Judge’s frustration at dropped assault trial

4:17pm Wednesday 16th July 2008

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A JUDGE has condemned the wasted cost to the public purse after a trial was abandoned at the last minute.

Judge Roger Dutton was due to preside over a domestic violence case at Warrington Crown Court on Tuesday but the complainant dropped the assault charges after falling pregnant.

Judge Dutton expressed his frustration that the trial of Graham Sanders, aged 45, of Kinnock Park, in Burtonwood, collapsed after his former partner withdrew her allegations.

Addressing the court, he said: “It has cost the public thousands to get to this stage. It has been to crown twice, in the magistrates and lawyers on both sides have been looking at it for some time.

“Now the complainant has decided it was an accident and does not want it to go ahead.

“I do feel a little bit exasperated. Home violence is being committed on a daily basis. This is another example of the hundreds I have personally come across when the complainant will not give evidence and decide she was telling lies.

“I don’t think there is anything the court can do to support women in these circumstances if they are unable to help themselves.”

Mr Sanders was discharged.