Month: March 2016

Multiple ‘Never events’ Reported by Merseyside Hospitals

Posted on March 31, 2016 by - Medical Negligence

Between May 2015 and April 2016, a total of eleven ‘never events’ were reported by various hospitals within the Merseyside area, according to NHS England.

The potentially life-changing mistakes are labelled ‘never events’ as they should never happen and each time one occurs, it must be reported to authorities. The ‘never event’ is then investigated in order to ensure that similar blunders do not reoccur.

Merseyside Hospitals – ‘Never events’

  • Five cases of ‘wrong site surgery’

    A ‘wrong site surgery’ is when an operation is either performed on the wrong part of the body or, in some extreme cases, the wrong patient. Since May 2015, cases of ‘wrong site surgery’ were reported by the following hospitals: Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen hospital trust in August 2015 and January 2016; Wirral Community NHS Trust in July 2015 and Alder Hey in June 2015 and January 2016.

  • Two cases of drugs administrated by the ‘wrong route’

    Such cases include intravenous drugs taken orally and vice versa. Such occurrences can lead to dangerous side effects, depending on the type of drug being taken. Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals reported a case in October 2015, as did Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals in November 2015.

  • A feeding tube wrongly inserted into a patient’s lungs

    Gastric tubes can be wrongly inserted into the respiratory tract of a patient, instead of the gastrointestinal tract i.e. fed into the lungs instead of the stomach. This sort of ‘never even’ can be fatal if not detected and corrected immediately. Such an incident was reported by Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospital trust in December last year.

  • A foreign object left inside a patient after surgery

    Items left inside patients after surgery include surgical instruments such as scalpels, as well as needles, wires, sponges and towels. Such mistakes most likely require further surgery in order to remove the object. In December 2015, the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen trust reported an incident in which an object was left inside a patient following surgery.

  • A patient given the wrong implant or prosthesis

    When the wrong implant or prosthesis is inserted into a patient, there is most likely corrective surgery required – leading to major disruption for the individual. A patient at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital was given the wrong implant or prosthesis in October 2015.

  • A patient given overdose of insulin

    Such mistakes are often managed safely; however in extreme instances too much insulin can lead to seizures, unconsciousness and even fatalities. In September 2015, a patient at Liverpool Women’s Hospital was given an overdose of insulin.

‘We take ‘never events’ extremely seriously’

Addressing the incidents reported, the medical director of the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Dr Peter Williams, said:

“We take ‘never events’ extremely seriously, we are open about them, we learn from them and we take action to make further improvements in the care we provide to patients.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Alder Hey the following:

“We take any incident extremely seriously and conduct a thorough investigation to identify the cause of any incident, recommend key learnings and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents happening in the future.”

Director of nursing and midwifery at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Dianne Brown, added:

“The trust does not experience many ‘never events’.

“However, when we do, the public can be assured that we investigate them thoroughly and try to learn as much from them as we can so as to ensure they do not happen again.”

Your NHS Claim – Speak to the Experts

If you believe that your symptoms have been overlooked or mistreated due to negligence on behalf of a medical professional, contact us today. Hampson Hughes solicitors specialises in securing maximum personal injury compensation in cases of NHS claims.

Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation. Even if you have since recovered fully from your injury or illness, we may be able to help you to claim rightful compensation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Liverpool Echo

Woman Contracts Legionnaires’ Disease after Sardinia Holiday

Posted on March 31, 2016 by - Medical Negligence

A British woman is taking legal action against a travel company after she was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease following illness whilst on holiday in Sardinia.

58 year old Patricia Pybus, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, spent nine weeks in intensive care following her return to the UK after staying at the four-star Hotel Pulicinu last August.

Sunstroke symptoms

Less than a week into the luxury break with her husband, Mrs Pybus contracted what she thought was sunstroke. However, her condition soon deteriorated and she began to experience diarrhoea, headaches, nausea and stomach cramps. Mrs Pybus also developed chest pains and a persistent cough as the holiday continued, as well as feeling lethargic and feverish.

The holidaymaker, who booked the trip through Manchester-based Travel Counsellors, claims that their room at the hotel smelled stale and looked as though it had not been inhabited for weeks.

Mrs Pybus also claims that the air conditioning unit in her hotel room was constantly leaking water and covered in rust, and that the showers were old.

