INNOCENCE UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY?

The Government continues its onslaught to the criminal justice system with the latest and most important pillar of justice on the chopping block. Innocence until proven Guilty. Or In thousands of trial cases across the UK each year, (some of which are successfully defended by Mortons Solicitors) that once the defendant is acquitted of offences that the defendants reputation is restored.

Not content with trying to force most criminal defence solicitors firms out of business The Government,  based on ideology, its been reported – are proposing a Sexual Risk Order.

This will allow magistrates to impose a range of restrictions on sex offenders, including banning them from travelling abroad, limiting their internet use and prohibiting them from being alone with a child.  Fair enough that is until you reach the quote of Damian Green, the policing and criminal justice minister, that it can be imposed “even if they have never been convicted”.

One must repeat that to ensure one hasn’t misread what he said “even if they have never been convicted”.

Defying A Core Principle Of Our Justice System.

Mortons Solicitors have a reputation for successfully defending clients against some of the most serious sexual allegations one wouldn’t wish to imagine.

But putting oneself in that position to imagine the current meaning of innocence until proven guilty for someone with no convictions after the lengthy police investigation, one’s life turned upside down, very restrictive bail conditions which may even prevent contact with members of ones own family.

After the decision to charge, the first appearance at Magistrates court, the appearances at Crown Court and the lengthy trial.  The jury delivers that all important verdict acquitting the client of all charges.  The defendant is relieved and one hopes his reputation can now be restored.

Fast-forward to these proposals and the acquittal would not stop an application now or in the future for a Serious Harm Order. Applications could even be based on the basis of evidence never substantiated in court. Regardless of conditions the stigma attached to such an order.

If these outrageous proposals become law then it will continue to be Morton’s Solicitors to fight for justice in defending the innocent against them.  And where such an order may be merited to ensure any conditions are appropriate.