England: DPP Alison Saunders slammed by Justice Committee over disclosure failings

England: DPP Alison Saunders slammed by Justice Committee over disclosure failings

The Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions have been criticised by MPs on Westminster’s Justice Committee for failing to address the problem of non-disclosure in criminal cases.

MPs said that DPP Alison Saunders, who is due to stand down in October, did not recognise the severity of the problem.

Police and prosecutors are meant to disclose evidence of information that may either help the defence case or harm the prosecution’s but have been routinely failing to do so.

The committee said: “Problems with the practice of disclosure have persisted far too long, in clear sight of people working within the system. [Mr Wright] stated to us that he was aware of problems going back as far as far as 1996 but the problem had persisted and apparently worsened under his watch.

“We are also surprised that the DPP, who should be closer to these problems on a day-today basis, does not appear to have pressed for more urgent action to address the worsening situation during her time in post.”

Bob Neill, chairman of the Justice Committee and a barrister, said: “Correct disclosure of evidence by the police and CPS to the defence is fundamental to ensuring a fair trial but is too often regarded as just an administrative headache. These failings have caused miscarriages of justice and – as the Director of Public Prosecutions even admitted to us – some people have gone to prison as a result.”

Ms Saunders said: “I have been very clear that addressing the long-standing problems in managing disclosure across the criminal justice system is my top priority.

“There is an unprecedented focus on finding solutions, and extensive action has been under way over the past year to bring about the necessary change not just in how cases are handled, but in the wider culture within the CPS and policing.

“This is not a quick fix. We will evaluate the measures taken, and agree further commitments to ensure there is continuous improvement.”

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