Pressure builds for rethink on fast track’ justice after more outcries
Evening Standard|February 12, 2024
DZ Pensioner with Alzheimer’s prosecuted over just £3.34 owed to the DVLA | DZ Domestic abuse victim fined after car insurance blunder by her controlling ex | Pensioner taken to court over TV licence mistake while caring for his gravely ill wife
Pressure builds for rethink on fast track’ justice after more outcries

PRESSURE is mounting on the Government to investigate the controversial single justice procedure as the Evening Standard today uncovers more criminal cases brought against sick pensioners and vulnerable women.

At least 4,000 prosecutions a week are brought through the secretive fast-track court system, where hearings are allowed to take place behind closed doors and magistrates spend as little as 90 seconds considering cases.

A long-running Standard investigation has uncovered instances of children, parents and business owners being unlawfully prosecuted, and proof that key evidence in criminal cases is never even seen by prosecutors. New cases that can be revealed include:

● A pensioner with Alzheimer's prosecuted over £3.34 owed to the DVLA.

A domestic abuse victim fined after her controlling ex-boyfriend failed to insure the car.

● A sick pensioner prosecuted for not paying for a TV licence while caring for his gravely ill wife.

● A new mother fined when her car insurance lapsed, despite telling a court she had been airlifted to hospital during the birth of her son.

Letters from defendants go unread by prosecutors due to the way the single justice procedure is designed, missing the chance to stop the cases before convictions are handed out.

Esta historia es de la edición February 12, 2024 de Evening Standard.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición February 12, 2024 de Evening Standard.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE EVENING STANDARDVer todo
Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives
The London Standard

Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives

From microcurrents to lasers, there are other ways to tackle ageing skin, says Madeleine Spencer

time-read
5 minutos  |
October 31, 2024
It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise
The London Standard

It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise

England boss needs a statement win and the All Blacks are up first

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 31, 2024
Bukayo Saka
The London Standard

Bukayo Saka

The making of a London icon

time-read
6 minutos  |
October 31, 2024
Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic
The London Standard

Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic

Outernet is now one of London's top attractions --but the man behind it isn't resting on his laurels

time-read
4 minutos  |
October 31, 2024
Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK
The London Standard

Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK

Incredible light, sea air, galleries galore and only two hours from Victoria: it's the model and photographer's dreamland...

time-read
5 minutos  |
October 31, 2024
The Old Operating Theatre
The London Standard

The Old Operating Theatre

St Thomas Street, SE1

time-read
4 minutos  |
October 31, 2024
Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?
The London Standard

Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?

Labour's plan to give the unemployed weight-loss jabs may have unintended consequences, reports William Hosie

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 31, 2024
AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?
The London Standard

AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?

Choosing a signature scent is a highly personal experience. Not only do preferences differ greatly, but certain perfumes react differently depending on your skin. Bergamot top notes may be intoxicating on one person's wrist, but seem soapy on another.

time-read
1 min  |
October 31, 2024
Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?
The London Standard

Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?

The chemistry of love isn't just a romantic ideal - it's a scientific reality, discovers

time-read
4 minutos  |
October 31, 2024
A poetic puzzlebox
The London Standard

A poetic puzzlebox

This lyrical novel sets out to dazzle and terrify

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 31, 2024