Nine weeks in ICU

Once the couple returned to the UK, Mrs Pybus went to Friarige Hospital in Northallerton and was admitted to an intensive care unit. It was there that doctors diagnosed her with pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila, or Legionnaires’ disease.

Mrs Pybus spent nine weeks in total in the intensive care unit after being heavily sedated for the first fortnight and undergoing a tracheotomy.

Now back at home, Mrs Pybus claims she has difficulty simply walking upstairs as she suffers from shortness of breath, leaving her unable to work and having to depend on her husband for day to day tasks.

Mrs Pybus said:

“At first we just thought it was a simple case of sunstroke but it became clear very quickly that things were much worse than that.

“I have lost months of my life from being in intensive care, not to mention the distress and anxiety my family were put through, not knowing if I could ever come round from it.

“We have been to hell and back as a result of my illness and I want to do everything possible to prevent anyone else going through the same experience which we have been through.”

A spokesperson for Travel Counsellors released the following statement:

“This is an ongoing claim and so it is inappropriate to comment further at this time, but the health and welfare of our customers is of paramount importance to us and we work closely with our hotel suppliers to achieve the highest safety standards.”

Legionnaires’ disease

According to the NHS Choices website, ‘Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria’. Symptoms echo that of the flu, with sufferers experiencing muscle pain, headaches, tiredness, chills, fever and even changes to an individual’s mental state.

Legionella bacteria is usually caught by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water in rivers, lakes, ponds and even artificial water supply systems including air conditioning units. Once the lungs are infected with this bacteria, patients may suffer from symptoms of pneumonia, including shortness of breath and chest pains, as well as a persistent cough.

The NHS website goes on to say that symptoms usually take around six to seven days to symptoms to show, however this can vary by anything from two to nineteen days.

Holiday Illness Claims – Expert Advice

Shiamli Mehta-Cronie, Travel Law expert here at Hampson Hughes Solicitors, said:

“Reports of Mrs Pybus’s illness are alarming and cause for concern. It is vital that tour operators be held accountable for the failings basic hygiene standards of their hotel providers. If you have fallen victim to poor hygiene standards while on a package holiday, contact us today to find out whether you are eligible to claim.”

For more information as to whether or not you are able to claim compensation following illness whilst on an all-inclusive package holiday, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today for free and friendly, no obligation advice on 0800 888 6888 or email

Source: Mail Online; NHS Choices

Crane Hire Company Prosecuted by Health & Safety Executive

Posted on March 30, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

A national crane hire company has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for safety breaches following an incident in which a crane collapsed, killing two men.

Incident

In September 2006, Jonathan Cloke, 37, fell to his death as the crane he was operating collapsed. A member of the public, Michael Alexa, 23, also died after the crane fell onto him.

Southwark Crown Court heard that parts of the tower crane started to separate when 24 bolts failed due to ‘metal fatigue’. The tower or mast of the crane and the crane itself (the jib) separated and fell to the ground as the bolts, a significant safety feature of the structure, failed.

HSE Investigation

After an investigation into the incident by the HSE, it was found that the company had failed to look into a similar incident with the same crane just nine weeks earlier. During this earlier incident the bolts had also failed and required replacing.

Following their inspection, HSE determined that Falcon Crane Hire Ltd’s system of managing the inspection and maintenance of their fleet of cranes was lacking. It was also found that the process the company had in place to investigate the primary cause of a components’ failings was also inadequate.

Southwark Crown Court also heard that the bolts failing in an earlier incident was an ‘exceptional and significant occurrence’ that should have been acknowledged by the crane hire company.

Sentencing & Fines

Falcon Crane Hire Ltd was fined a total of £750,000 and ordered to pay costs of £100,000 after being found guilty of breaching Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act.

Michael’s mother, Lilliana Alexa, said on behalf of her family:

“Michael was a lovely son, a wonderful big brother and a devoted father. His son has had to grow up without the love and support of Michael, who adored him. He was denied that opportunity because his life was taken away and with his, ours too.

“The memories of that day will never leave our family. We heard the crash and felt the ground shake. I found Michael and it’s an image that haunts my nightmares. If only we had stopped to chat or parked the car somewhere else he would still be alive. We know we are not to blame but it does not stop us all feeling guilt.

