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The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, has announced that the deadline for responses to the consultation on addressing the legacy of the Troubles will be extended by three weeks to Friday 5 October.

The move comes after stakeholders said they needed more time to respond.

The Secretary of State said:

“The legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland is an enormously sensitive and emotive issue, and I want to make sure everyone’s voice is heard as we move forward. I have listened to those who want to take a little bit more time to consider their responses – particularly those individuals who have been most affected by the Troubles, including victims and survivors and former police officers and veterans – and I am happy to extend the deadline so that they can have their say.”

The UK Government launched the consultation, Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s Past, on 11 May to find the best way to meet the needs of victims and survivors and to help people address the impact of the Troubles. in the areas of information, justice and acknowledgement and help Northern Ireland transition to long term-term peace and stability.

The original deadline for responses was 10 September, extended today to 5 October. Anyone who wishes to give their views can find more information here.

A young man who brutally attacked his ex-girlfriend’s partner in Brighton has had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, referred the case to the Court of Appeal as unduly lenient.

Asa Smallwood, now 24 years old, had a chance encounter with his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend in Brighton. Smallwood punched his ex-girlfriend’s new partner to the floor in an unprovoked attack. Smallwood repeatedly kicked the victim in the head with what witnesses have described as deliberate ‘rugby style kicks’.

The victim suffered a number of lacerations to the face, one of which required 18 stitches, as well as nerve damage causing numbness to the left side of his face for three months after the attack and permanent facial scarring.

Smallwood was originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and sentenced to 2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years at Lewes Crown Court in June. He was also required to undertake a 180 hour unpaid work requirement, 20 days rehabilitation and pay £1000 compensation.

After today’s hearing, the Court of Appeal has increased his sentence to 4 years immediate imprisonment.

Commenting on the increase, Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP said:

“I welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal to increase this sentence. Smallwood’s vicious and unprovoked attack left the victim with serious injuries and permanent scars, so it is only right his sentence truly reflects the severity of his crime.”

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name: Geoffrey Adams

Married to: Mary Emma Baxter

Children: Two sons, one daughter

2013 to 2017	The Hague, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2009 to 2012	FCO, Director General (Political)
2009	FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa
2006 to 2009	Tehran, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2003 to 2005	FCO, Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
2001 to 2003	Jerusalem, Consul General
1998 to 2001	Cairo, Deputy Head of Mission
1995 to 1998	Cabinet Office, European Secretariat
1991 to 1994	Pretoria/Cape Town, First Secretary and Head of Political Section
1987 to 1991	FCO, Private Secretary to the Permanent Under-Secretary
1985 to 1987	Ecole Nationale d’Administration, Paris
1982 to 1985	Jeddah, Third later Second Secretary (Political)
1979	Joined Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service

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