Trial Abandoned Due Failure of Crown Statutory Duty
HMA v George Wright 2019
Lady Scott has demanded an explanation from the Lord Advocate for their “apparent failure of the Crown in their statutory duty to disclose that information” which result in the collapse of an attempted murder prosecution at the High Court in Livingston. Vital evidence in the case that called last week was not disclosed to defence solicitors appearing for Mr Wright. The Trial was therefore abandoned after three days at the High Court in Livingston. Mr Wright was indicted on charges of attempted murder for attacking an elderly man to his serve injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life. Mr Wright could be re-indicted if Prosecutors decide to do so.
However, for now that trial has been deserted and Mr Wright has been released with no pending charges. A Crown Office spokesman has stated: “We will carefully review the issues raised by the court in this case to identify any opportunities to improve our working practices and the service we deliver for the people of Scotland.” The Crown state they will seek to get the case back before the Courts as soon as possible.