Director with the Grant Smith Law Practice
Elgin, Scotland
Joined March 2017
- Tweets683
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Matthew O'Neill retweeted
Here is a list of reasons why some of my hearings and trials this year have been delayed and kicked off into the long grass, stuck in our record court backlog. Serious allegations which will now be tried *years* after the event. 🧵👇
What an embarrassing spectacle the @HouseofCommons is. Grown men and women who can’t keep their mouths shut. Pointing their fingers, pathetically waving bits of papers all whilst the the country sinks further and further into the hole it has become.
“Jury trials are a fundamental part of our democratic settlement”. Interesting you say that @DavidLammy 🤔
Beyond embarrassing that this is what the first @UKLabour in 14 years is resorting to.
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
Judgment has been given this morning in the matter of Daly (Appellant) v His Majesty’s Advocate (Respondent); Keir (Appellant) v His Majesty’s Advocate (Respondent) (UKSC 2023/0107; UKSC 2023/0123): supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2…
ALT Daly (Appellant) v His Majesty’s Advocate (Respondent); Keir (Appellant) v His Majesty’s Advocate (Respondent). (UKSC 2023/0107; UKSC 2023/0123). The Supreme Court unanimously dismisses the appellants’ appeals. 12 November 2025.
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
In the face of @ScotGovJustice continued refusal to engage in meaningful talks with the profession, the SSBA has been left with no option but to step up our disruptive action.
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
Newly announced plans for legal aid fail to reflect the urgency and scale of the crisis in access to justice.
Responding to proposals published today by the Scottish Government, the Law Society’s legal aid co-convener Ian Moir said: “The Scottish Government has finally acknowledged that legal aid is in trouble. However, at a time when legal aid is burning to the ground, the Scottish Government has put in an order for a bucket rather than calling the fire brigade.”
Read our comment: bit.ly/4hWjBga
The latest practice note is really a terrific read, what with so many Legal Aid solicitors around to carry out all the work…
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
Lawyer of the Month: Ian Moir scottishlegal.com/articles/l…
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
If the minister wants talks, she should have perhaps answered our last email of 2nd October seeking them.... The SSBA has had no contact of any kind from @scotgov since July.
Here’s a look at today’s front page of The Herald. Subscribe here for exclusive access: heraldscotland.com/subscribe and #BuyAPaper
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
This crisis could easily have been averted but is very real now and probably beyond saving. Any last chance needs urgent and genuine investment or the lawyers with experience will all be away to better paid less stressful and antisocial jobs. #DefendLegalAid
Will access to justice soon be a luxury only the rich can afford? A hugely important investigation starting tomorrow. @heraldscotland
Meanwhile, the @scotgov/@ScotGovJustice approach to the situation is:-
Here’s a look at today’s front page of The Herald. Subscribe here for exclusive access: heraldscotland.com/subscribe and #BuyAPaper
This was my reminder to look after myself today. 5 years ago I would’ve been ashamed to post this and instead beaten myself up for feeling exhausted but certain cases are hard to leave in the office. I’m not some fairy godmother and no one might care but look after yourself.
This is like when the US impose 500 year sentences ⚖️
Russia fines Google more than entire world's GDP bbc.in/4e7GQkY
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
The Scottish Government has failed to address the urgent need for investment in access to justice and legal aid in its 2024-25 Programme for Government. While the Programme includes several positive reforms, ongoing underfunding for legal aid risks undermining improvements in the justice system and further eroding access to justice, especially for the most vulnerable in the community.
➡️bit.ly/47f1jlQ
Hello - would anyone be in a position to recommend a family law solicitor in the North currently taking on Legal Aid cases? I have a client, currently at HMP Inverness that is desperate for some assistance.
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
A Michigan district judge was shocked after a man with a suspended driver’s license joined his court Zoom call *while driving a car*
"Mr Harris, are you driving?"
fox13news.com/news/man-with-…
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
“Yes conditions are challenging but we have enough lifeboats for passengers in first class and the band are still taking requests”- Angela Constance, Captain of the Titanic. – at Glasgow, Scotland
Scotland’s justice system in crisis after 70 defence advocates leave for prosecution roles
dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scott…
dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scott…
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
Scotland’s justice system in crisis after 70 defence advocates leave for prosecution roles
dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scott…
dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scott…
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
On a day when the whole of the UK is reflecting upon how future miscarriages of justice might be prevented - the Scottish Parliament is discussing the abolition of an acquittal verdict and removing juries from the trial process – at Glasgow, Scotland
âš« Pilot of juryless rape trials worth doing, senior judge tells MSPs
scotsman.com/news/politics/p…
Matthew O'Neill retweeted
Police appeal for help to find missing Aberlour woman dlvr.it/Sy48G1