§ Lord Maginnis of Drumglassasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many court appearances were made by Constable Trevor Purcell in the case brought by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman for alleged dangerous driving during a riot; and what were the date and outcome of each appearance. [HL318]
113WA
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandTrevor Johnston Purcell first appeared at Belfast and Newtownabbey Magistrates' Court on 6 May 2003. The case against him was adjourned on 28 occasions as set out below:
- 6 May 2003
- 3 June 2003
- 17 June 2003
- 29 July 2003
- 19 August 2003
- 27 August 2003
- 10 September 2003
- 17 September 2003
- 5 November 2003
- 19 November 2003
- 26 November 2003
- 3 December 2003
- 16 December 2003
- 17 December 2003
- 22 December 2003
- 12 January 2004
- 26 January 2004
- 9 February 2004
- 5 April 2004
- 17 May 2004
- 20 May 2004
- 27 May 2004
- 10 June 2004
- 17 June 2004
- 9 September 2004
- 20 October 2004
- 3 November 2004
- 17 November 2004.
The adjournments resulted from a range of issues, including the availability of video evidence and the availability of witnesses and counsel.
The case against Mr Purcell was dismissed by the court on 29 November 2004.
§ Lord Maginnis of Drumglassasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will refund in full, with incidental expenses, the total cost to Constable Trevor Purcell of defending the case brought by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman, for alleged dangerous driving during a riot. [HL319]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandMr Purcell, through his solicitor, made an application to the resident magistrate on 6 December 2004, on the issue of his costs in defending the complaint against him. This application was dismissed by the court.