Hampshire child sex offender receives increased prison sentence at the Court of Appeal

News story

Gawain Fallows has received an increased prison sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme

A Hampshire man who committed multiple sexual offences against children has had his prison sentence increased after his case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General Alex Chalk QC MP.

In 2019 Gawain Fallows, now 36, was found to be in possession of a mobile phone which had a large number of indecent images of children. His phone also had an extensive number of sexual messages with a victim aged 14-15 which included requests for explicit images and videos.

Between March and April 2021, while under investigation for the earlier offences, Fallows exchanged sexualised messages with an undercover police officer posing as a 12-year-old girl. In August Fallows then exchanged similar messages with two undercover anti-pedophile activists posing as a 13-year-old girl and her 11-year-old younger sister.

On 16 March 2022 Fallows was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months’ imprisonment at Portsmouth Crown Court for 14 counts of various child sex offences including causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and making indecent images of children. He was also made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Following the sentencing, the Solicitor General referred the original sentence to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme because he believed it was too low.

On 08 June the Court of Appeal found Fallows’ sentence to be unduly lenient and sentenced him to a prison term of 5 years and 6 months.

Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General Alex Chalk QC MP said:

Gawain Fallows committed many sexual offences against children and his crimes merited a stronger sentence to properly reflect those offences. I hope today’s verdict sends a clear message that all child sex offenders can expect to receive the full force of the law.

Published 8 June 2022

HMRC urges customers to leave tax avoidance scheme promoted by London-based firm

Another tax avoidance scheme has been exposed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) today (8 June 2022), to help ensure customers do not end up with large tax bills.

Individuals using a tax avoidance scheme provided by Peak PAYE Ltd are urged to withdraw from it and to contact HMRC as soon as possible.

This latest publication of a tax avoidance scheme promoter comes after HMRC recently used new powers for the first time as part of its Don’t Get Caught Out campaign.

The named tax avoidance promoter is Peak PAYE Ltd, of 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE.

By paying contractors National Minimum Wage, and then paying the remainder of the contractors’ wage disguised as a financial option or as a salary advance, this promoter promised its users that they can avoid paying National Insurance and Income Tax.

Mary Aiston, HMRC’s Director of Counter Avoidance, said:

Tax avoidance schemes are advertised as clever ways to pay less tax when in reality, they rarely work as the promoters promise, and it is the users that end up with big tax bills.

Naming tax avoidance promoters is one of the many steps we are taking to disrupt and drive scheme promoters out of business. We want to help ensure customers do not get caught out by tax avoidance.

HMRC has now published the details of 3 tax avoidance schemes and their promoters and will continue to add to this list in the coming months. This is not a complete list of all tax avoidance schemes currently being marketed or a complete list of all promoters, enablers, and suppliers. HMRC recommends steering clear of all avoidance schemes.

This is not the only way HMRC is ensuring customers do not get caught out by tax avoidance. HMRC also recently secured wins in 2 separate tribunal cases against the tax avoidance firm AML Tax (UK) Ltd, part of the Knox Group. AML Tax (UK) Ltd was successfully challenged over its refusal to provide details of 3 avoidance schemes, which follows a £150,000 fine for not providing HMRC with required information.

While one tribunal said that evidence provided by director Arthur Lancaster was ‘inconsistent with the documentary evidence’ and ‘disingenuous’, both lower-tier tribunals ruled AML Tax (UK) Ltd should have disclosed the details of 3 tax avoidance schemes they promoted, and they could not appeal these decisions.

HMRC’s Tax Avoidance – Don’t Get Caught Out campaign offers a range of tools to customers to help them steer clear of avoidance schemes, such as the interactive risk checker, payslip guidance, and case studies demonstrating the risks of becoming involved in a tax avoidance scheme and the warning signs customers should look out for.

Customers who believe that they are involved in a tax avoidance scheme are advised to contact HMRC as quickly as possible by calling 03000 534 226. HMRC is also urging customers who have been encouraged to get into a tax avoidance scheme or have come into contact with someone selling tax avoidance schemes to report these to HMRC.

Information about the published tax avoidance schemes and promoters.

Information about HMRC’s ‘Don’t Get Caught Out’ campaign and the support available for customers who believe they are involved in a tax avoidance scheme.

Visit GOV.UK to report tax avoidance schemes and those offering you the schemes.

Customers can use HMRC’s interactive risk checker to find out if their employment arrangements could involve tax avoidance.

Information about our strategy on tax avoidance schemes and promoters.

Joint statement on death toll since 25th military coup in Sudan

Press release

Joint statement by the embassy of United Kingdom and other embassies in Sudan on death toll since 25th military coup.

The Embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the Delegation of the European Union to Sudan note with deep regret and concern the death of the 100th civilian killed in protests since the military coup of October 25, 2021.

We deeply regret the loss of Sudanese lives, killed in large-scale attacks and violence across the country during the same period. The loss of life and many injured represent a heavy toll for the people of Sudan. We would like to extend our sympathies to the families and friends of the victims. The latest killing adds to the ongoing suffering of the Sudanese people during this period of severe economic hardship and rising conflict in many regions of Sudan.

