The Lord Chief Justice has the brain the size of a planet, so what was he thinking when he decided last week that it was business as usual for minor Cr Ct trials and Magistrates Court hearings?

But really.......?

Now it's going to be that hearings should take place digitally wherever possible. What took them so long? When was his Lordship last in Croydon MC - we have missed him lately. Just what part of the Prime Ministerial announcements does his Lordship and his advisors miss? Regrettably he fell into error and if I can use the inappropriate phrase for these times 'Needs to get out more.'

This morning, having emailed DJ Green at midnight to warn her of a lack of Defence cooperation, I attended Croydon and informed the Customer Service Desk, after the routine wait of 15 mins, that as Custody Duty I would not be entering the cell area. My thanks for the support expressed online and solidarity of other Duties in taking this point. I explained to DJ Green in open Court that there had been a COV19 incident on Saturday, that I supposed there was no assessment of risk of the arrestees and that even if that occurred, the cells had not been deep cleaned to my knowledge. I raised the point that the Virtual Court existed precisely for this purpose. There have been no VCs at all at Croydon since it reopened, one hack told me.

To her credit and that of her fellow DJS she reacted a good deal more perceptively than the LCJ. I was advised that I could see my clients in a screened room. Fine, I replied but given that I can't be certain that that was not infected and that I have to walk though the rest of the cells to get there, then that was of little assistance. She excused all Duties from entering if they felt unsafe. We compromised by having the Def brought up, the Court cleared, instructions  taken and then proceeding. This meant that in order to avoid my client being sent back to the station I had to acquiesce in his deliberate exposure to risk. How many contacts does a man have on his way to a disposal in court? How many does he have from the Police station corridor to the Virtual room?. Go figure, Your Lordship. Tell me please if there is any other explanation besides administrative convenience.

I can take no credit for the Court's reaction, I imagine that every Court in the land had someone saying the same. The only thing that works is the withdraw of labour. Well done PSP!

This shameful procedure will be repeated tomorrow. " Oh well, he is here now, it will be a longer process if we send him back.......'Can any Duties asked to see someone 'live' simply refuse. 

The mass mail of Mr Mcallister on the new listings is strangely silent on whether the Defendant will be produced or Virtual........Although I am too tired to wade through it in detail.

The position of bailed Defendants was no better. The punters outside Courts 6 and 8 we're packed like an orgy.

We may get locked down tonight, but, essential worker or not, that they can shove it as far as I am concerned.

A Merry Lockdown to all my Readers.

Bruce






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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