Metropolitan Police 'Planned To Hold All Riot Suspects In Custody'

PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Scotland Yard devised a policy of holding all people arrested in connection with the London riots in custody and recommended that courts refuse them bail after they were charged, it has been reported.

The Guardian said it had seen a leaked document entitled "Operation Withern: prisoner processing strategy" that was circulated to officers investigating the disturbances at their height two weeks ago.

According to the newspaper, the document suggested that no one arrested during or after the riots should be let off with a caution - regardless of the offence.

It also reportedly said that everyone arrested should be held in custody, with a recommendation that bail should be denied when the case first goes to court.

The document also included a suggested statement for officers to use in the prosecuting reports which are passed to the Crown Prosecution Service.

It said: "A strategic decision has been made by the MPS that in all cases an application will be made for remand in custody both at the police station, and later at court. This decision has been made in the interest of public safety and the prevention of further cases of disorder."

The newspaper said the document came into the hands of the solicitors Hodge, Jones & Allen, who have written to the Met informing them they are starting judicial review proceedings of the decision not to bail an client. The unnamed 25-year-old was arrested for possession of ?2,500 of items looted in the riots in south London.

Edward Kirton, the solicitor acting in the case, told The Guardian: "The right to bail is a long-standing and essential part of our criminal justice system. It should be carefully considered and each case should be looked at on its own merits.

"In relation to the riots, it seems that the Metropolitan police took a strategic decision to apply a blanket ban and deny everyone bail, no matter what their circumstances. I consider this policy is unlawful as a result."

Scotland Yard said guidance was issued to officers to ensure a "consistent approach" to an investigation which was "unprecedented in its volume and complexity".

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/23/met-riot-suspects-policy-_n_933775.html