§ Mr. Marlowasked the Attorney-General if he will list the offences with which those involved in riotous assemblies can be charged; and whether he is satisfied that, given the nature of such riots, the police are able satisfactorily to gather evidence in furtherance of such charges, and that objective juries can be enlisted.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere are numerous common law and statutory offences with which persons, involved in circumstances which may also amount to riot, can be charged and have been so charged and convicted. There are often difficulties in obtaining evidence in a confused situation but the many successful prosecutions for such other offences which have followed such situations show that these difficulties are not insurmountable. I am satisfied that the prospects of obtaining an objective jury to try charges of riot are generally no less than they are for the trial of any other offence when there are several defendants.