Monday 14 November 2011

Sometimes, Even Their Patience Runs Out...

Norwich’s most senior judge yesterday summoned prison bosses to court to explain why a drugs baron was on home leave just 13 months into a six year sentence.
Heh! I bet that caused a few 'brown trouser' moments...
He was due before Judge Jacobs yesterday for a hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act as Norfolk Constabulary attempts to claw back the proceeds of the 35-year-old’s crimes.

Rafiq, from Dudley, managed five cannabis farms in Norwich and several in the Midlands capable of turning over £1m a year.

But Norwich Prison, where Rafiq is serving a six-year sentence, appeared unaware that he was due in court.
/facepalm
Judge Jacobs also produced a letter he had been sent from Rafiq’s solicitors excusing their client from the court hearing because he had “other commitments”.

He said: “It is quite clear 
this must be in breach of every rule of the Barrister’s Code of Conduct.”
Perhaps they, and Norwich Prison staff, should be in the dock as well?

H/T: Dave Ward via email

5 comments:

Captain Haddock said...

Someone certainly needs a short, sharp kick in The Bar Handbook ..

If there was any justice, that's precisely where the Silk would end up .. behind a bar somewhere .. ;)

Anonymous said...

The only other commitment he should have should be a one way trip to his land of origin.

Whats that you say?

He is a 'British' citizen?

Who cares.

Surreptitious Evil said...

Why would a firm of solicitors be subject to the Barristers' Code of Conduct?

Or am I missing something new in the English legal system?

MTG said...

He could have impressed HMPS...."Only a nod to my barrister will secure that Bentley coupe on my Black card for you, Governor".

And I thought the judge would be captivated by a seriously ostentatious 'Get out of Jail free with optional Court attendance' card.

JuliaM said...

"Why would a firm of solicitors be subject to the Barristers' Code of Conduct?"

Perhaps it had been cleared by his barristers?