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Private Prosecution, A Lifeline for those Forced to Pursue Private Justice
The increasing number of private prosecution cases in the UK underscores the lack of confidence of the people in the police and CPS.
11:06 20 August 2021
Their concern is that the public prosecutors are not doing their duty properly.
Legal firms have seen a gigantic rise in the number of private prosecution cases in recent years, confirming that more and more people are starting to pursue their own action, having made no progress after reporting a crime to the police or the concerned authorities. Let’s try to understand why people look at private prosecution as the only recourse to get justice.
Wilful Neglect of Responsibility by the Prosecuting Authority, particularly the Police
Disappointed at the manner in which their investigation progressed, more and more individuals and businesses are starting to apply for permission to exercise their right to bring private prosecution provided in section 6(1) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985.
Dereliction of duty of the police seems to be one of the major factors driving up the number of private prosecution cases in the UK as more people complain about the inability of the police to deal with cases in a fair and assiduous manner.
A common thread in mostcases left unjust by police investigation is the lackadaisical attitude of the personnel handling their cases and the treatment meted out to them. The police supposedly are also at fault in several instances for wilfully failing to do their duty, which basically amounts to an abuse of the trust that the public places in them.
According to the Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act 1996, the police are supposed to be legitimate in their pursuit of the truth irrespective of their stance, whether they undermine or support their case. But that’s hardly the case.
If you’re a victim of the wilful neglect by the police and want to press ahead by taking help from private prosecutors, have a chat with the specialists from Richardson Lissack. With a wealth of experience covering areas from financial fraud to crime, their team is well placed to help you get justice. Their expert team comprises experienced private investigators who have a lot of relevant experience under their belt dealing with some serious investigations in the UK.
More People Losing Faith in the Ability of Public Prosecutors
The wilful neglect of the police to handle their cases in a diligent manner often results in naive and innocent people being imprisoned for serious crimes. It does have its own consequences.
Failure to act or carry out basic procedures in cases where there has been compelling evidences has left more people losing the trust and confidence they placed in the police and the CPS. And some have basically resigned to the fact that it is virtually impossible to have access to justice at all looking at the way the system works now.
Cuts in legal aid and slashed budgets have put unprecedented strain on public prosecution agencies, leaving them stretched and out of resources to get things done. Yes, these are some real issues they’re dealing with here but by not carrying out their duty the way they should or giving cases due consideration they’re simply putting someone’s life or financial status in jeopardy. What’s worse is they can’t care less.
Another key complaint raised by people pursuing private justice is that the police and investigating officers usually buy into the complainant’s story without scrutinising it. What’s worse is that complainants have at times been classified as victims erroneously, helping them get the much needed benefit of doubt that changes the judgement in their favour.
Listed above are a few reasons why businesses and the public are starting to lose faith in the way public prosecutors have been going about their business for a few years now. Perhaps your business has been a victim of fraud? And you tried going the traditional way and it didn’t work out for you? Don’t fret. You didn’t hit a dead end. You can still take it far and fight for justice with a private prosecution. Remember the sooner you get the justice you deserve, the better your chances are of putting your business back on track. Talk to an expert legal firm that offers private prosecution services about your case and find out how they can help you seek redress on your path to redemption and recovery. Building a strong case improves your odds of winning the case significantly so make sure you only deal with a firm with a solid track record in handling private prosecution cases for their clients and a dependable team that works alongside private investigators, forensic accountants, Barristers among people from QC.