The Devon and Cornwall Constabulary were strongly criticised by Judge Christopher Elwen at Truro Crown Court today Tuesday following the collapse of the trial of a St Austell man who had denied burglary and theft.
The jury was discharged after prosecutor Philip Lee had revealed that important police evidence which should have been disclosed much earlier to defence counsel Ramsay Quaife had come to his notice only the previous day.
"This is an absolute disgrace," declared the Judge. "The fault is very firmly that of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary."
He has demanded an explanation from the Chief Constable in person and stated that he will consider ordering the Constabulary to pay the costs of the hearing.
The trial will start again on December 7.
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