Latest news with #Beggs
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Limbs in the Loch killer makes fresh bid for freedom after parole board decision
William Beggs was jailed for life in 2001 after murdering and dismembering Barry Wallace, disposing of the limbs and torso in Loch Lomond and his head at sea. A lawyer has urged a judge to throw out a legal challenge brought by 'limbs in the loch' killer William Beggs as he seeks to be freed from prison. Mark Lindsay KC told judge Lady Drummond on Monday that parole board officials acted lawfully in a decision made by the organisation in February 2024. The Court of Session heard how staff refused to release Beggs on license from the life sentence given to him in October 2001 for murdering Barry Wallace. Lawyers for Beggs claim that the parole board's decision to deny their client's release from custody was incorrect - this has prompted them to raise a judicial review at Scotland's highest civil court. His legal team want Lady Drummond to quash the February 2024 decision. They also want the parole board to convene a tribunal of new members to reconsider Beggs's bid for freedom. However, on Monday, Mr Lindsay said the decision made by the parole board was lawful. He told Lady Drummond: 'There's no merit in the grounds of appeal advanced on behalf of the petitioner. I invite your lady to dismiss the petition.' Beggs was jailed for life in 2001 after murdering and dismembering 18-year-old Mr Wallace after luring him back to his flat in Kilmarnock, in Ayrshire. He disposed of the limbs and torso in Loch Lomond and the head at sea. He was ordered to serve a minimum term of 20 years in jail before he could seek to apply for release on parole, but completed that period in December 2019. Legal papers lodged in the case states that the petitioner is now 'five years over his punishment part.' A hearing in the action was due to begin at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in the absence of Beggs earlier this year. However, Lady Drummond agreed to discharge it so the murderer could either be brought into court or observe proceedings virtually via a video conferencing app called Webex. On that occasion, Lady Drummond was told that Beggs,62, wanted to be able to respond to what was said in the judicial review as he was present at the Parole Board hearing. The court heard that Beggs had made a complaint to the prison authorities over a refusal to bring him to court and has had no response. Beggs's lawyer Simon Crabb said: "He wishes to be able to fully participate in the hearing by attending to hear the arguments, to observe any judicial interventions and to be able to see justice is done in his case." Mr Crabb said Beggs felt he had been treated unfairly and added: "He thinks it is important he should be present either in person or by Webex. This is a case that obviously involves his fundamental right to liberty.' On Thursday, Beggs observed proceedings from prison. He could be seen wearing a navy suit, a light blue shirt and a royal blue tie. He sat beside a prison officer and had what appeared to be a number of legal files beside him. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Lawyers acting for Beggs claim parole board officials made their decision partly on the basis of an 'irrelevant factor'. They claim that parole board officials considered his conviction for murdering student Gary Oldham,28, in England in 1987. However, Beggs successfully appealed the conviction. Beggs's legal team claim that in their February 2024 decision, parole board officials considered the death of Mr Oldham in their deliberations. They believe the parole board had no lawful basis to do this. On Monday, Mr Lindsay said this wasn't the case and considered evidence which related to the level of risk posed by Beggs to the public. He added: 'They looked at the lack of insight and they looked at the lack of insight focused work on the part of the petitioner. 'They looked at the lack of a supportive network for the petitioner. They were entitled to conclude that the level of risk posed by the petitioner cannot be, at this time, managed within the community.' Mr Lindsay also told the hearing that Beggs will have another chance to apply for parole at another hearing in August 2025. Lady Drummond told the lawyers that she'd issue her findings at some time in the near future. She added: 'I will take this to avizandum.'
