header-logo header-logo

Speaking out on collapsed trials

29 June 2018 / Jon Robins
Issue: 7800 / Categories: Opinion , Criminal
printer mail-detail
nlj_7800_robins

Jon Robins asks whether the CPS is telling us all it knows about disclosure failures

Earlier this year the outgoing Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme if it was possible that there were people in prison today because of disclosure failures. Apparently, not. ‘I don’t think so because what these cases show is that when we take a case through to trial there are various safeguards in place, not least of which is the defence indicating what their defence is going to be,’ Alison Saunders replied.

As reported in NLJ (see ‘Nightmare on Disclosure Street’, NLJ 16 March 2018, p22), such assurance in the face of a stream of collapsed trials was greeted with scepticism and some ridicule. 

In an appearance before the House of Common’s Justice Committee this month, the DPP retreated from such a claim. ‘Some people have been and they have been referred to the Criminal Cases Review Commission and some people we have referred to the Commission,’ she told MPs.

Saunders was asked if the prospect of wrongful

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

A good book, a glass of chilled Albarino, and being creative for pleasure help Liz McGrath balance the rigours of complex bundles and being Head of Chambers

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Firm welcomes director in its financial services financial regulatory team

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn Premium Content

Partner appointment in firm’s equity capital markets team

NEWS

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Walkers and runners will take in some of London’s finest views at the 16th annual charity event

back-to-top-scroll