Stronger cases and speedier justice countywide

15/01/2004

Lawyers and police officers in Northamptonshire are building better cases before a criminal is charged, part of the countywide Pre-Charge Advice Scheme.

Speaking in advance of his visit to CPS Northamptonshire on 21st January 2004, Lord Goldsmith, Attorney General, said: "Teamwork pre-charge between CPS prosecutors and Police investigators in Northamptonshire has already led to more cases being brought to justice quicker and charges that are right from the outset."

Julia Barnett, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: "Over the last three months, fewer cases have been discontinued and guilty pleas at the first hearing have increased.

"CPS lawyers and Police investigators are working together to build the best possible case even before a defendant is charged, and those cases which should not be brought before a court are stopped before they the enter criminal justice system.

"Public funds, therefore, are saved and resources are released to improve the chance of convictions on those cases where there is a realistic prospect of conviction.

"CPS Northamptonshire has invested considerable resources in this scheme because it will deliver a better service for victims and witnesses of crime and improve justice for the people of Northamptonshire."

Hilary Dornan, Police Head of Criminal Justice, said: "The Pre-Charge Advice Scheme provides further opportunity for the Police to work in a pro-active and structured way with CPS colleagues, to produce a file of evidence which is of a high quality at the outset.

"Where the CPS advises that the Police have insufficient evidence to proceed with a case, this early intervention will save time and resources being expended by a number of Criminal Justice agencies throughout the court prosecution process."