Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
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Local MP reveals number of bail absconders in Sussex
Local Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker, has uncovered figures showing that, since January 2005, over 1,300 suspected criminals on bail in East Sussex have failed to turn up for their court hearings. According to the same figures, 30 of those bail absconders were still being sought by East Sussex police on 5th April 2007.
The figures, which were revealed in a Freedom of Information request submitted by the local MP, show that in 1382 cases, courts issued a ‘Fail to Appear’ warrant which the local police then have to respond to by locating those who have not shown up. Of the 1382 bail absconders, 306 were charged with violent crimes and sexual offences. Of the 30 outstanding warrants at April 2007, 6 are wanted on on charges of violent crimes and sexual offences.
Commenting on the figures, Norman said:
"The fear of crime is very real for many local people in our community so it is very worrying that so many people, particularly those wanted for more serious offences, are skipping bail and are not turning up for court appearances.
"Quite apart from the fact that skipping bail is a serious offence it is also often very distressing for innocent victims and witnesses of crimes who have themselves taken time to attend court and testify.
“The police in East Sussex are doing an excellent job to execute any warrants for non-appearances that they receive but they would clearly benefit from better resourcing from the Government in order to make sure that as many bail absconders are apprehended as soon as possible after their missed court appearances. This is yet another reason why the Government should constructively tackle crime by investing in our local police forces rather than wasting millions on ID cards.”