“We cannot comprehend how our beloved son, brother, father and friend who was so full of live has gone. The whole crane industry must learn from our tragedy and the devastation it has caused. We do not want another family to endure the same pain of losing their child.”

HSE Head of Operations, Mike Wilcock said:

“Jonathan and Michael’s deaths were tragic, needless and entirely avoidable. These two men need not have died had Falcon Crane Hire taken the right, decisive action when the bolts failed the first time. The company fell far short of its health and safety obligation.”

Accident at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Toddler Suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is Misdiagnosed

Posted on March 30, 2016 by - Medical Negligence

Three year old Joel Greaves nearly lost his life after doctors misdiagnosed what turned out to be a deadly rare disease as chicken pox.

Mistaken for chicken pox

Doctors first diagnosed the toddler with chicken pox, after he developed a condition that caused his skin to swell and blister. However, after Joel was left fighting for his life on a ventilator, doctors realised that he was in fact suffering from the very rare and life threatening skin condition, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is normally a reaction to medication or an infection. Doctors believe that Joel developed the condition as an allergic reaction to medication he was being given for croup. He was admitted to a specialist burns unit where his blistered skin was wrapped in bandages and his breathing supported with a ventilator. Doctors told his mother to prepare for the worst, however he was released from hospital after nine weeks.

Speaking of the ordeal, after which Joel has had to learn to walk, talk and eat again, his mother Tammy said:

‘Joel had suffered from chicken pox and his first symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome were spots all over his body.

‘He had suffered from chicken pox once before and the symptoms were very similar so we thought it was unlikely he
would have it for a second time – but we had no idea what else it could be.

‘That was until his whole body started to blister and his eyes were swollen shut.

‘Doctors soon realised Joel was actually suffering from a life-threatening allergic reaction, not chicken pox and we were left terrified as they battled to save our little boy.

‘They had no idea if he was going to survive as one-in-five die from the condition but we just had to hope and pray he’d pull through.

‘Joel was unrecognisable as his body was so swollen and he had to undergo an eight hour operation to remove all the dead skin.’

Miss Greaves went on to say:

‘I couldn’t be more thankful to all the hospital staff that saved Joel’s life, he was allowed home on December 8 and has minimal scars thanks to expert surgeons.

‘Joel was one of the lucky ones but if this condition isn’t diagnosed and treated quickly enough it can be fatal.’

Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome Awareness UK

Joel and his family are now receiving support from Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome Awareness UK, a charity that helps support those affected & spread awareness of the condition.

Founder of SJS Awareness UK, Thermutis Nadier Lawson said:

‘I am pleased little Joel’s eyes were not affected and he is making a good recovery.

‘We support those affected by providing them with an information pack to enlighten them about the condition as well as putting them in touch with others.’

Your medical misdiagnosis claim

Following a medical misdiagnosis, you could experience further symptoms and complications. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to help you to access expert medical care and rehabilitation support as part of your claim. For further information on the types of rehabilitation that may be available, please see my rehabilitation.

Discover today whether you have a claim, call 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Mail Online

Automotive Firm Fined after Worker Loses Finger

Posted on March 29, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

An automotive company based in Birmingham has been fined by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) after a worker lost his finger in an accident at work.

A welder at Lander Automotives Limited was working on a machine, one of a variety of jobs as required by production, when his glove became entwined with the drill bit. The employee suffered partial amputation to the third finger on his right hand following the accident work incident on 17th June 2015.

An investigation by HSE found that the automotive company had failed to provide workers with a safe system of work or adequate training. HSE also found that neither a risk assessment nor method statement had been provided by the firm.

After pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Lander Automotive Limited, of Clapgate Lane, Birmingham was fined £27,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,574. The company was also ordered to pay a victims surcharge of £120.

Accident at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly accident at work advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Solar Panel Firm Fined after Worker Falls Through Roof

Posted on March 29, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

A solar panel company has been fined £153,000 after a worker suffered serious injuries after falling through a skylight at a private residence in Kent.

Incident

On 30 April 2013, a three man team of workers were carrying out work on the roof of an outbuilding which housed a swimming pool. The workers, employed by P V Solar UK Limited, were replacing faulty solar panels that had originally been fitted by the same company in 2011.

