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| North Lincs Taxi drivers fears over 'hearsay' evidence http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4497 |
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| Author: | JD [ Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | North Lincs Taxi drivers fears over 'hearsay' evidence |
Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph September 28, 2006 Thursday HEADLINE: Fears over 'hearsay' evidence Taxi drivers have expressed concern that 'unproven' allegations uncovered by the police are to be used as evidence during disciplinary proceedings against colleagues. They are pressing North Lincolnshire Council for clarification of the change in proceedings after a top police chief admitted using hearsay as evidence at such hearings would be 'a difficult issue to get right'. Earlier this week, the licensing committee met to agree to change its policy which previously did not allow such hearsay to be used as evidence. Councillors were told a report on a taxi licence review had highlighted a situation whereby the police had made additional comments on a Criminal Records Bureau check. But the check had revealed there were no convictions against the applicant. Previously, the committee only considered applications where the applicant had a criminal conviction. But under the changes, the applicant will be given the opportunity to confirm whether or not they agree with the content and accuracy of the disclosure made by the police. The police will also be allowed to give oral evidence and be questioned or challenged on their disclosure. Supt David Hilditch, operations commander for North Lincolnshire Police, said after the meeting: "This is a genuinely difficult issue to get right. "There are dangers attached to the use of hearsay which might include unproven allegations which may have been inaccurate or even malicious. "On the other hand there may be cases where the information is quite compelling, but for any number of reasons a case could not be successfully prosecuted at court." "On balance I think the committee should be able to take into account all relevant information and use its judgement to decide what weight to attach to it. "It is very much a matter of good judgement." But Devyln Pugh, secretary of the North Lincolnshire Taxi Association, said: "Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? "There are some very serious implications for our members if they are to be judged on police hearsay. "We shall be taking further advice and seeking clarification of the new procedures from the council." ........................................................ |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Wed Oct 04, 2006 7:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: North Lincs Taxi drivers fears over 'hearsay' evidence |
JD wrote: Earlier this week, the licensing committee met to agree to change its policy which previously did not allow such hearsay to be used as evidence.
Not that much of a problem, if the mush appeals to the mags court they can't use hearsay evidence, so he will succeed. |
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