Menu
29/11/2012
L'Derry Judge Criticises Fingerprints Delay
A district judge at Londonderry Magistrates Court has said he is considering issuing a summons to the Northern Ireland Forensic Science Laboratory after learning fingerprint swabs taken six months ago have not been analysed.
Barney McElholm may use a witness summons to compel a member of the Laboratory to appear before him.
He said the fact that the fingerprints had still not been analysed was "simply not acceptable" and that it should be addressed by someone with appropriate authority if the delay was due to a lack of resources.
Mr McElholm has criticised the group for not releasing updates to the courts.
His comments came about as a result of the case of Brendan Harkin, 32, from Carranbane Walk in L’Derry who denies dangerous driving and driving without insurance while disqualified at Madam's Bank Road in May.
Mr McElholm has seen the case delayed due to comments from Mr Harkin’s solicitor that fingerprint swabs on the gear stick of the car in question are unavailable.
Mr Harkin had been electronically tagged and placed on curfew, the court heard.
He had also been ordered to report to the police every week.
But now Mr McElholm has removed the curfew and adjourned the case until 3 January.
He has requested a complete fingerprints update for that date.
(IT/GK)
Barney McElholm may use a witness summons to compel a member of the Laboratory to appear before him.
He said the fact that the fingerprints had still not been analysed was "simply not acceptable" and that it should be addressed by someone with appropriate authority if the delay was due to a lack of resources.
Mr McElholm has criticised the group for not releasing updates to the courts.
His comments came about as a result of the case of Brendan Harkin, 32, from Carranbane Walk in L’Derry who denies dangerous driving and driving without insurance while disqualified at Madam's Bank Road in May.
Mr McElholm has seen the case delayed due to comments from Mr Harkin’s solicitor that fingerprint swabs on the gear stick of the car in question are unavailable.
Mr Harkin had been electronically tagged and placed on curfew, the court heard.
He had also been ordered to report to the police every week.
But now Mr McElholm has removed the curfew and adjourned the case until 3 January.
He has requested a complete fingerprints update for that date.
(IT/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 March 2024
Latest Hospital Waiting Times Show Scale Of The Crisis
The latest hospital waiting lists show the scale of the crisis and demonstrate the need for multi-year funding, Health Minister Robin Swann has said.
Latest Hospital Waiting Times Show Scale Of The Crisis
The latest hospital waiting lists show the scale of the crisis and demonstrate the need for multi-year funding, Health Minister Robin Swann has said.
10 April 2024
Man And Woman Jailed For 'Brutal And Senseless Attack'
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of two people at Laganside Crown Court for a range of offences including grievous bodily harm with intent, threats to kill, common assault and possession of an offensive weapon. 26-year-old Dylan Black, from the Lisburn area, was sentenced to seven years in prison. He will serve three years on license.
Man And Woman Jailed For 'Brutal And Senseless Attack'
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of two people at Laganside Crown Court for a range of offences including grievous bodily harm with intent, threats to kill, common assault and possession of an offensive weapon. 26-year-old Dylan Black, from the Lisburn area, was sentenced to seven years in prison. He will serve three years on license.
26 February 2024
Ministers Call For NI To Be Included In Reversal Of PO Convictions
The Executive Office and Justice Minister have written a joint letter to Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, calling for legislation to reverse the convictions of sub-postmasters to also apply in Northern Ireland.
Ministers Call For NI To Be Included In Reversal Of PO Convictions
The Executive Office and Justice Minister have written a joint letter to Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, calling for legislation to reverse the convictions of sub-postmasters to also apply in Northern Ireland.
19 February 2024
Fourteen Sentenced In East Belfast UVF Investigation
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of thirteen men and one woman in connection with an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. The defendants were sentenced over the five-week period, from 11 January to 16 February, at Belfast Crown Court.
Fourteen Sentenced In East Belfast UVF Investigation
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of thirteen men and one woman in connection with an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the East Belfast UVF by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. The defendants were sentenced over the five-week period, from 11 January to 16 February, at Belfast Crown Court.
12 February 2024
New Pilot Scheme Announced To Test Filming NI Appeal Court Judgements
A new pilot scheme to film the deliver of judgments in the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland, has been announced by the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan. It is understood that during the pilot scheme, none of the judgements will be broadcast, but the filming used to test the process and inform future decisions.
New Pilot Scheme Announced To Test Filming NI Appeal Court Judgements
A new pilot scheme to film the deliver of judgments in the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland, has been announced by the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan. It is understood that during the pilot scheme, none of the judgements will be broadcast, but the filming used to test the process and inform future decisions.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains mainly dry overnight with a touch of frost or fog patches possible in places. However, cloud is expected to increase towards dawn with the odd light shower. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
