Wednesday 28 December 2016

"hearing adjourned because a Somali-speaking interpreter was not available"

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/man-accused-boxing-day-street-12377608
28 December 2016
A man accused of street attacks on women in Toxteth on Boxing Day appeared in court today.
Police received reports of a sexual assault and a physical assault against two women in Sefton Park Road at around 7am on Monday.
Officers were called to the scene and said a third woman reported that she had also been sexually assaulted in Brompton Avenue at around 6.40am.
[…]
He appeared at South Sefton Magistrates’ Court this morning for a brief hearing, which had to be adjourned because a Somali-speaking interpreter was not available.
The court clerk said: “The defendant’s native language is Somali. There will be an interpreter available tomorrow.”
Magistrates said Jafar would next appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court and remanded him in custody until Thursday, December 29.

Tuesday 27 December 2016

"no Romanian interpreter available to attend a court hearing until 48 hours later"

http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/ipswich_shoplifter_spends_two_days_in_custody_after_trolley_dash_with_groceries_worth_nearly_600_1_4829816

27 December 2016
Ipswich shoplifter spends two days in custody after trolley dash with groceries worth nearly £600
[…] The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before Ipswich magistrates via a video link from Suffolk Constabulary’s Martlesham headquarters.
Prosecutor Colette Harper said the offence occurred at 11.30am when a store security officer noticed Samok with a trolley of goods.
[…] Following his arrest at 11.40am, there was no Romanian interpreter available to attend a court hearing until 48 hours later. Therefore, Samok was kept in custody.
David Allan, representing Samok, said his client had been in the UK for around a year.
[…] Samok was fined £293, but this was deemed as time served as he had been under lock and key for two days.

Thursday 22 December 2016

PQ - 22nd December 2016

https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2016-11-16.HL3280.h

Public Sector: Interpreters
Home Office written question – answered on 22nd December 2016.

Baroness Coussins Crossbench
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions have been held between the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office about the eligibility of public service interpreters for a criminal records check at enhanced disclosure level; and what has been the outcome of those discussions.

Baroness Williams of Trafford The Minister of State, Home Department
An individual who is seeking to work with children or vulnerable adults may be eligible for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, eligibility for which is set out in Part V of the Police Act 1997. Eligibility takes into account the activities and circumstances under which the person is performing the role, and not necessarily the profession.
Interpreters in certain public service positions may already be eligible for enhanced checks, for example those working within prisons or those working in certain roles with children or vulnerable adults. It is for an employer to satisfy themselves that the relevant position is eligible under the current legal provisions. Detailed guidance on eligibility is provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service.