Police deliver defendant to court 'out of time' for hearing

High Bailiff 'somewhat concerned' after offence has to be withdrawn

A Douglas man who was arrested after allegedly breaking his bail conditions walked free today (17 December) after police delivered him to court too late.

The 56-year-old was detained by the Isle of Man Constabulary just after 10am yesterday and was listed to appear in front of the high bailiff this morning.

However when he was produced from custody the prosecutor told the court he had no option but to ask to withdraw the allegation because it was ‘out of time’.

This, he said, was because the defendant should have been brought to court within 24 hours but hadn’t been.

Blaming the police he added: “Why on earth it’s taken so long to bring him from custody, I don’t know.

"I think the fault lies with the police on this occasion."

High Bailiff James Brooks told the court he was ‘somewhat concerned’ at what had happened saying any allegations of breaches of bail should be brought before the court as soon as possible.

Adding it looked as though it had been a ‘failure from one shift to another to pass on information’ he said it needed to be followed up adding: "There could be situations where a defendant needs to be remanded and can’t be (due to being out of time)."

The man’s advocate told the court there may have been an issue with medication leaving High Bailiff Brooks to respond: “They (the police) had 23 hours and 47 minutes to work out what to do with his medication.”

The man was released from custody and no further action, on the alleged breach, will be taken.

Manx Radio has invited the Isle of Man Constabulary to respond.