While it can be dangerous to comment on a case without knowing the full facts, on the face of it, the firm of criminal solicitors which failed to secure an interpreter at trial for a client who spoke only limited English got a raw deal.
The ‘National agreement on arrangements for the use of interpreters… etc’ clearly states at annex E that it is the responsibility of the court (both magistrates’ and Crown) to both book and pay for an interpreter for the defendant where required.
David Martin, David Phillips & Partners, London W10
