6 May 2014
Solicitor
'fuming' after no interpreter turns up at Grimsby court again
Cases
against two east European men had to be adjourned for a third time – because no
interpreter had attended court to help them understand what was being said.
The
men had been due to face driving offence matters, but their cases could not
proceed before Grimsby magistrates because there was again no interpreter
available. Solicitors for the men were left fuming and one of them later
strongly criticised the situation that led to the cases being adjourned for a
third time. He said it was unacceptable, especially because solicitors are
under constant pressure to make progress on other cases at the first hearing.
Rules
on the use by courts of interpreters are thought to mean that other possible providers
of interpreters cannot be used if nobody is available from the usual approved
pool.
The
solicitor pointed out that adjournments are rarely granted these days because
the expectation is now that progress must be made the first time a case is in
court.
Solicitors
continue to oppose changes to legal aid rules brought about by the Government's
drive to reduce spending on such costs.
Cases
at Grimsby Crown Court are expected to be disrupted shortly following the
latest phase of action by lawyers.
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