STV News
6 days ago
- STV News
Limbs in the Loch killer in bid for freedom after being denied parole
A lawyer has urged a judge to throw out a legal challenge brought by 'limbs in the loch' killer William Beggs as he seeks to be freed from prison. Mark Lindsay KC told Judge Lady Drummond on Monday that parole board officials acted lawfully in a decision made by the organisation in February 2024. The Court of Session heard how staff refused to release Beggs on license from the life sentence given to him in October 2001 for murdering Barry Wallace. Lawyers for Beggs claim that the parole board's decision to deny their client's release from custody was incorrect – this has prompted them to raise a judicial review at Scotland's highest civil court. His legal team wants Lady Drummond to quash the February 2024 decision. They also want the parole board to convene a tribunal of new members to reconsider Beggs's bid for freedom. However, on Monday, Mr Lindsay said the decision made by the parole board was lawful. He told Lady Drummond: 'There's no merit in the grounds of appeal advanced on behalf of the petitioner. 'I invite your lady to dismiss the petition.' Beggs was jailed for life in 2001 after murdering and dismembering 18-year-old Mr Wallace after luring him back to his flat in Kilmarnock, in Ayrshire. He disposed of the limbs and torso in Loch Lomond and the head at sea. He was ordered to serve a minimum term of 20 years in jail before he could seek to apply for release on parole, but he completed that period in December 2019. Legal papers lodged in the case state that the petitioner is now 'five years over his punishment part.' A hearing in the action was due to begin at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in the absence of Beggs earlier this year. However, Lady Drummond agreed to discharge it so the murderer could either be brought into court or observe proceedings virtually via a video conferencing app called Webex. On that occasion, Lady Drummond was told that Beggs, 62, wanted to be able to respond to what was said in the judicial review as he was present at the Parole Board hearing. The court heard that Beggs had made a complaint to the prison authorities over a refusal to bring him to court and has had no response. Beggs's lawyer Simon Crabb said: 'He wishes to be able to fully participate in the hearing by attending to hear the arguments, to observe any judicial interventions, and to be able to see justice is done in his case.' Mr Crabb said Beggs felt he had been treated unfairly and added: 'He thinks it is important he should be present either in person or by Webex. This is a case that obviously involves his fundamental right to liberty.' On Thursday, Beggs observed proceedings from prison. He could be seen wearing a navy suit, a light blue shirt, and a royal blue tie. He sat beside a prison officer and had what appeared to be a number of legal files beside him. Lawyers acting for Beggs claim parole board officials made their decision partly on the basis of an 'irrelevant factor'. They claim that parole board officials considered his conviction for murdering student Gary Oldham, 28, in England in 1987. However, Beggs successfully appealed the conviction. Beggs's legal team claims that in their February 2024 decision, parole board officials considered the death of Mr Oldham in their deliberations. They believe the parole board had no lawful basis to do this. On Monday, Mr Lindsay said this wasn't the case and considered evidence that related to the level of risk posed by Beggs to the public. He added: 'They looked at the lack of insight and they looked at the lack of insight, focused work on the part of the petitioner. 'They looked at the lack of a supportive network for the petitioner. 'They were entitled to conclude that the level of risk posed by the petitioner cannot be, at this time, managed within the community.' Mr Lindsay also told the hearing that Beggs will have another chance to apply for parole at another hearing in August 2025. Lady Drummond told the lawyers that she'd issue her findings at some time in the near future. She added: 'I will take this to Avizandum.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
SNP accused of 'humiliating U-turn' as delayed misogyny legislation scrapped
Scottish ministers have U-turned on a promise to legislate against misogyny and will revert to including protections in the controversial Hate Crime Act. Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... SNP ministers have been accused of a 'humiliating U-turn' after dropping their misogyny legislation plans. The Scottish Government will instead 'add the protected characteristic of sex' to the controversial Hate Crime Act despite initially refusing to do so, as it was confirmed the misogyny law plans were being dropped. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The move comes after the Government came under fire for refusing to include it in the original hate crime proposals, with ministers insisting it should form its own legislation. In documents that went before the misconduct panel, Mr Beggs said a 'theme of misogyny and abuse of women' led to the criminal investigations by Northants Police and Lincolnshire Police; and was, in turn, compounded by Mr Boulter's 'failures' to disclose those investigations in vetting forms. | 3rd party The Government has previously delayed the proposed legislation against misogynistic behaviour, but has now admitted it will not have enough time before next year's Holyrood election to bring forward the plans. A review by Baroness Helena Kennedy recommended a separate law should be drawn up to tackle "the spectrum of misogynistic conduct", rather than including it in the hate crime law. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Speaking in April last year, then-first minister Humza Yousaf said the specific misogyny legislation would be pushed forward with "urgency and pace". The proposed Bill would have handed protection to women and girls at risk of gender-based violence , with new laws against misogynistic harassment and behaviour, stirring up hatred against women and girls and protections from abusive communications. READ MORE: Half of all female teachers face violence and abuse in schools amid concerns over misogynistic influencers First Minister John Swinney said: 'I want to make sure that we take the measures to tackle misogyny and that we protect women and girls in our society. