Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 12 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 October 2006. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 19 October 2006 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

R v. Lindis Percy (Prosecution Costs)

Question: To ask the Solicitor-General how much the prosecution in the case of R v Lindis Percy at Harrogate Magistrates Court on 18, 19 and 21 September 2006 is estimated to have cost in public funds.

Answer: Ms. Percy appeared before Harrogate magistrates court on 18, 19 and 21 September 2006, facing trial on two separate charges of obstructing the highway at RAF Menwith Hill. She was convicted on both charges and was ordered to contribute £150 towards the cost of the prosecution.It is estimated that the prosecution costs in this case were in the region of £600 (excluding VAT). This figure comprises the advocate’s costs. It does not include witness costs, as all witnesses were police witnesses. Neither does this figure include staff or running costs, which are attributable to the operation of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as a whole and cannot be assessed on an individual case basis. I am also unable to comment on police, court and defence costs as these figures are not kept by the CPS (which is solely responsible for the prosecution). Prosecutions are not about cost, but justice.

Secondary information