This post has been rendered out-of-date by subsequent legal reform — please ensure you take advice or satisfy yourself of up-to-date legislation before relying on this opinion. I have covered AWOL patients on various blogs and in various situations, the police have a power of arrest under section 18 of the Mental Health Act to […]

When you read this post, please don’t think about the pros and cons of vulnerable people being legally represented in custody.  This post is not about solicitors for vulnerable people.  Think about the right of personal autonomy – to take one’s own decisions where we have the capacity to do so.  This post is not […]

Did you see the dramatisation of the Fred West story last year, entitled “The Appropriate Adult”?  It was genuinely amazing, extremely well written and acted and rightfully won three BAFTA awards for Emily Watson (Janet Leach, the appropriate adult) and for Dominic West (Fred West) and Monica Dolan (Rose West).  Do look it up if […]