§ Lord Maginnis of Drumglassasked Her Majesty's Government:
What were the total costs involved in the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's prosecution of Constable Trevor Purcell for alleged dangerous driving during a riot, including those incurred by the Ombudsman's Office, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Office of the Northern Ireland Director of Public Prosecutions and the court's costs; and what was the outcome of this case. [HL317]
§ Baroness AmosThe relevant offices have advised the following information in relation to this case.
The Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Court Service of Northern Ireland advise that they do not operate a case costing system. The Police Service of Northern Ireland advises that it incurred no direct costs in relation to the ombudsman's investigation of Constable Purcell. Independent counsel fees incurred by the DPP, and the Police Ombudsman's investigation costs amounted to £5,673. The case was dismissed at Belfast magistrates' court.