I write to share my experience of the prosecution process in the light of Andrew Morris’ recent article on how the prosecution manage evidence in coming to the decision to prosecute (Gazette, 26 February).
In January 2016 I was interviewed in relation to three allegations of fraud. I drew attention to and offered the interviewing officers evidence material to their investigation. That evidence led to the prosecution deciding not to offer any evidence and not-guilty verdicts being entered in relation to all charges.
Unfortunately, it took 22 months before that decision was reached, which occurred immediately before the trial commenced. While an inquisitorial system may have prevented matters proceeding, it was a result of the adversarial system that the process was stopped before more public money was expended.
If any issue arises from this experience it is the need for better training and more funding to enable the police to have the time and resources to do their job.
I am grateful to Richard Cornthwaite of Cartwright King, Keith Mitchell of 33 Chancery Lane and, indeed, prosecution counsel, who took the time to engage with the evidence both for and against prosecution.
Tony N Guise, London
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