§ Mr. Alisonasked the Attorney-General what were the circumstances under which 316W the Crown decided to call Dr. John Court as an expert witness in the recent case of R. V. Jacobs at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions that the prosecution was informed of Dr. Court's expected arrival in this country and that arrangements were then made to interview him on the day of his arrival. After his statement had been considered by counsel he was called as a witness on the following day.
§ Mr. Alisonasked the Attorney-General whether the Crown will arrange to reimburse those who financed the journey from Austraila of Dr. John Court, who was recently called as a Crown witness in an obscenity prosecution at Snares-brook Crown Court.
§ The Attorney-GeneralNo, Sir. Dr. Court did not come to this country at the request of the Crown. The DPP learned two days before his arrival that he was coming here on a private visit, but that he might be available as a witness. In these circumstances there can be no question of the Crown's reimbursing those who financed his journey from Australia. He has been paid all appropriate expert witness fees and attendance allowances.