internet companies have always enjoyed legal protection from liability for user generated content. This laissez faire environment has led some companies to pursue growth and profitability with little regard for the security and interests of their users. There is far too much bullying, abuse, misinformation and manipulation online as well as serious and organised crime online.”

This move could also see executives of social media companies being held personally liable if content that is harmful to children is not removed. We are expecting to see an end to self-regulation for social media giants requiring them by law to remove harmful content or face fines.

Given this medium of communication didn’t exist 20 years ago, it is clear why there is a current lack of legislation to govern social media giants who should have a moral duty of care to protect its users, especially the young.

The debate is fuelled by the devasting effects social media has had on one young lady, Molly Russel who at the young age of 14, sadly committed suicide in November 2017. Molly’s father said she had taken her own life after looking at self-harming images on Instagram.

Health experts across the board are realising and vocalising the detrimental effects upon children’s health from over exposure to social media, and despite parental efforts to safeguard their children online, it would seem a near impossible task with such a barrage of information, images and constant updates readily available. What may seem like an innocent and harmless ‘App’ can have so many hidden elements and ways for children to become exposed to inappropriate content. Take for example the craze sweeping the nation, ‘Fortnite’, a seemingly innocuous online gaming platform, but one which has made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

“Chilling Fortnite warning over paedophiles grooming children on the game as National Crime Agency urges parents to be vigilant.” – The Sun

“Fortnite chat raises stranger danger fears from NSPCC” – BBC News

“Fortnite warning as headteacher tells parents game is making children violent and aggressive” – The Telegraph

Concluding her speech, Ms James said: “For too long the response from many of the large platforms has fallen short. There have been no fewer than fifteen voluntary codes of practice agreed with platforms since 2008. Where we are now is an absolute indictment of a system that has relied far too little on the rule of law.

“The government is determined to act so that we can all enjoy the huge benefits of new technology, without our children, and other vulnerable individuals, being put at risk of serious harm.”

It will be interesting to see how this story progresses and what new regulations the Government may introduce. Whatever the outcome, it would seem all sides do agree on something and that is that keeping children safe online is of absolute paramount.

JOINT TENANTS VS TENANTS IN COMMON

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:08:24 GMT

Do you wish to leave your share of your property to loved ones in your will? This will only work if you co-own your property as a tenancy in common as opposed to a joint tenancy.

Do I have a Joint Tenancy?

This is where each co-owner of property is entitled to its entirety and not individual shares. If a joint tenant dies, their entire interest passes to the remaining joint tenants automatically. The last tenant becomes the sole and absolute owner. In essence, to a third party, joint tenants appear to be a single owner. So, you cannot leave property in your will if it is co-owned as a joint tenancy, as the principle of survivorship overrides your will. This is why it is important to know how you own your property and we can help you discover this.

Do I have a Tenancy in Common?

Here, each owner is entitled to an identifiable share of property which can be left to a third party in a will or indeed sold or gifted during their lifetime. A tenancy in common may arise where the language of a conveyance indicates that each co-owner holds distinct shares or when an existing joint tenancy is severed. We can assist you in creating a tenancy in common when purchasing property or in severing an existing joint tenancy.

Should I sever?

Joint tenancies are usually prevalent in couples and a severance may be advisable if your relationship is breaking down. This is because if you die, your former partner may leave their interest in the property to a new partner and/or children in their will. Similarly, if you are in a second marriage and you die, your own children may not benefit from your property under your surviving spouse’s will.

Severance may also be advisable if you have contributed a considerable amount more to the purchase price of a property than other co-owners. However, it is important to note that severed shares are presumed to be equal unless there is an agreement otherwise. A tenancy in common may also be useful when obtaining care home funding. This is because only your share, as opposed to the entire value, is taken into account for local authority financial assessment determining contribution to care fees.

There is no need for consent of other joint tenants for an individual co-owner to sever a joint tenancy and any joint tenant can sever at any time. If you are buying property and require advice, contact our Conveyancing Team or if you would like to draw up your will, contact our Private Client Team on 01425 471 424.

Disclaimer: information on our website is published for general information only and represents our opinion on matters at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and must not be treated as a substitute for it. For legal advice, contact us on 01425 471 424.

POLICE CRACKDOWN ON MOBILE PHONES

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:06:47 GMT

Penalties for using your mobile phone whilst driving or riding a motorcycle have increased to 6 points on your licence and a £200 fine. This means that new drivers who passed their driving test within the last 2 years will lose their licence and fully qualified drivers will be half way to a 6-month licence ban, if a further 6 points are accumulated within 3 years. You may also be liable for a maximum fine of £1,000 or £2,500 if you are driving a lorry or bus.

Which devices am I not allowed to use?

The term “mobile phone” may mean more than you think. The law applies to any device capable of communicating through mobile networks, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, including but not limited to: smartphones, tablets and iPods. Whilst mobile phone use is illegal when driving or riding a motorcycle, the law still applies if you are stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic or supervising a learner driver.

What is meant by mobile phone “use”?

The word “use” includes, but is not limited to: telephone calling (including holding your phone out on loudspeaker), text messaging, watching videos, searching on the internet and posting on or scrolling through social media. Therefore, you should think twice before changing music tracks or volume, playing games and using maps on your mobile device. If you are simply holding your phone, even if you are not using it, it is illegal.

What is allowed?

You may only use your mobile phone if you are safely parked with the engine switched off or if you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it is unsafe or impractical to stop. Otherwise, you may only use your device if it has hands-free access. You may use the following:

A Bluetooth headset
Voice command
A dashboard holder

Devices with such hands-free access may include: smart watches and other various voice-activated software. Satellite Navigation Systems are also permissible, providing it is mounted in a hands-free holder. Similarly, you can play music in your vehicle but only if mounted in a hands-free holder or connected by Bluetooth. However, in some circumstances, it is still forbidden to use your device even if your phone is mounted in a hands-free holder or connected to Bluetooth, for example, if you are scrolling through social media or searching the internet. You should be aware that you must still be in full control of the vehicle at all times when using hands-free. The police can stop you if they think this is not the case and you may be prosecuted.

If you receive a summons to court in the post or are at risk of accumulating 12 points on your licence, contact our Crime Department for legal advice.