Barbara Gayle, Senior Staff Reporter

Supreme Court Judge Lloyd Hibbert has blamed the police for many cases being thrown out in court because of their failure to write their statements promptly after the events.

"It is my belief, and I have had experience of it, that many cases have been dismissed because police officers write their statements long after the event and they do not remember everything and they make a mess of themselves when they are in the witness box," Hibbert said.

Fresh statements needed

The judge made the disclosure while presiding in the St Elizabeth Circuit Court recently.

Commenting further, Hibbert said something ought to be done to ensure the police write their statements promptly when the events are fresh in their minds.

The judge said when they review their statements before the trial, they will remember exactly what had happened.

Hibbert also also commented on the fact that a policeman with 18 years' service had said he did not know that he should warn witnesses to attend court in a case in which he was the investigating officer.

Invaluable service

He called on the superintendent of police for the parish to remind the police that they are to attend court at all times and ensure that the witnesses are warned to attend when they are required.

The judge spoke of the invaluable service the court reporters were doing in taking the verbatim notes of the proceedings.

The judge pointed out that they were not being properly acknowledged by the powers that be for their hard work and dedication. He said something ought to be done to acknowledge their service.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com