Canterbury Crown Court heard that one of the workers was walking across the roof whilst carrying a solar panel. He then fell through a roof light, fracturing his shin and vertebra as his body hit the side and flooring around the pool below. The worker was unable to return to work for approximately nine months and when he did return, he was unable to carry on working on a full time basis.

HSE Investigation

An investigation into the incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that P V Solar UK Limited should and could have done more in order to prevent the fall.

HSE recognised that safety harnesses, as well as a scaffold tower and ladder had been provided for the work at height. However, none of the three men carrying out the work had received formal training or instruction on how to use the equipment, meaning that it was useless. HSE also found that further safety measures could have been implemented but weren’t, such as providing hard covers for the roof lights and full scaffolding.

Previous Warnings

Regarding the initial installation of solar panels at the property in Kent in 2011, HSE found that the safety equipment provided on this occasion was also inadequate and placed the workers at risk. The court heard that HSE had also, in the same year, provided P V Solar with a Prohibition Notice to ‘stop unsafe work on a fragile roof’ in Bristol in May.

HSE established that the firm was fully aware of the need to ensure sufficient measures were in place to avoid falls during work at height.

Sentencing & Fines

After pleading guilty to three separate breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, P V Solar UK Limited, of Cambuslang Road, Glasgow, was fined a total of £153,000 and ordered to pay a further £29,480 in costs.

Following the hearing, HSE Inspector Melvyn Stancliffe said:

“The injured worker suffered serious injury in the fall and could have been killed. He and his colleagues were effectively left to their own devices with equipment that was not wholly suited for the task at hand. In short, better equipment, training and supervision should have been provided.

“Working on or near a fragile roof or materials is not a task to be undertaken without proper planning, and without having the appropriate safety measures in place at all times. There is considerable free guidance available from the HSE regarding the precautions needed when working at height, including on or near fragile roof coverings.”

Accident at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Ex England Footballer Adam Johnson Handed 6 Year Sentence

Posted on March 24, 2016 by - Sexual Abuse

Former Sunderland and England footballer Adam Johnson has today received a six year prison sentence for sexual activity with a child.

In January 2015 the professional footballer was convicted of performing a sex act on a 15 year old child. He also admitted to grooming and kissing the school girl, two offences he had strenuously denied right up until the first day of his trial in March this year.

Following his trial, the 28 year old was found guilty by a majority verdict of performing a sex act on the teenager in his Range Rover, having arranged to meet her by a Chinese takeaway near her family home.

Having amassed a total of twelve caps playing for his country, it was noted during sentencing that Johnson has now been stripped of these accolades.

Sentencing

According to the Guardian, Johnson showed no emotion as he was sentenced at Bradford Crown this afternoon. Judge Jonathan Rose, sentencing, told him:

“All of this is entirely your own responsibility and fault.”

Adding that Johnson’s victim had suffered ‘severe psychological harm’, the judge continued:

“Your standing and your offending are the only reason this child has suffered abuse.

“That was known to you – to put it another way she had only just turned 15 when you began grooming her, because as you were to admit you found her sexually attractive.”

Judge Rose went on to say that in full knowledge of the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, being under the age, his intention was to engage in sexual activity with her.

“You continued in your grooming of this girl even after you were engaged in sexual activity with her. You wanted no-one to know that you and she were exchanging messages.

“You asked her to find a place to meet that was private and secluded so no-one would see you in her company.”

He added:

“You made a deliberate decision to engage in sexual activity with this young girl, no doubt in the expectation that you would get away with it.

“Your future as a professional footballer must be in doubt.”

Along with his six year prison sentence, Johnson was ordered to pay £50,000 of the prosecution’s £67,132 costs.

A “calculated, considered and carefully-orchestrated” crime

Kate Blackwell, prosecuting, had previously told the court that Johnson should be jailed for up to 10 years, after he carried out a “calculated, considered and carefully-orchestrated” crime.

She went on to say that the offences committed against the victim have left the teenager with suicidal thoughts and “severe psychological harm”.

Blackwell said that the school girl has had to attend counselling sessions for her suicidal thoughts as well as for depression and anxiety. The prosecutor read out the teenager’s victim impact statement to the court in which she stated that she had been continuously bullied and that her schoolwork had suffered as a result of the case.

