Why So Far Away

[nailit]

Its reported in my local newspaper that the murder suspect in the case of the midwife, Samantha Eastwood is next due to appear at Northampton Crown Court on October 5th.
Both victim and accused are from Stoke on Trent, her body was discovered in Stoke, and the accused is held on remand at a prison near Stoke.
So why would he be transported nearly a hundred miles to a court in Northampton when Stoke has its own Crown court? I could understand if his case was maybe heard in Stafford Crown Court but Northampton??
Thanks.

[Rockrose]

Perhaps because feelings are running so high - it was felt to hold it well out of the area.

[LadyCG]

At Northampton it's less likely that people who knew her, or incensed locals, will turn up and pelt the prison van with eggs and suchlike.

[Canary42]

Adverse local publicity influencing a jury possibly.

[ummmm]

I'd agree that as she was well liked it's best to hold the court case out of the area.

[LadyCG]

The accused might also have requested it through his legal representatives.

[nailit]

All possible answers, thanks. Its just that Ive never heard of a case been held so far away from both the place where the crime was committed or from where the prisoner is currently been held on remand.

[MallyJ]

Maybe it is felt that he could become a target, or the court could , if it was held closer to home and a jury made up of people from Stoke may well find it hard to be impartial...It does seem to be a most odd situation...the accused is the brother in law of the ex fiance..if I remember correctly and she was well liked locally and probably quite well known through her work.....

[nailit]

//the accused is the brother in law of the ex fiance..if I remember correctly//
Yes, you do remember correctly Mally. And he was recently beaten up in prison. He's not going to have an easy ride inside.

[Mamyalynne]

Everyone has covered it really - 'Change of venue'.

General outlines here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Change_of_venue

[nailit]

Excellent link Mamy thanks. Will have a good read of that.

[Mamyalynne]

It's only quite basic, some will know the relevant parts of the act etc.

Tragic case all round.

[MallyJ]

Probably moved his prison accomodation to somewhere people will not be so knowlwedgable about the case and be so fond of her. I am firmly of the belief that one is innocent until guilt is proved...those chaps got quite a bit ahead of themselves....no doubt they will be punished too.

[nailit]

Having just read that link, it appears to be relevant to the USA. Only the last part seems relevant to the uk
//In England and Wales, the Central Criminal Court Act 1856 permitted the venue for some high-profile cases to be changed to the Old Bailey in London//

[Barmaid]

Also depends on judicial availability of Judges with an M ticket (murder ticket).

[nailit]

//Probably moved his prison accomodation to somewhere people will not be so knowlwedgable about the case//
Hes still currently in HMP Dovegate (just outside of Stoke)

[nailit]

//Also depends on judicial availability of Judges with an M ticket (murder ticket)//
Does that mean that only certain judges can preside over a murder case BM?

[Barmaid]

Yes Nailit. There are only about 30 Judges with an M ticket.

[nailit]

Thanks BM. Didn't know that, live and learn :-)

[MallyJ]

Isolation then ..for him or his attackers...or does someone simply get moved to a wing with all the other - ahem- unpopular inmates? Rule 43?? Oh dear I used to know all that stuff.....age....