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Today I spent much of the day in the Wild West of the CJS, Willesden Magistrates Court.
A brief thread about some of what I witnessed
(Spoiler: this isn’t pretty)
Thread
1/12
A brief thread about some of what I witnessed
(Spoiler: this isn’t pretty)
Thread
1/12
Sols had written chasing missing MG6C (unused schedule) and missing CCTV. requests had gone unanswered by CPS
MG6C at the door of court. It contained 3 items. One of those items was marked as the custody record and endorsed CND, notwithstanding it’s a PACE entitlement
2/12
MG6C at the door of court. It contained 3 items. One of those items was marked as the custody record and endorsed CND, notwithstanding it’s a PACE entitlement
2/12
The prosecutor disclosed 2 further witness statements, dealing with the production of the CCTV. These statements were to be relied upon even though neither the CCTV, nor the statements had been served.
3/12
3/12
Pros indicates they will apply for an adj to sort out disclosure and if that fails, offer no evidence.
So far so good and all in accordance its counsels duty. We then enter court and things start to go a little bit crazy.
4/12
So far so good and all in accordance its counsels duty. We then enter court and things start to go a little bit crazy.
4/12
Pros applies to adj telling DJ they will offer no evidence if adjournment not granted.
I oppose. DJ rules no adjournment
Happy days……
Nope
DJ persuades prosecutor to proceed through to trial, and she does precisely that.
5/12
I oppose. DJ rules no adjournment
Happy days……
Nope
DJ persuades prosecutor to proceed through to trial, and she does precisely that.
5/12
Pros start to read witness statements. I object pointing out that defence have written, twice, saying contents not accepted.
DJ rules they’ve been agreed by virtue of case management form from 1st appearance. fact that correspondence post dates form is irrelevant.
6/12
DJ rules they’ve been agreed by virtue of case management form from 1st appearance. fact that correspondence post dates form is irrelevant.
6/12
DJ asks if there are any admitted facts. I say not, but what do I know.
Case management form filled out on first appearance asks if facts may be capable of agreement. The DJ rules that ticked box has the force of an irrevocable admission.
7/12
Case management form filled out on first appearance asks if facts may be capable of agreement. The DJ rules that ticked box has the force of an irrevocable admission.
7/12
Application for DJ to recuse himself – refused
Application by defence to adjourn to allow us to view CCTV – refused.
It may not surprise you to learn we were convicted.
8/12
Application by defence to adjourn to allow us to view CCTV – refused.
It may not surprise you to learn we were convicted.
8/12
A few thoughts come to mind out of this sorry experience.
Some magistrates courts have no semblance of justice. Rules of evidence and procedure play second fiddle to expediency
9/12
Some magistrates courts have no semblance of justice. Rules of evidence and procedure play second fiddle to expediency
9/12
Thrusting our pupils into this environment cannot be proper training, but enduring. At best the hope is they pass through it unscathed and untarnished.
10/12
10/12
I have the most enormous respect for solicitors, pupils and any who have to work there daily.
11/12
11/12
If I were ever to be charged with anything, I would elect Crown Court trial in a heartbeat.
12/12 ends
12/12 ends
