HC Deb 17 January 1997 vol 288 cc395-6W
Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the minimum number of items of information a police officer has to provide in order to initiate the prosecution of a juvenile delinquent for shoplifting; and if he will make a statement. [10761]

Mr. Maclean

Six forms are needed in the prosecution file in the case of a juvenile offender where a guilty plea is expected. These are:

  • a file front sheet which includes the defendant's details;
  • a copy of the charge sheet/summons;
  • the defendant's previous convictions, if any;
  • a compensation form completed by the victim;
  • a short descriptive note; and
  • a note of how the decision to prosecute was reached.

More information is required where a not guilty plea is expected. There are also other forms and documents which are completed or taken into account which are not directly associated with the prosecution process; these include property registers, custody records and fingerprint forms.