Nicked from uk.rec.transport and uk.legal moderated [URL]http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004523197,00.html[/URL] By ALEX PEAKE CHIEF constable Richard Brunstrom has been blasted by a judge over dodgy evidence used against speeding drivers. Derek Halbert said it was "utterly inappropriate" that police statements had been mass-produced on computer. Officers are supposed to sign declarations that the statements are true - but those in the North Wales force never even saw them, with signatures simply scanned in. Hearing an appeal at Mold Crown Court, the judge said if another case came before him he would refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Now dozens of cases have been adjourned for new documents. Tory Nigel Evans, MP for Ribble Valley, said: "This is cut-and-paste injustice. Clearly Mr Brunstrom wont be happy until no one is left driving." Solicitor Nic Parry, a crown court recorder sitting as a part time judge, said: "The same rules should apply to all evidence be they civilian or police witnesses. Once you start cutting corners in the rules of evidence for the sake of expediency, you are interfering with a fundamental element of our legal system."