We once again call on the authorities to undertake further confidence-building measures, such as: ensuring an effective end to the use of force against protesters; lifting emergency decrees; ensuring progress on ongoing investigations into human rights violations; and releasing those arrested for their political opinions under emergency legislation.

These measures can help revitalize the search for common ground and allow the international community to return to full engagement in accompanying Sudan on its path to democracy.

We remember all victims today, across Sudan, just as we recommit to support to the Sudanese people in their pursuit for freedom, peace, justice and the rule of law.

Published 8 June 2022

Paula Sussex to leave SLC at end of 2022

Press release

The Student Loans Company (SLC) has announced that Paula Sussex, CEO, will leave the organisation at the end of the year.

Paula will leave following four successful years at the helm, having led the organisation safely through the pandemic and having implemented a significant transformation to implement more modern, customer-focused processes and systems.

Announcing her decision, Paula Sussex said: “I am immensely proud of what we as a team have achieved during my time at the Student Loans Company. We have not only made significant improvements that are benefitting our customers, but we have also laid strong foundations that will enable that transformation to continue and for the organisation to play its critical role in the delivery of the UK Government’s education reforms, including the new Lifelong Loan Entitlement. None of this could have been done without the commitment and strength of all at SLC. Now, with a brilliant team in place, is an appropriate time to begin the succession to a new CEO.”

Minister for Higher and Further Education Michelle Donelan said: “Paula has done an exceptional job leading the Student Loans Company, especially through the pandemic, providing student finance to a record number of students, while continuing to transform the business and improve students’ experience.

“I am confident that the SLC will continue to build on these successes as we deliver vital reform of our further and higher education sector and promote lifelong learning. I am very grateful for everything Paula has achieved and look forward to working closely with her successor.”

Peter Lauener, SLC Chair, said: “Since joining in 2018, Paula has changed the Student Loans Company for the better. She has overseen the delivery of our transformation programme and improved the experience offered to customers as well as the overall health of our organisation. SLC is a stronger, more resilient and more confident organisation with a bright future.”

SLC has commenced the process of recruiting a new CEO and the appointment will be subject to Ministerial approval. Paula will remain in post until the end of the year to oversee the continued delivery of SLC’s strategy and to support a smooth transition to the new CEO.

Published 8 June 2022

Diversity and Inclusion Champions – want to be part of the change?

The Insolvency Service and R3-led Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group was established in 2021 with the aim of bringing together professionals within and connected to the insolvency sector to discuss, understand, and take action to address barriers to diversity and inclusion within the sector.

As part of those efforts, the Steering Group is now on the look-out for enthusiastic insolvency professionals to become Diversity and Inclusion Champions.

This will be a voluntary role with Diversity and Inclusion Champions acting as role models, working alongside the Steering Group to share best practice, boost awareness, and inspire and lead change that will make a difference to employers and their talented teams.

Diversity and Inclusion Champions will advocate the Steering Group’s action plan, share their experience, join round tables and working groups, and participate in outreach work to universities and apprenticeship programmes to raise awareness of insolvency as an attractive career pathway.

Angela Crossley, Steering Group Chair, said:

Championing diversity is something everyone can take a part in. We’re looking for leaders and allies within the insolvency profession to play an active part in improving diversity and inclusion.

We are committed to addressing barriers in the profession, and as a Diversity and Inclusion Champion, you will be a visible role-model, using your voice and profile to share your insight and experience to inspire others.

Caroline Sumner, CEO of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3, said:

Our Champions will play a crucial role in amplifying and extending the work of the Steering Group, increasing understanding of insolvency and restructuring as a career option, and helping the profession become more diverse and inclusive.

The Steering Group members have done a fantastic job shaping the Group’s plans and starting this work, and now we’re looking to build on that foundation and hear from anyone who wants to help us broaden the talent pool, encourage good practice, and inspire people into choosing a career in insolvency and restructuring.

Previously R3 ran a survey of members to improve the Steering Group’s understanding of the profession’s make-up, which was used to develop an action plan. One of the cross-cutting actions from that plan is to develop a network of Diversity and Inclusion Champions across the insolvency sector.

To find out more, including how to express an interest in becoming a Diversity and Inclusion Champion, please send email: Insolvency.Diversity@insolvency.gov.uk.

The Steering Group’s current members are:

Angela Crossley (Chair, The Insolvency Service)
Harold Brako (Addleshaw Goddard)
Aydin Djemal (BHA for Equality)
Jo Hewitt (Alvarez & Marsal)
Yvonne Joyce (Glasgow University)
James Jeffreys (R3)
Samantha Keen (EY)
Caroline Sumner (R3)
Francesca Tackie (Mercury Corporate Recovery Solutions)

The Steering Group also recognises that many Recognised Professional Bodies, insolvency firms, qualification bodies and others within the sector are actively taking forward programmes of work to build and strengthen diversity and inclusion.