Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Labour) on Monday, 5 October 2009.

Police: Northern Ireland

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government why it took seven years for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland to decide not to proceed with the prosecution of Larry Zaitschek for the break-in at Castlereagh police station; and what assessment they have made of any effect of those developments on public confidence in the policing and justice system in Northern Ireland.

Answer: The statement issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland gives a full account of the circumstances of this case. The statement made clear that there had been sufficient evidence to prosecute Zaitschek but after the original decision for prosecution had been taken new information came to the attention of the public prosecution service (PPS) through the chief constable, which led the PPS to conclude that the test for prosecution was no longer met. A decision not to prosecute in any high profile case has the potential negatively to affect public confidence in the administration of justice. The overriding objective in all cases must be to ensure that the rights of all those in contact with the criminal justice system are protected, including the right of a defendant to a fair trial.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5052; 712 c382WA
Session: 2008-09
Notes: Answer received between Wednesday 22 July and Monday 27 July 2009.
Subjects: Documents Prosecutions Theft Castlereagh Police stations Special Branch Zaitschek, Larry
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk