Police demand action over judge

A group of senior detectives from the South East Regional Crime Squad have written to the Lord Chancellor's Department over a judge who threatened to jail an entire squad of 20 officers after vital evidence went missing.

Colin Port, head of Sercs, backed by chief constables, wants Judge Fergus Mitchell rebuked for his comments at Snaresbrook Crown Court last June when he was trying five men accused of conspiracy to supply cannabis. The case was abandoned after a police log of surveillance operations disappeared after the defence requested its presentation for forensic examination. Mr Port ordered a transcript of the remarks and complained to the Lord Chancellor's department but was told that judges were independent and could not be disciplined. Now he has written again pointing out cases where judges have been seen by the Lord Chancellor. An investigation by the Police Complaints Authority is already underway.