The prosecution also told the court that Johnson’s sister and others who were close to the former midfielder had “openly encouraged and promoted” his fans to “repeatedly and doggedly” abuse the victim on social media.

Adding that Johnson “was in the habit of meeting girls on the way back from training to have sex” with them in secret locations, Blackwell said that the footballer still represents a threat to young women.

Lucrative career lost

Defending Johnson, Orlando Pownall, said:

“He has lost a lucrative career he will never be able to retrieve. He has been stripped of his England caps and it might be said deservedly. He has been made the subject of national humiliation. These are all aspects of punishment that arise from his pleas and from his conviction.”

Pownell added that although Johnson has a “compulsive attitude towards engaging in sexual activity”, he is not a “predatory paedophile”.

DI Aelfwynn Sampson, of Durham Constabulary, said:

“This is a carefully considered and significant sentence which sends out a clear message.

“Fame, celebrity and a position of power does not give you the right to break the law in pursuit of whatever you desire. Members of the public are clearly entitled to express their opinions but the law remains clear and Adam Johnson broke it.”

“The age of consent is clear. It is set at 16 to protect young people from adults and also themselves. Johnson, a 28-year-old man, picked out a 15-year-old girl. His sexual intentions to the girl were clear as he admitted himself while giving evidence.

“He pleaded guilty to grooming her for sexual activity fully knowing how old she was from the start. She never lied about her age to him. He groomed his victim and gave her his personal phone number, arranged to meet her and gave her special gifts of signed shirts.

“Over a period of time they exchanged hundreds of messages. He made her feel special and admitted flirting with her to manipulate the schoolgirl in an attempt to satisfy his sexual desires.

“This girl should have been safe but she was used by the public figure she looked up to most. I hope today will bring some closure for her and her family. This case demonstrates that victims of these crimes will be taken seriously and perpetrators will be dealt with robustly.”

Sexual Abuse – Expert Advice

Hampson Hughes Solicitors specialises in directing sexual abuse claims in a considerate and compassionate manner. Our Abuse & Criminal Injuries Department is headed by Greg Neill – Greg is a member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL).

For an open and friendly conversation about your situation, and to find out how we can assist you relevant to your individual experience, call 0800 888 6 888 or email

You will be given the direct-dial of your case handler, meaning that you will always be able to reach the person you need.

Source: The Guardian

Contracting Firm Fined after Worker Suffers Burns to Face & Hands

Posted on March 23, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

A contracting company has been prosecuted following an incident in which a worker suffered burns to his hands and face after he hit an underground cable whilst carrying out refurbishment work.

On 1st September 2011, a worker for Stewart and Shields Limited was digging holes in order to erect a fence at Heatheryknowe Primary School in East Kilbride. As he dug, the worker struck a 430v underground electric services cable, causing minor ‘flash burns’ to both his face and hands.

Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was found that Stewart and Shields Limited had access to site reports that included details of ‘buried services’. However, the company failed to provide workers with this information and to clearly mark where the cables were located. The HSE also found that the company failed to ensure all workers using digging devices were correctly trained.

Stewart and Shields Limited pleaded guilty at Hamilton Sheriff Court to breaching Regulation 34(3) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company received a fine of £7,500.

Graeme McMinn, HSE Inspector, said:

“There is an obligation on contractors to ensure that workers are informed of the dangers from buried underground services, and the need to ensure those services are located, checked and clearly marked.”

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Liverpool road accident map 2015-2016

Posted on March 23, 2016 by - Road Traffic Accidents

The map shows the percentage* density of Liverpool road traffic accidents for 2015-2016 by postcode. Higher rates of road accidents are coloured red, descending through orange, yellow, and green. The map shows a higher rate of road traffic accidents in the postcodes surrounding the immediate city centre, with a much lower rate of road traffic accidents in the outer-most postcodes.

postcode

Liverpool road traffic congestion 2015

Liverpool congestion levels rank 61st in the world (based on cities with a population greater than 800,000 people). Vehicle commuters can expect an average increased travel time of 29 minutes per journey during peak hours compared to off-peak hours. On average, this is equivalent to 46% extra travel time during the morning rush hour, and 50% extra travel time during the evening rush hour.

Over the course of 230 working days per year, Liverpool commuters travelling by road during both morning and evening rush hours face an additional 110 hours of travel. This is an increase of 1% on travel time compared to the previous year’s figures.

