§ 37. Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance is given to judges on granting bail in cases where the defendant is accused of murder. [150773]
§ Jane KennedyBail in all criminal proceedings is governed by the provisions of the Bail Act 1976. A defendant accused of any offence punishable with imprisonment need not be granted bail if the court is satisfied that one or more factors set out in paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to the Bail Act apply in his case. A person charged with murder who has a previous conviction for murder, manslaughter or rape may only be granted bail if the court is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances which justify it (section 25 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994)