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29/11/2012
L'Derry Judge Criticises Fingerprints Delay
A district judge at Londonderry Magistrates Court has said he is considering issuing a summons to the Northern Ireland Forensic Science Laboratory after learning fingerprint swabs taken six months ago have not been analysed.
Barney McElholm may use a witness summons to compel a member of the Laboratory to appear before him.
He said the fact that the fingerprints had still not been analysed was "simply not acceptable" and that it should be addressed by someone with appropriate authority if the delay was due to a lack of resources.
Mr McElholm has criticised the group for not releasing updates to the courts.
His comments came about as a result of the case of Brendan Harkin, 32, from Carranbane Walk in L’Derry who denies dangerous driving and driving without insurance while disqualified at Madam's Bank Road in May.
Mr McElholm has seen the case delayed due to comments from Mr Harkin’s solicitor that fingerprint swabs on the gear stick of the car in question are unavailable.
Mr Harkin had been electronically tagged and placed on curfew, the court heard.
He had also been ordered to report to the police every week.
But now Mr McElholm has removed the curfew and adjourned the case until 3 January.
He has requested a complete fingerprints update for that date.
(IT/GK)
Barney McElholm may use a witness summons to compel a member of the Laboratory to appear before him.
He said the fact that the fingerprints had still not been analysed was "simply not acceptable" and that it should be addressed by someone with appropriate authority if the delay was due to a lack of resources.
Mr McElholm has criticised the group for not releasing updates to the courts.
His comments came about as a result of the case of Brendan Harkin, 32, from Carranbane Walk in L’Derry who denies dangerous driving and driving without insurance while disqualified at Madam's Bank Road in May.
Mr McElholm has seen the case delayed due to comments from Mr Harkin’s solicitor that fingerprint swabs on the gear stick of the car in question are unavailable.
Mr Harkin had been electronically tagged and placed on curfew, the court heard.
He had also been ordered to report to the police every week.
But now Mr McElholm has removed the curfew and adjourned the case until 3 January.
He has requested a complete fingerprints update for that date.
(IT/GK)
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