UK rank City
(Population greater than 800,000)		 Extra travel time at peak hours
1 London 38%
2 Manchester 37%
3 Newcastle-Sunderland 31%
4 Liverpool 29%
5 Birmingham-Wolverhampton 27%
6 Leeds-Bradford 27%
7 Glasgow 26%

Liverpool road traffic accidents, 2016

The Liverpool road accident map shows road accident statistics between 2015 and 2016. There have been several major road traffic accidents in Liverpool since the start of 2016.

18th January 2016 – commuters attempting to enter Liverpool city centre via Southport Road, Bootle, faced huge delays following a collision between a motorcycle and car just before 5pm.

29th February 2016 – two HGVs, a people carrier, a car, and a van were involved in a collision that caused evening traffic chaos along Queen’s Drive, a major route in and out of Liverpool.

4th March 2016 – motorists attempting to leave Liverpool via the Queensway Tunnel faced delays of up to two hours following a vehicle collision inside the two-mile long tunnel at around 6:15pm.

Road traffic accident claims – expert help

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, speak to our dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors today. Whether you were injured as a driver, a passenger, or as a pedestrian, we could help you to secure maximum personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation.

For further information, and to discover how we could help you, call 0800 888 6888 or email

Source:
tomtom traffic index
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo

*Road traffic accident statistics based on all road traffic accident claims accepted by Hampson Hughes Solicitors 2015-2016.

New Evidence Found: Ched Evans’ Rape Conviction under Review

Posted on March 22, 2016 by - Sexual Abuse

Ched Evans, the former Sheffield United striker who was imprisoned for rape in 2012, is today to have his conviction reviewed by Appeal Court judges.

Evans was found guilty of raping a 19 year old woman at a hotel in Rhyl, Wales and was convicted in April 2012. He was released in October 2014, after serving half of his 5 year sentence.

The 27 year old former Welsh international admitted having sex with the woman, however he has always maintained his innocence, claiming the encounter was consensual.

CCRC Investigation & Appeal

After a 10-month investigation by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), responsible for investigating possible miscarriages of justice, it was revealed in October 2015 that new evidence had surfaced. Following the announcement of the new evidence, which the CCRC said ‘raises a real possibility the Court of Appeal may now quash the conviction’, Evans’ case was referred to the Court of Appeal.

During a two day hearing at the Court of Appeal in London, Lady Justice Hallett, Mr Justice Flaux and Sir David Maddison will review the case and make the decision to uphold Evans’ conviction, quash his conviction or demand a retrial.

Their decision will be made following submissions from Kieran Vaughan QC, for Evans, and also from Eleanor Laws QC, for the Crown. The victim will also have had to provide the CCRC with a new statement. According to reports, details of the legal argument cannot currently be reported.

Following the announcement of the decision to review Evans’ conviction, CCRC chair Richard Foster said:

‘The decision of the commission is not a judgment on guilt or innocence in relation to Ched Evans, nor is it a judgment about the honesty or integrity of the victim or any other person involved in the case.

‘Our role is to consider applications to see if, in our judgment, there is any basis on which to ask the court to hear a fresh appeal – that is our statutory responsibility.

‘In this case we have identified new material which was not considered by the jury at trial and which, in our view, might have assisted the defence.

‘In those circumstances, it is right and proper for the matter to be before the court so that they can decide whether or not the new information should affect the verdict in this case.’

Following his conviction, Sheffield United FC terminated Evans’ contract and he has not played professional football since his release from prison in 2014. He was initially offered to train with his former club; however Sheffield withdrew their offer after major backlash from supporters all over the UK. This included Olympian and lifelong fan of the club, Jessica Ennis-Hill, who said that her name would have to be removed from their stand if Evans returned.

The hearing continues.

Sexual Abuse – Expert Advice

Hampson Hughes Solicitors specialises in directing sexual abuse claims in a considerate and compassionate manner. Our Abuse & Criminal Injuries Department is headed by Greg Neill – Greg is a member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL).

For an open and friendly conversation about your situation, and to find out how we can assist you relevant to your individual experience, call 0800 888 6 888 or email

You will be given the direct-dial of your case handler, meaning that you will always be able to reach the person you need.

Source: Mail Online