§ Vera BairdTo ask the Solicitor-General what arrangements for expedition have been made with the Criminal Cases Review Commission in respect of convictions reviewed following the Angela Cannings case and forwarded to it with a view to a reference to the court of appeal. [172611]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Attorney-General and the Chairman of the Criminal Cases Review Commission met at an early stage in the review of infant homicide convictions following the Angela Cannings appeal to 1483W discuss the expedition of cases referred to the CCRC. The CCRC has agreed to expedite any cases referred to it as part of the review process.
In those cases where the convicted person is notified that there may be features in the case which warrant further consideration by the Court of Appeal or CCRC a copy of the letter is sent to each of the above bodies so that arrangement can be made for an early consideration of the case. The letter also offers to speed the process of referral by bringing the case to the attention of the CCRC in appropriate cases by forwarding the case papers where the convicted offender is in agreement to that.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Solicitor-General how many defendants whose cases are yet to be reviewed following the Angela Cannings case are serving custodial sentences. [172612]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralAs at 19 May 2004, 176 cases remain to be reviewed. Of those, 16 are shown to be cases where the offender is still serving a custodial sentence, according to Home Office lists. Those cases are being accorded the highest priority in the review process.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Solicitor-General when she expects the review process following the Angela Cannings case to be completed. [172616]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI refer the hon. and learned Member to the Attorney-General's statement on 5 May 2004.