TNAG-0683-FCO40-832-Political-aspects-of-administration-of-justice-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 58

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

67

48.

80

Mr. Sceats: I am authorized by Attorney General to make this

statement on his behalf.

Mr. Hampton: May I ask what exceptions there are to that statement

made by r. Sceats.

Mr. Gunston: Who is the judge that he would give his evidence

Mr. Sceats:

Mr. Gunston:

81

faithfully, the judge or Mr. Sceats.

Immunity extends of course only to matters that are

germane to this trial before Court. Ile will give

evidence about events which occurred in Bay View

Division in which he took part in 1971 and early

part of 1972. He could be in a position of co-

conspirator in this case. In relation to these acts

that immunity from prosecution extends. Of course if

le were to gratuitously tell us of other criminal

matters which occurred during that period and which

are separate issues which do not arise in course of

this trial clearly no immunity extends. It would be

proper for Your Honour to warn witness about self-

incrimination. In my submission in interests of

public justice that witnesses who can be brought

before Court could talk from inside of these matters

he brought before Court and if necessary to secure

their attendance before Court or once in Court to allow

them to speak freely. Proper course for Prosecution to

adopt to give witness an assurance of action which I

have given.

Mr. Sceats has not said who is to judge whether evidence

given by witness is faithful or not he has not questioned

any action of prosecution and he has said it applies to

matters germane to this matter.

Mr. Sceats:

to

Criminal Procedure

Ordinance.

Discretion given

Attorney General as to institution of proceedings S.15 of Criminal Procedure Ordinance. At common law Attorney General has power in these matters.

Comments

Approved members can add comments, bookmarks, and private notes.

No comments yet.

Private Research Note

Private notes are available after approval.