Bradford’s top judge has slated the Crown Prosecution Service for treating a case of “major civic disturbance” as if it was a parking fine.
The city’s Recorder, Judge James Stewart QC (pictured), demanded a top-level inquiry as he adjourned sentence on a man accused of throwing concrete blocks at the police during the English Defence League demonstration on Saturday, August 28, last year.
He ordered the CPS to “get a grip” on the case of Michael Currie, 28, who pleaded guilty to affray after CCTV images of him on the Westfield building site were circulated following disorder at the demonstration.
Currie, of Beechwood Mews, Roman Road, Blackburn, was due to be sentenced at Bradford Crown Court yesterday.
But CPS prosecutor, Richard Walters, who had been handed the case that morning, was unable to answer the judge’s questions about the background to the demonstration and what exactly Currie was alleged to be doing.
He also wanted to know why he had not been charged with the more serious offence of violent disorder.
“Mr Walters, I find this case frankly unsatisfactory. This is a major disturbance and should not be treated as parking without lights,” Judge Stewart said.
He said he needed evidence that Currie was targeting the police with missiles.
Currie’s bail was extended.
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