Prisoner Absconds

[grasscarp]

The story about the prisoner walking out of the High Court yesterday raises a few questions. Who was supposed to be guarding him? Group 4? Also if he is so dangerous why have we not been told until today. What is the point of checking ports today? Does anyone agree with me that this story raises a lot of questions.

[Panic Button]

One slight error in your question.

He wasn't a prisoner.

He was out on bail. No one would be guarding him.

[MarkRae]

Indeed, but let's not let the facts get in the way of a good story, eh...?

[fredpuli47]

Judges quite often keep defendants, who have been on bail until the trial, in custody during the trial or for key parts of it. A defendants will turn up for the trial, see how it's going, see that one witness has proved too good against him (contrary to expectations, when the defendant thought the witness had been squared !) and then decide to disappear.There's no profit in failing to attend the trial, that counts against you straight off next time and ensures custody when your captured, but during it might be your best hope.
Ah well. This judge can be wise after the event. Still, if he's convicted, this defendant will know in advance what he's facing on recapture.There's no reason for the trial not to go on, he having gone of his own free will. The House of Lords has ruled for the possibility of the absent defendant being represented nonetheless and his giving instructions to his lawyers.This presents the amusing possibility of Blake sending instructions during the trial via text or phone from some secret location (but may not be quite what their Lordships had in mind !)

[Sandy-Wroe]

If this escapee is convicted in his absence could he appeal on the grounds that he didn't have a fair trial as he couldn't instruct his legal team?

[DrFilth]

if this guy got a load dosh from the robbery he has probably bought a dodgy passport from the israei embassy and is now in spain.

[buildersmate]

.. or even Dubai.

[DrFilth]

lol @ buildersmate

[grasscarp]

Thank you all for your input. You have taught me a lot. I just couldnt understand why it was left for a day before we were told if he is so dangerous. Perhaps they thought he would come back the next day.

[jake-the-peg]

I think you're a bit behind the times Filth

If he absconded to Spain he'd be back here with a European Arrest Warrent pinned to his behind before you could whistle ode to joy

I think North Cyprus is the criminal refugee destination of choice these days

[fredpuli47]

No, Sandy he couldn't appeal successfully on the grounds that he didn't get a fair trial because he was no longer able to instruct his lawyers or he didn't know what was being said. He chose to abscond and therefore is deemed to willingly and knowingly take the consequences.
Whether his counsel and solicitors decide to continue to represent him in his absence is a matter for them.If they leave the court and take no further part they won't be criticised for that professional decision. Sometimes counsel remains because the trial is nearly finished; it's reached summing up, for example; and he can act without specific further instructions but often he can't because he has no case he can put in questioning witnesses on matters arising.

[DrFilth]

peg you can get a legit passport in another name for around 6 grand if you know the right people.

[jake-the-peg]

You should forward the details to Mossad then Filth - they seem to still be using expensive high quality forgeries

[DrFilth]

peg think about it when you are earning a low wage , one on the side every now and then ?

[youngmafbog]

Peg is on another planet where all wear deep red specticles. Real life ? He knows nothing.

Hey Jake live in Islington by any chance ?

[bazwillrun]

he is accused of firing a gun in an armed robberery, HTF did he get bail.
his bail was £250,000 so no doubt another criminal fronted that as well.