Menu
21/09/2006
Attorney General backs use of phone-tapping
Attorney General Lord Goldsmith has said that he would support a change in the law, allowing phone-tap evidence to be used in court.
Lord Goldsmith is the first member of the government to publicly support the removal of the ban on phone-tap evidence being used in court.
Speaking to the 'The Guardian', Lord Goldsmith said that he wanted to find a way to allow phone-tap evidence to be used in court.
He said that if it was not used, "we're depriving ourselves of a key tool to prosecute serious and organised crime and terrorism".
The Attorney General said that that he had been persuaded of the benefits of using phone-tap evidence during a a visit to the US this week, where he had talks with US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, as well as other senior US officials.
Lord Goldsmith said that phone-tap evidence had been used there in the successful conviction of five top Mafia bosses.
Removal of the ban is supported by both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, as well as the Association of Chief Police Officers and civil liberty groups.
However, intelligence gathering agencies are opposed to the lifting of the ban, fearing that it could expose some of their techniques to criminals.
(KMcA/EF)
Lord Goldsmith is the first member of the government to publicly support the removal of the ban on phone-tap evidence being used in court.
Speaking to the 'The Guardian', Lord Goldsmith said that he wanted to find a way to allow phone-tap evidence to be used in court.
He said that if it was not used, "we're depriving ourselves of a key tool to prosecute serious and organised crime and terrorism".
The Attorney General said that that he had been persuaded of the benefits of using phone-tap evidence during a a visit to the US this week, where he had talks with US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, as well as other senior US officials.
Lord Goldsmith said that phone-tap evidence had been used there in the successful conviction of five top Mafia bosses.
Removal of the ban is supported by both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, as well as the Association of Chief Police Officers and civil liberty groups.
However, intelligence gathering agencies are opposed to the lifting of the ban, fearing that it could expose some of their techniques to criminals.
(KMcA/EF)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 November 2006
Brown and Milburn drawn into cash-for-honours investigation
Chancellor Gordon Brown and former health secretary Alan Milburn are the latest people asked to assist with the police investigation into the cash-for-honours affair.
Brown and Milburn drawn into cash-for-honours investigation
Chancellor Gordon Brown and former health secretary Alan Milburn are the latest people asked to assist with the police investigation into the cash-for-honours affair.
27 January 2010
Goldsmith Before Iraq Inquiry
The Government's former chief legal adviser Lord Goldsmith did change his stance on the legality of the Iraq war prior to the invasion, he admitted today. Lord Goldsmith, the ex-Attorney General, said his first ruling that a second UN resolution was necessary had been "too cautious".
Goldsmith Before Iraq Inquiry
The Government's former chief legal adviser Lord Goldsmith did change his stance on the legality of the Iraq war prior to the invasion, he admitted today. Lord Goldsmith, the ex-Attorney General, said his first ruling that a second UN resolution was necessary had been "too cautious".
21 June 2005
Juries to be axed from fraud trials
Juries could be removed from complex fraud trials, under new proposals advanced by the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith. The proposals, part of the 2003 Criminal Justice Act, would allow judges to make the sole decision in intricate fraud cases. Prosecutors would be able to apply to a Crown Court judge to allow the case to be heard without a jury.
Juries to be axed from fraud trials
Juries could be removed from complex fraud trials, under new proposals advanced by the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith. The proposals, part of the 2003 Criminal Justice Act, would allow judges to make the sole decision in intricate fraud cases. Prosecutors would be able to apply to a Crown Court judge to allow the case to be heard without a jury.
11 January 2005
Specialist prosecutors to tackle organised crime
Attorney General Lord Goldsmith has launched plans for a group of dedicated specialist prosecutors to tackle serious organised criminals and put them out of business.
Specialist prosecutors to tackle organised crime
Attorney General Lord Goldsmith has launched plans for a group of dedicated specialist prosecutors to tackle serious organised criminals and put them out of business.
07 January 2010
UK Internet Sports Event Won
The World Cup Qualifier between England and Ukraine in October has become the UK's first-ever competitive international match available for live viewing exclusively on the Internet, with no television coverage. Specialist business, Digital Rapids technology played a key role in the groundbreaking event in football broadcasting.
UK Internet Sports Event Won
The World Cup Qualifier between England and Ukraine in October has become the UK's first-ever competitive international match available for live viewing exclusively on the Internet, with no television coverage. Specialist business, Digital Rapids technology played a key role in the groundbreaking event in football broadcasting.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
