Wednesday 23 April 2014

Hull MP Karl Turner's anger over Rolands Brize case

http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Sex-attack-sentencing-scandal-Hull-MP-Karl-Turner/story-20998220-detail/story.html 
23 April 2014

Sex attack sentencing 'scandal': Hull MP Karl Turner's anger over Rolands Brize case
MP Karl Turner has criticised delays in the sentencing of a sex attacker after the court case was postponed 11 times. Rolands Brize attacked the 23-year-old woman as she walked along Myton Bridge in Castle Street, Hull city centre, after a night out in March last year.
He admitted attempting to rape the woman and was due to be sentenced in May last year.
But now, the case has been postponed for the 11th time, meaning the victim has been forced to wait more than a year to see Brize brought to justice.
Mr Turner said: "No wonder this woman has been left thinking her attacker is being treated better by the justice system than her, the victim."
In the most recent postponement, doctors have said they need more time to fully assess the extent of Brize's mental illness, despite him pleading guilty to attacking the woman in April last year.
Mr Turner believes changes to the fees paid to expert witnesses such as psychiatrists have caused the delays.
The Hull East MP said: "This has meant fewer experts are available to do reports, which are required before the judge can sentence the offender.
"It's also apparent that an interpreter is required. It's very difficult for courts to arrange interpreters due to changes in Ministry of Justice contracts two years ago.
"Although these changes may appear to be saving money, the reality is the cuts are proving to be more costly in the long run."

No comments:

Post a Comment