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We have to recognise that the issues that arise out of the Supreme Court judgment will take us longer to consider in developing a misogyny Bill. 'So what we can do is take action at an earlier stage, amend the hate crime legislation to ensure the issue of misogyny can be addressed.' First Minister John Swinney during a press conference in Bute House, Edinburgh SNP Parliamentary Business Minister Hepburn said his Government would introduce regulations at Holyrood before the summer recess 'to ensure there are protections for women and girls in law' by adding 'the protected characteristic of sex to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act'. He said: 'We recognise the gendered nature of the harm caused to women and girls and will also take forward further work and engagement on the harms caused by misogyny, including what more could be done to tackle the underlying attitudes that lead to misogyny and gender based abuse.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: 'This looks like a humiliating U-turn from John Swinney and co. The Misogyny Bill is just the latest in a litany of paused, ditched or botched [Nicola] Sturgeon-era policies. 'It's little surprise it has been scrapped. Who would trust SNP ministers to legislate to criminalise misogyny when they can't even say what a woman is? Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton | Jane Barlow/PA Wire 'Misogyny remains a serious problem and it's crucial that women and girls are protected from all forms of threatening and abusive behaviour in a way that safeguards their rights.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said: 'This is a shameful broken promise to Scottish women at a time when misogynistic hatred is on the rise. The SNP has spent years kicking this issue into the long grass by insisting this approach wouldn't work, only to perform a screeching U-turn. 'If the SNP had listened to Scottish Labour and other women MSPs who argued for this in 2021, we would already have this protection in place.' The Scottish Government has also come under fire for confirming no ban on conversion practices will be tabled at Holyrood until after next year's election. The First Minister faced initial criticism after legislation to outlaw conversion therapy was absent from his first Programme for Government in September. But Mr Swinney insisted the law would be brought forward in lockstep with Westminster. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad SNP equalities minister Kaukab Stewart said while the Scottish Government would 'continue to work' with Westminster on a UK-wide approach, Holyrood ministers would 'get on with the job of ending these harmful practices' if there was no progress. Kaukab Stewart | PA She promised if the UK Labour government failed to legislate on the issue, an SNP Scottish Government would 'publish its own Bill in year one of the next parliamentary session'. The Scottish Government previously committed to banning conversion therapy, which aims to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or identity, as part of the power-sharing deal between the SNP and the Scottish Greens. The Bute House Agreement ended before legislation was brought forward, with the Scottish Government saying earlier this year that it would prepare its own Bill 'should a UK-wide approach not be achievable'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Stewart said: 'Scotland remains absolute in our commitment to equality, the rights of the LGBTQI+ community, and ending conversion practices. 'We will continue to work with the UK government on legislation extending to Scotland, that applies across all settings and protects all ages, is trans-inclusive and does not include any exemption for consent. 'However, if we do not make progress through a collaborative approach, the Scottish Government will get on with the job of ending these harmful practices in Scotland and intends to publish its own Bill in year one of the next parliamentary session.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In light of the Supreme Court ruling that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex', Ms Stewart said recent weeks had been 'challenging for our LGBTQI+ communities'. But she told them: 'We want you to know we stand with you and we will work tirelessly to ban conversion practices once and for all.' Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman hit out at SNP ministers for the "shameful backwards step', claiming the move 'sends a worrying message about the Government's commitment to equalities'. Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman yesterday survived a crunch vote to keep her top job on Holyrood's Equalities Committee after controversial comments about the Supreme Court (Picture: Jeff) She said: 'A lot of people have waited far too long for the protections in these bills, and they will be deeply disappointed that they will not be happening as promised. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Violence against women and girls is a national emergency. The Misogyny Bill was a vital step in ensuring that reports of harassment and assault are taken seriously.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Spokane County judges reaffirm their Constitutional oath, condemn politicization and bending of rule of law
