ODPP wants overhaul of witness case system

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is calling for greater focus on witness care and increased resources to support thousands of them facing prolonged waits for their cases to reach trial.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Janek Forbes made the appeal yesterday during the opening ceremony of the Michaelmas Term in the Home Circuit, pointing to the growing number of cases before the courts and the lengthy delays between the taking of witness statements and trials.

He shared that the ODPP, recognising the need and seeing the importance of ensuring that witnesses are better managed, took on a witness care officer three or four years ago.