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."
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