May 1—William Shakespeare wasn't all that far off when he wrote the infamous "Let's kill all the lawyers" line from "Henry VI, Part II," said Spokane County Superior Court Judge Breean Beggs on the courthouse steps Thursday. "The quote comes from a man named Dick the Butcher, who's engaged in a rebellion and wants to create chaos and tyranny ... He says the first thing we have to do is silence the lawyers because they are in the way of freedom and a well-ordered government," Beggs told the crowd. "... In this courthouse, we've got judges who are standing ready to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, regardless of how popular or unpopular it is on any one day. And we have lawyers who are willing to represent people to the best of their ability." Beggs and a group of other Spokane County Judges stood outside the courthouse to again take their Constitutional oath for National Law Day. Below the steps stood 9-year-old Ayva Griffith, who was there to recite the oath along with them. "They support us. They take care of people," said Ayva, whose family is filled with lawyers. "It makes me feel happy." Beggs spoke to more than 50 people on the courthouse lawn, including lawyers, county employees and citizens, urging them not to forgo the meaning of the Constitution out of fear or pressure, and to remind them that those in the Spokane judiciary took an oath to protect the rule of law without favorability. Although the event was not created in response to any "recent events" or actions taken against judges and lawyers from President Donald Trump and his administration, Beggs reminded the crowd, the timing is ripe. Washington State Bar Association President Sunitha Anjilvel acknowledged in a press release that "we are feeling very divided as a country." Trump's executive orders in the last three months of his presidency have thrown legal professionals into a tailspin — as Trump promises to retaliate against law firms that don't bow to his administration's requests and call for the impeachment of judges who rule against his executive orders for being unconstitutional, some law firms are caving to the demands, while judges are standing firm. When Trump called for the impeachment of James Boasberg, the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Chief Justice John Roberts issued a statement pushing back on the sentiment, saying, "impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision." Federal officials this month also accused a Wisconsin judge of helping an immigrant evade arrest in her courtroom. She was arrested on charges of obstructing an agency and concealing someone to prevent an arrest, according to NPR, when she allegedly escorted the defendant through a jury door out into the hallway after learning ICE officials only had an administrative warrant and not one signed by a judge. Trump's actions have prompted prominent scholars to refer to the recent executive actions as a Constitutional crisis, the New York Times reported, citing the efforts to revoke birthright citizenship, bypassing congressional powers and threatening to deport people with different political beliefs. While Beggs declined to speak about ongoing legal controversies related to the Trump Administration, he said in general terms, there have always been people throughout history who believe one person should have full power to govern rather than the Constitution and laws of the country. And he consistently reminded those attending Law Day that "the rule of law is not political." "The power of our country is our rule of law, and the lawyers and the judges that make it so," he said in an interview. "There's ups and downs, but this country is fabulous, and it's the rule of law that makes it fabulous." Luvera Law Firm attorney Mark Kamitomo, who has practiced since 1989, warned the rule of law will not exist if the Constitution becomes meaningless. His family immigrated from Japan to Canada in a time where Japanese people had no due process in Canada or the U.S. Looking back, it's hard to believe that decades earlier, "my father and his family were living in animal stalls," Kamitomo said. "Under our Constitution, which is the cornerstone of America's democracy, the same laws apply to all — that no one is above the law and we all have the same unalienable liberties and rights that no one, including the government, can infringe upon," he said. "... It's become apparent that a movement to preserve the rule of law, government objectivity and fairness for all, must come from the ground up." Kamitomo said it's always concerning seeing people who are part of the judicial system "bend the rules." It appears that nowadays, he said, the Constitution is meaningless when the end goal is to gain more power. "To me, that's a slippery slope," Kamitomo said in an interview. As Beggs faced the sun in his black robe, he held up his right hand to lead the Constitutional oath to pledge honesty, truth and respect to the justice system. The crowd followed. At the end, a woman in the crowd quietly commented on her admiration for Beggs' previous comments: "All of us are created equal," he had said earlier. "In Spokane, we all belong."
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Waco Celebrates World Book Day with Emphasis on Literacy and Lifelong Learning
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — Communities around the globe marked World Book Day on Wednesday, April 23, celebrating the joy of reading and the transformative power of literacy. World Book Day has been observed annually since 1995 and promotes the value of books and reading in building knowledge, culture, and connection. The event highlights the critical importance of literacy at every stage of life. 'As a former children's librarian, I can tell you that beyond taking care of your children's physical and emotional needs, the next most important thing you can do is read to them and share language with them,' said Kelli Beggs, branch manager at the East Waco Library. Beggs emphasized that fostering a love of reading early in life often translates into a lifelong passion, 'You can gain information and share your values and your culture with your children. It opens up new worlds for you.' That sentiment rings true for Sharla Cassady. A lifelong reader, she now shares her love of books with her son, KJ. 'I love to read,' Cassady said. 'So I'm constantly trying to find any book that will bring me to a new adventure, but also enhance my vocabulary.' Local libraries, including branches across Waco, offer free storytimes to encourage children and families to engage with books from an early age. 'These programs are so important,' Beggs said. 'They help children develop a love of reading that will benefit them in school, in life, and as lifelong learners.' World Book Day stands as a global reminder that reading not only educates but empowers, offering readers of all ages a gateway to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. As Dr. Seuss once wrote: 'The more you read, the more things you'll know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
