TRIDENT INFORMATION EVENINGS

Throughout February and March 2008 the Met Police's Trident held a series of information meetings explaining some of the methods that can be used in court to protect witnesses.

Trident has been working with the Crown Prosecution Service [CPS] to ensure witnesses feel confident about coming forward to give evidence in court.

The meetings, which were led by Trident in conjunction with the local borough police, allowed local communities to hear for themselves how the police and the CPS are supporting witnesses.

The first meeting took place on 7th February 2008 in Hackney Borough, followed by meetings in Brent, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, and Waltham Forest.

There are a variety of special measures which can be used to assist witnesses who are vulnerable or intimidated, to give their evidence at court.

In some cases, the court may also allow witnesses identity to be protected and for them to be given anonymity. This can include the use of a false name, voice distortion and screens to conceal identity from the view of the court or even giving evidence via a live video link.

Police can treat witnesses anonymously right from the start of an investigation. The senior investigating officer can allocate a false name that will be used on all statements and dealings with the witness. In some cases, the senior investigating officer will be the only person who knows the witnesses true identity.

Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Ball, head of Trident said:

"Through these meetings we will be appealing to the wider community to come forward with any information they may have. Throughout our history people have consistently given us evidence to support our investigations.

"Using special measures at court, Trident have successfully brought murderers to justice. We continue to work with communities to increase their understanding of the processes involved. One person alone can be instrumental in bringing an investigation to its conclusion and we want to illustrate how this person can remain anonymous whilst delivering crucial evidence."

Impact Marcom, a provider of the technology used to distort voices in court, have been working closely with Trident.

Julian Philips, managing director, Impact Marcom said:
"By using specially designed voice distortion technology, witnesses can deliver their evidence in court with complete anonymity regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, or regional accent."

The meetings were chaired by local community representatives and included presentations illustrating successful cases where witnesses have been granted special measures at court. Senior Trident officers also appealed to the local community to consider coming forward with new information on unsolved murders in their area.

Derek Frame, of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

"The CPS will do all that it can to assist and protect those who give evidence in criminal proceedings. On numerous occasions since 2002, we have successfully applied for measures to assist witnesses to give their evidence. In some cases, we have asked the court to protect the identity of witnesses, especially when they may be in danger. This protection can provide them with the confidence to tell their story. Without the evidence of these important witnesses many successful prosecutions may have failed."

The following nine cases were highlighted at the meetings, to further illustrate that special measures can, and have been used successfully during trials:

• o Ian Lawrence DAVIS was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to life imprisonment, with a minimum tariff of 20 years, for the murders of Ashley Kenton and Wayne Mowatt in Hackney on 1st January 2002



• o Joel SMITH was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment for the murder of Toni Ann Byfield, and 33 years for the murder of Bertram Byfield on 4th August 2006 in Harrow Road, NW10



• o Three "Mus Luv Crew" members, namely Leon ROBERTS, Tafari DACAS and Shane TAYLOR were all sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Lee Subaran on 28th July 2005. The judge recommended they each serve a minimum of 30 years. To date, the gang have now received 180 years imprisonment between them



• o Rohan CHUNG and Michael George LETTS were convicted of the murders of Noel Patterson, Lorna Morrison and Connie Morrison by a unanimous verdict on 17th August 2006. CHUNG was sentenced to three counts of life imprisonment, and ordered to serve a minimum tariff of 40 years



• o Michael BLAKE was given a life sentence with a recommendation that he serves a minimum of 30 years for the murder of 22-year-old Daniel Quilliam in Catford on 12 April 2005



• o Carl DOBSON and Anthony GREEN were sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum tariff of 30 years, for the murder of 21-year-old Richard Holmes in Chingford on 4th November 2005. One man is still sought in connection with the murder, and enquiries are in hand to trace him



• o Jermaine CAMPBELL was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court, and is currently serving a minimum of 25 years for the murder of Andre Linton in Wood Green on 30th April 2005



• o Roberto MALASI was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years for the murder of Zainab Kalokoh at the community hall on the Acorn Estate, Peckham, on the evening of Saturday 28th August 2005



• o Alex OKUWA was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to life imprisonment, with a recommendation that he serves a minimum of 24 years, for the murder of 45-year-old Horace Barnett in West Norwood in November 2004.

What are the Information Evenings about?

What will happen during the Information Evenings?