The Law Show Wrongful convictions: why private prosecutions face reform
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May 28, 2025 Tristan Kirk, a court correspondent at the London Evening Standard and Paul Foote Award winner, delves into the troubling landscape of wrongful convictions, spotlighting the Post Office scandal and issues with train fare evasion. He discusses the catastrophic failures of the current private prosecution system and the need for reform, particularly regarding the single justice procedure that operates behind closed doors. Additionally, Tristan highlights the lasting implications of police cautions on individuals, urging for greater transparency and fairness in the judicial process.
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Passenger's Train Fare Fine Ordeal
- Sarah Cook was wrongly fined nearly £400 for a ticket she never bought on a short train journey in 2022.
- She described the process as intimidating and confusing, with no clear explanation for the final reduced fine she paid.
Single Justice Procedure Explained
- The Single Justice Procedure handles around 800,000 low-level criminal cases yearly in private hearings.
- This system saves costs but means accused individuals rarely appear in court to defend themselves.
Why Defendants Don’t Engage
- Around 75% of people charged via the Single Justice Procedure don't respond, often due to confusion or intimidation.
- Lack of understanding means many plead guilty or ignore the case, risking unfair convictions.