AUTHORITIES ARE IN A MAD SCRAMBLE to undo a new law that was intended to speed up criminal trials but has actually halted them for more than three months, adding to a huge backlog of cases.
The bungle has prevented cases of murder, rape and other serious offences from being heard since witness statements were not taken by a “senior officer” at the rank of sergeant or above, as stated in the legislation.
Most lead investigators in criminal matters are constables who take written confessions from defendants, along with statements from witnesses.
The change in law from February 1 left hundreds of already recorded statements inadmissible. (AC)
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