852 5 294236
LEGAL DEPT
394 POS/09 11.11. 87
12:36
President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Both these gave
at the trial evidence for the Crown at the committal proceedings and the triad.”
A full
Members of the Council will also be aware that under our
criminal procedure defendants can choose to test the strength of the
prosecution case by way of committal proceedings. This right was
exercised in this case in relation to four of the defendants.
committal hearing lasting six months took place before a magistrate
whose function it was to determine whether there was sufficient
evidence upon which to commit those defendants to trial in the High
Court. The magistrate decided that a committal for trial was
warranted.
The estimate given to me and to the court was that the trial
would last a further six to eight months. As you know, this estimate
was far exceeded. I had for some time been troubled by the
prolongation of these proceedings, and the strain which that placed on
members of the jury in particular, and all others involved in the
case. Those appearing for the Crown took many steps to effect
economies. But Members will appreciate that they do not control the
course of a trial.
/...5
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.