Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 21st March 2024) below:
TUFC
The confirmation of a ten-point deduction is the latest blow for Torquay United Football Club (TUFC).
The deduction not only ended any hope of a final play-off run but left TUFC too close to the relegation zone for comfort. It had been hoped filing for, but not entering, administration might avoid this outcome, yet the League confirmed the penalty would apply.
It has been a difficult week for TUFC, but not one without hope as there are growing signs of significant interest in buying the club and taking it forward. It’s particularly encouraging the Torquay United Supporters’ Trust (TUST) has been involved in discussions with all the parties who have been talking to the club about buying it.
Fans are the life blood of the club, deserving more respect and engagement than has been the case in recent years. They should be at the heart of finding a new owner who will give the club and the fans what they deserve: a TUFC back in the Football League.
Putin
With any serious opponent in prison, exiled or dead, and the whole process run by his close allies, Vladimir Putin unsurprisingly claimed “victory” in the Russian Presidential election.
The whole process was nothing more than an orchestrated propaganda stunt, with no resemblance of being free and fair. It is a reminder why we must continue to back Ukraine in its fight for survival. Putin does not only want to end democracy in Russia, but to destroy it in Russia’s neighbours as well.
Duty Solicitors
The Duty Solicitor Scheme provides legal representation for suspects at police stations and those appearing before a Magistrate’s Court.
It is essential to ensuring Police investigations can proceed promptly and our courts can deliver a fair trial, based on evidence from an effective and timely interview. This helps victims see justice done, whilst good legal advice at the earliest stages of an investigation can be vital in avoiding miscarriages of justice.
Yet the Duty Solicitor Scheme has been under increasing pressure for some time. The number of practicing solicitors on the duty rota has fallen as lawyers switched to other legal roles or found alternative employment, with many still practising now approaching retirement.
Whilst it has now been some years since I last practiced, one of my first jobs after graduation was working in the criminal law department of a solicitor’s firm. Given this background, I have been working with members of our local duty solicitor scheme to highlight the current issues with it and secure change, with a debate last week giving me the chance to argue for the implementation of an independent review of fees and moves to fund training for new solicitors to join the duty rota.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 22nd March 10am till 12Noon and Friday 5th April 1pm till 3pm both at 5-7 East, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
Surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. For an appointment you can either email me at kevin@kevinjfoster.com or leave a message on 01803 214989. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.