Magistrates' Blog

Magistrates' Blog will be an ongoing chronicle of the work of the Magistrates' Courts of England and Wales. Please note that I tweet in a personal capacity.

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

Scottish government found in contempt over Salmond files: https://t.co/sCJ64qM403

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

@crochetjenny Can only put conditions on if necessary and proportionate. Judge mustn't have any concerns that they might hot foot it back to India.

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

Vickrum Digwa, dad and brother in court on weapon charges: https://t.co/oqdsD108kW

[Politics UK @PolitlcsUK]

🚨 BREAKING: Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemns the violence against police in Southampton tonight

"The scenes this evening in Portswood are completely unacceptable. The Nowak family made a powerful call to us all yesterday to not let Henry’s death be used to create further division, hatred or tension.

"There can be no justification for hijacking this tragedy to stir up violence and disorder. Those responsible can expect to face the full force of the law.

"I thank the police who have tonight shown great bravery and calm in the face of disgraceful violence directed at them"

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

The chap in black top left has just launched a brick at the line. Chants of "traitors, traitors, traitors" and the sound of car alarms in the background.

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

Concerning scenes in Southampton this evening, with officers being pelted with missiles.

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

A few moments ago in St Denys Road, just a couple of hundred yards away from Portswood Police Station, Southampton.
Debris lying on the road, having been thrown at the police line.

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

@Scottishpbjg Espresso is her speciality. Short and bitter.

[Ministry of Justice @MoJGovUK]

Flying a drone over a prison is a criminal offence.

It’s an emerging threat to prison security and safety.

We’ve already invested over £40 million into physical security across the prison estate to disrupt criminal gangs, but there’s more to do.

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

@Skint_Eastwood1 The work experience kid is creasing himself laughing having fired up the wrong clip.

[Politics UK @PolitlcsUK]

🚨 BREAKING: The CPS has authorised new charges against Vickrum Digwa and his brother and father for Henry Nowak's murder

They will appear at Southampton Court this afternoon

Vickrum Digwa:
- Six counts of possess an offensive weapon in private place on 4 December 2025

Moga Singh (father):
- Six counts of possess an offensive weapon in private place on 4 December 2025

Gurpreet Digwa (brother):
- Six counts of possess an offensive weapon in private place on 4 December 2025
- Possess an offensive weapon in a public place on 4 December 2025
- Possess a prohibited weapon on 4 December 2025
- Two counts of possess knife blade / sharp pointed article in a public place on 4 December 2025

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

Magistrate sanctioned for saying he would give defendant a 'hiding': https://t.co/6f9hOlW4qG

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

@CrewkerneGaz Ah, isn't that sweet. She's got one of those kid's stick-on steering wheels so she can pretend to drive from the passenger seat.

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

Wannabe Scarborough Doorman Forged Reference: https://t.co/EcVEK9XGNX

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

@davidebrady Yep, shoved the poor unsuspecting lady cyclist straight off the wall. It was a sea wall - a bit like a pier I think.

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

Isle of Wight man who shoved cyclist off wall in court for shoplifting: https://t.co/V2OFZHNd1d

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

@GuidoFawkes Ouch. That's almost as bad as the Labour Chief Secretary to the Treasury leaving a note for their Tory successor saying "Dear Chief Secretary, Sorry all the money has ran out. Love Liam xx"

[North Yorkshire @visitnorthyork]

A little country footpath to walk the dog and neighbours who still wave hello.

Village life, just as it should be 🏘️

[Magistrates' Blog @MagistratesBlog]

@Benleo Ben, you dealt with that very well. Clearly that chap has a few issues.

[Oaks And Lions 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @oaksandlions]

England once had hundreds of tiny prisons.

Before police stations became common, villages often had their own lock-ups, small cells used to hold drunks, thieves, vagrants and troublemakers overnight.

Most were built during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Many contained little more than a stone floor, a wooden bench and a heavily barred door.

Some were circular because it made them harder to break out of.

Others became known as "blind houses" because their windows were so small.

Hundreds once stood across England.

Dozens still survive today, hidden beside churches, village greens and market squares.

A reminder that local justice once existed at the very heart of village life.

Have you ever seen a village lock-up?

📷: Breedon on the Hill village lock up.

Follow @oaksandlions for your daily dose of England's hidden gems.

#EnglishHistory #EnglishHeritage #LockUps